DK Travel : The Algarve : Tavira

Tavira

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With its timeless atmosphere, traditional character and dignified charm, it’s small wonder that many consider the elegant riverside town of Tavira to be the most pleasant and picturesque in the Algarve. Sited on both sides of the Rio Gilão, the town is perhaps best known for its abundance of churches – nearly 40 in all, with some dating back to the 13th century. The history of Tavira itself, though, is much older. Tavira’s prosperity today relies to a great degree on tourism, although not to the detriment of the town’s peaceful ambience.

Top 10 Sights

1. Igreja da Misericórdia

Townsfolk are justly proud that this 16th-century church is considered the Algarve’s most important Renaissance monument. Its striking arched portal is surmounted by statues of saints.
2. Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo

2. Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo

The clock face of this church is a familiar landmark. Inside are the tombs of the Moors’ nemesis Dom Paio Peres Correia and seven of his Christian knights.
3. Castle Remains

3. Castle Remains

Crowning a cobblestoned knoll, the surviving walls of this Moorish fort envelope a spruce garden. The view from the ramparts takes in the town’s outline of pyramid-shaped rooftops to distant Ilha de Tavira. See Castles and Forts .
4. Igreja do São Paulo

Facing a colourful and well-tended public garden, this 17th-century church – originally part of a monastery – has a transept paved with small lozenge-shaped bricks. These were fashioned in Seville, Spain, and decorated with delicate flower motifs – a unique design in Portugal.
5. Ponta Romana

5. Ponta Romana

The foundations of the low, arched stone bridge spanning the Rio Gilão are Roman in origin. Illuminated at night in a romantic ethereal glow, the bridge is a favourite subject for artists.
6. Capela da Nossa Senhora da Consolação

A little gem of a chapel, heaving with polychrome tiles dating from the 17th century. The simple retable is illuminated with a series of paintings.
7. Quatro Águas

This beauty spot southeast of Tavira overlooks a sleepy lagoon and boasts some fine seafood restaurants. It is the jumping-off point for Ilha de Tavira. Quatro Águas is the name of the local style of rooftops.
8. Ilha de Tavira

A regular ferry service makes for an easy escape to the marvellous sand dune island, a popular resort during the summer months for its excellent swimming. It lies within the boundaries of the Ria Formosa nature park. See Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.
9. Fortaleza do Rato

The elements have not been kind to the modest ruins of the “rat’s fort”, which was built at the mouth of the Gilão river in the 16th century. Its lichen-encrusted walls do, however, afford a broad and uplifting salt-braced vista across the lagoon and Ilha de Tavira.
10. Arabic-Style Lattice Doors

10. Arabic-Style Lattice Doors

Built into the façades of some of Tavira’s back street properties are delightful examples ofportas de reixa (lattice panelled doors). Arabic in design, each panel is made of finely interwoven lengths of wood. They evoke the Moorish influence still inherent in the region.

Practical Information

Guided walking tours depart from the tourism office at 10am and 3pm Mon–Fri. Call (281) 321 946. Quatro Águas is lovely at sunset, but beware of mosquitoes near the river. There are two cafés in Praça da Republica, near the Roman bridge. Charming Café Veneza has a pavement terrace and serves lovely fig cakes. Next door, the busy Romana serves light meals. Tourist informationRua da Galeria 9 (281) 322 511