Tavira

Tavira is a city in the Algarve region of Portugal. Crossed by the Gilão River, it is one of the most monumental cities in Portugal, with its 37 churches.

Understand


Tavira (tuh-VEE-ruh, /tɐ.ˈvi.ɾɐ/) municipality has 26,167 residents (2011), with about 13,400 living in the city proper. Fishing settlements Cabanas de Tavira and Santa Luzia lie about 6 km to the east, resp. 3 km to the west of Tavira, with apartment resort Pedras de El-Rei further 1.5 km west from Santa Luzia. Tavira and all there settlements provide access to the Ria Formosa National Park islands Ilha de Tavira and Ilha de Cabanas and their beaches.

History


The city was founded in 1890 BC under the name Talábriga. During the Arab occupation, it became, together with Faro and Silves, one of the most important cities in the Algarve. It was conquered by the Christian army in 1242.

During the 17th century it was considered one of the main cities in the Algarve, although signs of decay were beginning to appear. The activity of its port reduced and the city lost importance as a strategic and economic point. Today the city is thriving thanks to the economic boost that the tourism sector has received since the 1960s across the Algarve.

Climate
Tavira has a mild climate, with hot summers and humid winters, with more rain in the months of November and December.

By train
Tavira is connected to Faro (12 trains daily on weekdays and 10 on weekends, around 40 mins) through where you can connect with other major cities like Lisbon or Porto. There is no train connection from/to Spain in the south of Portugal — that's only doable from Lisbon (or by bus from Faro). Train tickets can be acquired online, at the train station, or on board (no surchage).

There are two stops serving Tavira proper:



Further east, Conceição stop serves the settlements of Conceição and Cabanas de Tavira.



All trains to/from Faro serve both Tavira stops, Conceição, as well as all the stations to the east up to Vila Real de Santo António at the easternmost end of the Algarve line.

By plane
The nearest airport is in Faro which is a 45-min drive away, with many daily flights connecting many European cities. Seville Airport is the second-closest airport, although it takes a 2-hr drive. Lisbon's airport is a 3-hr drive away.

By bus
There are daily buses by Vamus Algarve and Rede Nacional de Expressos. ALSA runs buses from Faro to Sevilla in Spain.

Get around
Tavira is a small city and perfectly walkable. On the main square (Praça da República) you can find the Tourism Information Center which can provide you with maps, leaflets and tips.

It's possible to catch a small tour train which goes around the city most interesting landmarks. There are also electric tuk-tuks available which can be a quiet and comfortable way to visit the natural park area.

See

 * Castelo de Tavira - Of Muslim origin and rebuilt after the Reconquista, there are only a few sections of the wall left in the castle. From the top of the walls you have the best views of the city.
 * Igreja da Misericórdia (Rua da Galeri ) - Considered the best example of Renaissance architecture in the Algarve, it has an interior of three naves, separated by arches based on columns. The altarpiece is of gilded wood carved from the 18th century.
 * Church of Santa Maria do Castelo (Alto de Santa Maria) - It is located inside the castle. Built after the Reconquista and rebuilt after the 1775 earthquake, only the portico and the twin window remain of the primitive Gothic church.
 * Roman Bridge (Avenida 5 de Outubro) - It is the best known bridge in Tavira. It dates from around the 16th or 17th century. Rebuilt in 1992, after a flood in 1989.
 * Praça da República - The most central area of ​​the city, where the City Hall is located.

Do

 * Tavira Horse Carriage Tours See Tavira from a different perspective. Feel its history and discover the beautiful architecture which typifies Tavira.
 * Praia do Barril - Beach near Tavira, next to the village of Pedras de El-Rei. It can be reached by a small train that takes you to the beach in a few minutes. On the beach you can see Boca Cava-Terra and Long-legged crabs.
 * Tavira Island - It's Tavira beach, you have to go by boat where you can catch in the center next to the Ribeira market, or in the area of ​​4 Águas.
 * Tavira Island - It's Tavira beach, you have to go by boat where you can catch in the center next to the Ribeira market, or in the area of ​​4 Águas.

Eat
Folhado de Tavira - It is a puff cake wrapped in sugar, not to be missed.