In the heart of Eastern Algarve - Tavira:
Historic Tavira: The old Tavira will delight all tastes. Tavira welcomes its visitors by offering a range of very good restaurants and bars to enjoy the most delicious Mediterranean style Portuguese cuisine. Travel around the centre to discover centuries of history. Tavira has origins date back around 2000 BC when it became one of the first Phoenician settlements of the south-western 'Iberian Peninsular' The Phoenicians were subsequently followed by the Romans, Goths and Moors and evidence of this rich culture can be seen in the local architecture and ancient sites of the town. Tavira is also well known for its 37 churches and beautiful architecture with emphasis on the truss roofs and for the facades along the river Gilao, towards the sea. The unique Tavira Island: Within the unique landscape formed by the Island of Tavira presides the Natural Park of 'Ria Formosa'. Sunbath feeling, just nature. No crowds, no buildings, no noises. Just the sound of the birds, ocean and the breeze.
More about the unique Tavira Island :
Practice any kind of aquatic sport from scuba diving to sailing (Sailing Club of Tavira). Run on the beach as you can contemplate the sun descending on the ocean, inhaling the pure air. Play foot volley, football or volleyball on the sandy and white beach. In Tavira Island you will find restaurants and cafes open until late summer. To get to the island you can take the ferries which cost only 1 € roundtrip. The boats go to and from the island every 5 minutes. The island is roughly 4 km long and is one of the main attractions of the Natural Park of the Ria Formosa. The island is made of white sand; some parts are covered by pine trees and others just by sand or plants. Tavira Island is the largest in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. The diversity of plants and colours of the island which is a great pleasure to visit all year around. Tavira is roughly 20 minutes from the Spanish border and 25 minutes from Faro International Airport. Airport of Seville is about 180 km by motorway.
The surprising Eastern Algarve:
The beauty of the Eastern Algarve is the magic of being surrounded by infinity of colours, the warmth of the south, the green of the north, the light of life. Be amazed at the bridge which unites Portugal with Spain at the mouth of the Guadiana Rive r(about 28 km from Tavaira). Enjoy the Algarve; enjoy the Costa de la Luz. Have 2 countries within reach anytime and any moment. A combination of light and culture, beach and golf, cuisine and sun, relaxation, wellbeing and happiness. The mouth of the river 'Guadiana' is the border between the Spanish Costa de la Luz and the Eastern Algarve. The river 'Guadiana' is navigable up to Alcoutim (Algarve) which is 50 km from the coastline (its a romantic trip). The people of the Algarve have mixed freely with other cultures for many centuries and have long used to welcoming visitors.Perhaps this is why people always have fond memories of the Algarve. Drive up into the mountains and take a country walk, go horseriding.You will never forget it.
Golf:
When you see the peaceful golf courses, you will not be able to resist the temptation to break the silence with a well-struck putt. The Algarve is regarded as the European finest destination for golfers and has recently been voted the most established region of the golf travel industry. The Eastern Algarve region boasts several championship courses, both at European and World level. Tavira has six 18-hole golf courses in a radius of 30 Km. All are reachable by a free highway. Benamor an 18-hole par 71 course, 5 minutes away from Tavira.
Quinta da Ria and Quinta de Cima (each) an 18 hole par 72 course, 10 minutes away from Tavira. Castro Marim an 18 hole par 71 course, 30 Km from Tavira. There are 2 Jack Nicklaus golf courses underway which are set to become 2 of the leading golf courses in the Algarve! Golf course Benamor: The first course to open to the east of Faro lies between the Tavira coast and the uplands of the Serra de Caldeirao. It offers views southward out to the ocean and north towards the hinterland of striking hills and fertile valleys. Golf course Quinta da Ria. Golf course Quinta de Cima:is a championship-style course of great character. Running thematically through the stunning layout is a series of lakes connected by a stream which architect William 'Rocky' Roquemore has skilfully incorporated as an added challenge to players. Seniors School schedule. Send a mail for more photos
Other Activities:
jogging, canoe/canoing