Tavira, Portugal

We just spent four days (three nights) in Portugal on the Algarve, the southern coast of this small country.  The Algarve is divided into three areas, east, central, and west.  The central area, with Faro being the center, is the most touristy part, while the western portion, anchored by Lagos has also succumbed to the build up that invariably accompanies a heavy tourist influx.

The eastern part of the Algarve is the least congested area and it is where we focused our time.  We first went to the town of Tavira where we spent two nights then on to Olháo for a night.  When we arrived in Tavira Bonnie realized that we had visited here for an overnight in 1994 when we were over here with our friends John and Marcy.

Tavira is a lovely old town which was under Arab rule between the 8th and 13th centuries. It was the main trading port in the Algarve during the 16th to 18th centuries.  The city is divided by the Giálo River over which are several bridges.  Tavira boasts 20 churches.  There is a ruin of a 13th century castle as well.  The town was once wealthy and you can see typical rows of Portugese 'town' houses with tiled fronts along narrow cobbled streets.  The doors to some of these old houses are very unique and picturesque. 

For more information on Tavira, click .here.

Fabulous bridge over the Rio Guadiana which separates
Spain and Portugal

Rio Giláo which divides the town of Tavira

We had a wonderful octopus salad here

Great park just up the street from the hotel

Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, from the
13th century

colorful tile facades on many of the buildings

There are plenty of cafes to enjoy

View from our room.  How do you know you are not in a Marriott?! 

The Roman Bridge, "Ponte Romana"

Our hotel

Small fishing boats right in front of the hotel

These hand handles show the Moorish influence

Love the old doors