#algarve #algarveportugal #tavira
This tour takes place in Tavira, one of the most charming towns in the Algarve, and is a wonderful destination for your holiday.
Date: July 25, 2022.
Location: Tavira, Algarve, Portugal.
GPS coordinates: 37°07'34.4"N 7°38'59.5"W
--------------- Video chapters:
0:00 Synthesis
0:41 Castle of Tavira
2:59 Old Bidge or Roman Bridge
4:52 Praia de Tavira beach
8:03 Praia da Terra Estreita beach
10:50 Praia do Barril beach
14:28 Misericórdia Church
16:16 Santa Maria do Castelo Church
17:00 Tavira Tower - Camera Obscure
19:09 Santiago Church
19:35 Old Fish Market
-------------- Places visited on this tour:
Tavira is one of the most charming towns in the Algarve and is a wonderful destination for your holiday. Tavira lies along the slow flowing Gilão River and is a delightful mix of traditional Portuguese heritage with deep-rooted Moorish influences. Concealed within the labyrinth of cobbled streets are traditionally tiled houses, family run restaurants and a myriad of decorative churches.
As a holiday destination, Tavira is the perfect combination of beaches and culture, while still offering modern hotels, contemporary cuisines and glorious weather.
Tavira is not a holiday destination for groups seeking crazy nightlife and excessive drinking.
Flowing through the centre of Tavira is the Gilão River, which meandres into the shallow waterways and mudflats of the Ria Formosa Nature Park, a haven for migratory birds and sea life.
MISERICÓRDIA (Mercy) CHURCH - Deservedly considered the best Renaissance building (16th century) in the Algarve. On one of the side altars, a beautiful carved altarpiece surrounds a circular painting of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (18th century). The historic tiles that cover the walls are from the same period, duly captioned, representing the Works of Mercy. In the sacristy there is an image of the Crucified Lord, possibly from the 16th century. XVI.
CASTLE - It integrated, with the walls that surrounded the city, of which part of the walls between the houses and the Misericórdia gate still remain, the city's defensive system. The original Moorish fort was rebuilt by King Dinis (1261-1325). From the top of the towers there is a vast panoramic view over Tavira and the surrounding landscape, encompassing the sea.
CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA DO CASTELO - Probably built on the site of the former mosque. Century building XIII with later alterations, in part caused by the earthquake of 1755. Gothic portal, with capitals with vegetal ornamentation. The Clock Tower also belongs to the original construction, although with later decorative additions. Interior of three naves, with vaults.
TAVIRA TOWER - Camera Obscure - A trip where you can see the live image of the city projected at 360º, through a system of lenses and mirrors installed on top of the old water tank.
CHURCH OF SANTIAGO - Dated from century XIII, built, according to tradition, on the site of a smaller mosque. It was heavily damaged during the 1755 earthquake, and its current image is the result of the reconstruction carried out after that earthquake.
OLD BRIDGE or ROMAN BRIDGE - It is one of the symbols of Tavira, which has its origins in a previous Roman bridge from the 3rd century, which was rebuilt in the early medieval period, maintaining its current appearance since the 17th century.
OLD FISH MARKET - Building dating from the 19th century, which operated until 1999 as a supply market. Currently, it is a large place with shops and restaurants and where several exhibitions take place.
Tavira boasts a 10km long sandy coastline that extends along the southern side of the Ilha de Tavira island. This island is separated from the mainland by the waterways and mud flats of the Nature Park of Ria Formosa, and there are regular ferries from central Tavira to the beaches.
The main beach of Tavira is the Praia de Tavira, which is at the eastern edge of the Ilha de Tavira island, while further westwards are the peaceful Praia da Terra Estreita and Praia do Barril. These beaches are calm and safe and are suitable for children.
TAVIRA BEACH - It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Eastern Algarve. Vast white sand, access is made by regular ferry connections from Quatro Águas pier and also from the city center pier during the summer.
TERRA ESTREITA BEACH (Santa Luzia) - This extensive beach is located in front of the small village of Santa Luzia. Access is made by small boats, especially in the summer period.
BARRIL BEACH - One of the most emblematic beaches in the municipality located opposite the tourist village of Pedras d’El Rei. It is made up of an extensive sandy area, which can be accessed on foot or by tourist train. Located on the same beach is the old Armação de Atum dating back to 1842. Its state of conservation is very good, having been converted into a commercial area. Near Armação is the famous “Cemitério das Âncoras”.