The town of Tavira is the most popular base from which to explore the eastern Algarve and is situated 30 km east of Faro. It is a small fishing village with charming Portuguese architecture of ancient Moorish influence. With its pristine beaches and narrow cobblestone streets, exploring the town’s ancient churches and monuments is an absolute pleasure. There are shops, restaurants and bars as well as numerous activities such as cycling, golfing, hiking and water-sports. Sapal do Castro Marim is a marshland nature reserve, and popular with cyclists and birdwatchers. Olhao is one of the largest fishing villages in the Algarve and a major port, with incredible architecture of Moorish influence. From here you can easily visit the sandy islands of Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, Culatra and Armona and be sure to visit one of the many fish restaurants, as the seafood in Olhao is extraordinary. Every Saturday there is a market at the harbour where you will find fresh seafood, vegetables, fruit, honey, olives, cheeses as well as clothes and leather goods.
The Ria Formosa National Park is bursting at the seams with birds and wildlife. You can take a tour on an old fishing barge and try to spot flamingos, spoonbills and storks. You’ll also see the farms where oysters, mussels and clams are sustainably cultivated. You could also take a guided walk and see if you can spot the chameleons or dolphins out in the distance. Fuzeta beach is a lovely and unique experience, as you have to take a ferry from the mainland out to a sandbar right in the middle of the lagoon and the ocean. In summer there are pop-up cafes serving cold drinks, sandwiches and ice cream. Water based activities include swimming, snorkelling, diving, kite sailing and kite surfing. Fuzeta mainland has a beautiful town square with authentic restaurants specialising in fresh Portuguese food.
Faro International Airport is located just 40 km from Tavira. There is a bus station at the airport that will transport visitors to the city of Faro, from where you will be able to take intercity transport.
