Near the coast in the eastern Algarve, Tavira is one of the region's prettiest towns. Sited on both sides of the broad River Gilão, this is a destination celebrated for its historical legacy, a past shaped by the Romans and later by the Moors, whose settlement by the river was topped by a castle, still visible today. The hipped roofs that define much of Tavira's architecture are unique to this part of the Algarve. So, too, is the number of churches - 21 in all - that embellish the old town. Straddling the river is an elegant bridge, built in the 17th century on Roman foundations.
An amble along the riverfront is one of the best ways of appreciating Tavira; the palm-lined gardens are flecked with color in the summer months, and a nearby market brims with fresh fruit and vegetables. Ferries depart from the quay to the Ilha de Tavira, a favorite destination for sun seekers and one of the few islands in the area where camping is permitted. Alternatively, you can join a sightseeing cruise along the Ria Formosa, a beautiful and unspoiled waterway and part of a protected natural park.
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