Hi
Is it worth the journey from CVO ?, how long will it take?
What is there to see?

Thanks
Tricky

Very good question tricky - I have often seen Tavira talked about in terms of its' authenticity and would like to hear what others say.

Maddi

Hiya Maddi,

Hope you are well this evening and having a nice night.
Apparently Tavira is called 'the venice of portugal '
lots of inland canals etc. I know its doing very well on the property for sale front, prices are rising and I suspect that the outskirts are quite built up, but friends who have visited says its very portuguese and there are nice beaches but you have to get a ferry to them, sounds great.

Just drank the last of the red wine, watch David Jason on Parkinson (class act) should go to bed now.

Night Maddix

I watched David too and enjoyed Ardel for that matter - just finishing a Tia Maria over ice then I too will heaidn for bed.

Your info on Tavira tallies with what I have heard - I would love to hear a local's perspective - especially as much of the authenticity has been sucked out of the coastal areas of the Algarve (whilst remaining strong inland) - it would be interesting to hear how worthwhile a visit people think it is.

Maddi

Well worth a visit.

Takes about 45 mins from CVO.

Some excellent seafood restaurants on the quayside, but the bill might come as a shock!

Enjoy.

Tom

Tavira (82K from Carvoeiro), which lies at the mouth of the river Asseca, is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled towns in the Algarve. Surrounded by lush countryside, bountiful with citrus and olive groves and vineyards, it is a spacious town of imposing buildings and no less than 32 churches. The river flows through the centre of the town crossed by an arched bridge made in Roman times. Downstream the river’s name changes to Gilão and is lined by picturesque gardens and old balconied aristocratic houses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The town’s national monument, the church of Santa Maria, was built on the ruins of a castle and mosque soon after Tavira was re-conquered from the Moors in 1242. It was re-built after the great earthquake (1755).

Taken from FAQ

Probably a case of go now before its too late. Although there has been some iffy development on the perimeter the centre is largely intact. It is a characterful down at heel sort of place and all the better for it. Shops of the fork handles/four candles variety meet the needs of locals rather than tourists. Just wander the back streets and enjoy.
So far it has not succumbed to the gentrification and coach tours in the way that Lagos has. The castle remains are small compared with Silves but give a decent view of the town and there are more churches than you can shake a stick at. The beach is one of the best in the Algarve but requires a boat ride since it is on the seaward side of an offshore island.

Spent a holiday in Tavira a few years ago and as to being " the venice of the Algarve " think is going a bit far. There is certainly no canals etc in the town area.
What they do " other towns please take note " is to pedestrianise the seafront areas at night so that you do not breath traffic fumes while eating etc.
The bridge which is on ROMAN foundations and castle are as attractive ( if smaller ) than SIlves.
There is a lot and increasing development in the area but prices are a lot lower than CVO.
It is certainly worth a day trip.

Thanks for that everyone - plus the facts from faq - it was other personal opinions that I was interested in most - so they are much appreciated.

Maddi

I second that Maddi, very helpful. We will be going to Tavira next week so
will report back.

Tricky