Tavira is one of the gems of the eastern Algarve, on the South coast of Portugal.

Tavira is considered to be the most architecturally attractive town in the Algarve and its origin dates back to around 2.000 BC.

Located just 30 kms to the east of Faro, Tavira is often referred to as the Queen of the Algarve. bears the vestiges of the various cultures that have left their mark over the ages.

Of the many churches – there are 37 alltogether, being Tavira known as the town of churches in the Algarve - two deserve particular mention. The Igreja da Santa Maria built on the ancient site of a mosque, is close to the castle and contains the tomb of the commander who overthrew the Moors in Tavira in 1242 and the Igreja da Misericordia, constructed in the mid 16th century, that boasts a Renaissance portal and fine traditional tile work from the 18th century and dedicated to both Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

Tavira is home to a number of restaurants that are affordable and offer a range of cuisines. Seafood is very popular, especially shellfish and a number of other cuisines are also available.

At only 3 kilometres from the Altantic coast, a handful of beautiful empty beaches with sands that seem to go on forever are easily attainable from Tavira. A ferryboat takes the visitor to the sandy-bar island known as Ilha de Tavira, on its 5 minute journey.

Near to Tavira are Cabanas and Pedras del Rey, both small beachfront villages catering specifically for the tourists.

To the east of Tavira and overlooking the Atlantic can be found the original traditional village of Cacela-a-Velha used by the Phoenicians and later becoming the possession of the Knights of Santiago.

The main accommodation in Tavira consists of self-catering apartments although there are also a few 4-star hotels as well.

With its gentle charm and predominantly low-rise buildings Tavira sets aside from any other resort in the Algarve.