Tavira Online
Sponsored by
East Algarve property Rentals. tavira
Contact Home
Tavira
What to do

Tavira River Side Walk (by Susan Purvis)
Begin walk at the entrance to the gardens. Walk through the gardens towards the bandstand. All the plants and trees are identified in Portuguese and Latin. The beautiful, ornate bandstand which was originally used by the local music school is framed by two white poplars. The terrapins basking in the sun or swimming alongside the fish complete the scene. A statue of Isidoro Manuel Pires stands proudly in the main circle of the garden. He was the mayor of the town, and responsible for the towns´ music band and also these public gardens.

Passing the bandstand, proceed towards the old market hall which is now a haven for cafes, and shops. There are good toilet facilities in this hall. This area is often used for art/photographic displays and craft fairs. Access to view the river is on the left, and during the season cafes offer a service to this area.
The exit from the hall leads directly to the commercial fish market, turn right at the exit. This is a lively spot when the fishermen bring in their catch for weighing, boxing in ice and selling. At the end of the building turn left, onto the quay side, lots of blue, red and white fishing boats moored, evidence of the still strong fishing port. During the season care must be taken when walking along this quayside. Traffic use it as a road, while the restaurants on the right side use the main road for al fresco dining. Boat trips can be booked on this quay, both for tours and a ferry trip to the Ilha de Tavira with its splendid beach and campsite.
Old market
This is a good spot to view the northern side of the river, the garden area, the old cottages, and the small dock. From here, you can also see the large road bridge which carries traffic away from the town centre. At the end of the quay passed the garage is a fork in the road. Straight ahead takes you to the ferry crossing to the Ilha de Tavira. It is approximately 3 kms walk. The ferry landing is at the end of a small pier. If you take the right fork it takes you to the main entrance of the Mercado, the local indoor fish and fresh produce market. This is held every morning except Sunday. There are cafes, butchers, stalls displaying fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, bread and cakes, honey, flowers and nuts. This is an ideal place to experience Portuguese culture and mix with the locals.
From outside the Mercado, cross the road towards the Hotel Villa Gale, passing the bus stop turn left along the road. Cross the main road into Rua Dr. Parreiia. It will be easier to stay on the left side to enjoy the delights of this street. On the right side of the road, on the corner, there is a good example of the Moorish style `reixa´ door and window of no 25 Rua de Janerio.
On the next corner is my favorite house in Tavira the art nouveau house, note the balcony and the tiled detail. Unfortunately this house, like many in Tavira is uninhabited and starting to deteriorate.
  At the end of the street, the busy square opens up. On the left above Mini Preço is a stunning tiled balcony. On the right, above the offices of the marine police, and the property adjacent are perfect examples of typical ballastrades and balconies, some of the best to be seen in Tavira.

The Igreja de Sao Redro Goncalves Telmo is a church at the end of the street, opposite the cinema. It was badly damaged by the earthquake in 1755 but some 16th century detail still exists inside. Externally on the front, side and rear there is still beautiful detail worth viewing.

Continue straight ahead from the side of the church, the gardens will be in front of you. When entering the garden turn left to return to the start of the next walk or right to the old market hall for a cup of tea.

Art nouveau house