Exploring Tavira on the Eastern Algarve

When we staying in Portugal a couple of years ago we never ventured east of Faro.. My parents had driven over from Spain, and it almost felt like we’d be taking them home to explore on the eastern side of the coast. Plus it was our first visit and we had plenty to keep occupied. This time around we wanted to see more places we hadn’t seen on our last trip, and spent some time exploring Tavira on the Eastern Algarve. My parents hadn’t visited there for over twenty years either, so we were all set for a new adventure.

I hadn’t done any research before our visit, other than have a quick read of my guide-book. I knew there was a castle of sorts but that was about it. We found somewhere to park and headed for the castle ramparts we’d spotted.

The castle seemed a good place to start and somewhere to get our bearings from too.

Tavira Castle is free to visit, only two of the towers remain, along with wall on three sides. But it’s definitely worth a visit as it has some lovely views over the town itself.

My son loved walked along the walls and up to the towers, he’s so much more confident these days, it’s a joy to see.

Granny decided not to climb the steps and spent time exploring the garden below, giving my son the activity of Granny spotting as he explored the castle walls.

Exploring Tavira on the Eastern Algarve and walking around the castle was really worthwhile. it’s very compact compared to other castle ruins we’ve visited but the views are wonderful.

My little adventurer loved looking out over the rooftops trying to spot the nesting storks which are all over the Algarve at this time of year.

This way Mummy, as he explored some more.

No fear, and off he went on the hunt for Gramps.

I had trouble keeping up with him.

He soon gave up on me and decided to leads Gramps instead.

Whilst I went back to admiring the views with the occasional visitor.

By the side of one of the towers we found some steps which took us down into the main street through Tavira. I really liked the feel of the town, with it’s pretty cobbled side streets, it felt very welcoming.

We following the road down, past the bustling shops to Praca da Republica trying to persuade my son that he should save his Euros for something he really wanted, rather than the first thing he saw!

We did spot a road train but we couldn’t work out where it stopped, but that would have been an ideal way to see the town.

As it was we continued on foot towards the old bridge, originally Roman, but in its current construction, dating to the 17th century.

The bridge crosses the river Gilão and offers lovely views in both directions as well as somewhere to sit for a moment or two.

We decided to cross the bridge and walk along the side of the river and cross back over to Jardim do Coreto further along on the next foot bridge.

We could look down at low tide and spot crabs as well as loads of fish, presumably sardines, and watch fishermen at work.

We walked past the Mercado da Ribeira and found a lovely restaurant looking out across the estuary. Once we’d finished our lunch we headed back into Jardim do Coreto as we were really intrigued by the beautiful bandstand.