Tavira
With 607 km2 and more than 26 thousand inhabitants, Tavira is still today a living example of the intersection of different peoples and cultures. From archaeological finds, to multi-century urbanism, to military heritage and civil architecture, Tavira is a kind of open-air museum with its 21 churches. Yes, 21. It is the city of Churches. It is a city with a rare personality. And it doesn't stop there. From a natural point of view, the municipality of Tavira comprises a great diversity of animal and plant species that constitute a very significant ecological wealth and enormous environmental potential. Throughout the coastal area of the municipality there are several natural areas of salt marshes, salt marshes and dunes full of biodiversity, located in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, where you can do various activities to get in touch with nature and observe the fauna and flora. Tavira is the ideal holiday destination for nature lovers! And the beach! With a coastline of more than 18 kilometers in length, you can find the islands of Tavira and Cabanas, whose beaches are made of fine white sand and the average sea water temperature is around 22º C.
If you prefer heights, Serra do Caldeirão is the largest mountain range in the Algarve, whose highest point in the municipality of Tavira is located in Alcaria do Cume (535 m). The landscape is rounded and colored by cork oaks, holm oaks, pine trees and eucalyptus trees. Not to forget the typical agricultural crops of almond, carob and olive trees. As for the most notable species, get ready to see the Bonelli's eagle, the deer, the wild boar, the rabbit and the hare. If you are a good fork, know that Tavira is also Portugal's representative on the list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO as its Mediterranean Diet. A cuisine of simplicity through its fresh and seasonal products, which makes it a cuisine of flavors. In the past, Tavira was an important fishing port, with the capture and processing of tuna, until around 1950, being one of the main economic activities. Today the typical recipes of the area are roasted figs stuffed with almonds, grain and pork stew, corn porridge with conquilhas and bacon, octopus salad and razor clam feijoada.
Enjoy!
TO VISIT
Passed down from generation to generation, salt pans are an artisanal activity present in Tavira, far from sources of pollution. With the proximity of the ocean water input, this allows for an exceptional product throughout the entire process: from the implanted clays to the final product. Sea water is stored here, the water is evaporated and concentrated, and, finally, production and quality are optimized through crystallization.
You can visit these salt flats via a Tuk Tuk tour: the visit starts in Tavira, enters the salt flats area where the entire Sea Salt production process is explained and seen, and you can even see some birds in this area. The visit continues through Santa Luzia, getting to know the fishing village and “octopus capital”. It ends with the return to Tavira, along rural paths. A tour not to be missed!