Eastern Algarve, Portugal
Tavira, Eastern Algarve
Stunning beaches that seem to last forever, fields laden with orange trees, with the scent of orange blossom filling the air. Hills lined with almond and fig trees surrounding houses of whitewashed walls and decorative chimneys releasing smoke from the open fires below, are just some of the atmospheric enticements of one of the most architecturally attractive towns in the Algarve dating back to 2,000 BC the Moors placed great importance on Tavira due to its buoyant fishing industry.
A traditional Portuguese town, with around 20,000 inhabitants maintain a traditional way of life, with the continuing influx of tourism changing the traditional income of the fishing industry to the more profitable tourist industry the area has undergone some major improvements in recent years. Still scattered around the mazy cobbled streets, are no less than 37 churches each with their own unique character and charm. Many come to love the town of Tavira for its modern day functionality within old world charm and character.
With one of the most rigorous building regulations in Portugal the area is unlikely to change any time soon, and continues to draw tourists from other parts of the coast line, looking for something of the old Portugal.
None the less, if you are looking for golf courses, there are now more courses popping up in the Tavira area than any other along the Southern Portuguese coast line. In fact the most recent Monte Rei is a Jack Nicholson signature course boasting some of the most impressive fairways of any course, not to mention boasting some of the highest price tags as well!
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Cabanas, Eastern Algarve
A small local Portuguese village, in close proximity of the larger town of Tavira (approx 5km’s) running alongside the Ria Formosa.
Cabanas has been a relatively undiscovered part of the Algarve coastline, up until the early 2000’s. Traditionally a fishing village, which still shows today, a far cry from the bustling boutiques and Super yachts of Vilamoura, scatterings of local Fishermans huts with their small yet traditional fishing boats and net covering the water front.
What has drawn many people to this area, that is less than 20km’s from the Spanish border, is its simplicity, low build density, and quiet relax, friendly inhabitants. In fact its desire to remain Portuguese is apparent with its low rise buildings, of only 3 floors maximum, and surrounding protected landscapes with windy wild life trails, and Roman forts still surrounding the perimeter of the village.
Without the night clubs, and disco’s the ambience of Cabanas has remained the same for years, it’s a place to relax enjoy the old way of life. Strolling along the newly modernised broad walk you are met with the locals sitting in their favourite Cafe and bars, looking out to sea talking and enjoying life, something that cannot be said of the more “frantic” pace of the central Algarve’s tourist traps.
Something that has drawn people to Cabanas both locals and visitors alike, is the breathtaking island beaches, which have to be seen to be believed. You would be forgiven for thinking you were on a deserted tropical island, having left the water taxi for the 2 min ride just minutes before, and it’s for this reason that people are attracted back year after year to this stunning area of natural beauty and tranquillity.
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Olhao, Eastern Algarve
One of the more historic towns of the Algarve. A relatively new addition to the inhabited areas of the Coast line, only coming into existence in the 17th century, Olhao was, and still is founded on the fishing industry. It was elevated to “town” status in 1808 after 17 local fishermen managed to navigate the Atlantic Ocean in their day to day fishing boat, named “Bom Sucesso”. With their purpose being to announce to the then exiled Portuguese King, Dom Joao IV that the French had been defeated and had left the Portuguese shores, allowing him to return.
The fishing industry has managed to prevail here in this larger working town. Home to around 30,000 inhabitants it is certainly one of the more sought after areas for locals. The huge fish market that can be seen along the promenade continues to supply a huge percentage of the most exclusive restaurants along the Algarve. So it goes without saying that if you are a fan of sea food, you can no find many better places than Olhao.
Currently there are ambitious plans under way to construct an expansion to an already functioning marina, which has sparked investment plans for new commercial centres and some huge name department stores.
With some much on offer in Olhao for all, and only a few kilometres from Faro airport, there is always an atmosphere of exploration and excitement here. Bordering the Ria Formosa, there is amble opportunity to catch a glimpse of the wild life here as you savour the local cuisine.
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