TAVIRA PROPERTY GUIDE

Where is Tavira, in Portugal?

The Tavira area is a haven of undeveloped countryside. It is home to the Moorish town of Tavira itself, which straddles the river Gilão before it meanders through the Ria Formosa Natural Park to the Atlantic coast.

The beaches of the region are stretched along the coast, offshore, with a ferry to take you to the main beach from town. It is set in the Eastern Algarve, a 30-minute drive from Faro International Airport and the city of the same name, capital of the Algarve. Further east, the Spanish border is 25 minutes up the motorway. Your ideal Tavira property could be in the historic city center, nestled in a village looking out over the beach.

Or maybe a country estate, miles from anywhere, in the peaceful highlands of the rural countryside. If you are looking for a piece of the Algarvean dream, from the southern sun to northern rural heaven, a Tavira property is for you.

Photo by Marwan Aboul-Zelof on Unsplash

What to do in Tavira, Portugal

The Tavira area covers 606.97 km², with around 26,000 inhabitants. This is only a little over double the number from the early 1800s. This is an area steeped in history – you are unlikely to have the problem of waking up one day and finding a high rise blocking your panoramic view!

The legendary Sir Henry Cotton designed Tavira’s famous Benamor Golf course, situated on the outskirts of Tavira town.

The Quinta da Ria and Quinta de Cima courses are just a few minutes away, in the next region, Villa Real do Santo Antonio. They reach down to the Ria Formosa with beautiful views of the sea.

The area is home to the Colégio Santiago International school. It caters for students from Key Stage 1 right through to A level. The Vilamoura International School is a 40-minute drive to the west.

The most northern area of Tavira, Cachopo, is set in the low mountain area, covering 203km² inland. It has a population density of just 4 people per km², so if you are a social butterfly, head further south! Tavira villas and estates in this area are surrounded by beautiful countryside. If you want to be alone with your thoughts and inspirations, you’ve found your home.

The whole area is wonderful for hikers and bikers. The beautiful ‘Via Algarviana’ winds from Sagres at the very tip of Western Europe, to the Spanish border, meandering through the Cachopo area on its way. It’s peppered with hidden treasures such as the Pego do Inferno. At the source of the Gilão river, there’s a waterfall tumbling into a stunning pool where all the locals bathe. There are plenty of off-roading routes and clubs.

The Alentejo to the north is also interesting for nature and history lovers. Only an hour’s drive away is the Guardiana Natural Park. Here you can find more waterfalls, medieval castles, and river beaches. Not to mention the fascinating Mines of São Domingos, where the river runs red!

Photo by Catarina Fernandes on Flickr

If you like a bustle about you, then the villages and towns further south are the places for you. Buying Tavira property is very reasonably priced, whether you choose a modern apartment in the city centre or a luxury villa fronting the natural park. Luz de Tavira and Santa Luzia are typical Algarvian fishing villages. Seafood is the specialty here. In fact, Santa Luzia is considered the ‘Capital do Polvo’ or octopus capital. The Casa Do Polvo Tasquina restaurant there features in the Michelin Guide 2018.

Tavira, the perfect retreat from modern life

A Tavira property owner can enjoy all sorts of natural beauty. Sandbars of beaches stretch along the coast. Golden sand buffet the land from the Atlantic on the outside. It’s dotted with small boats on the calmer warmer watered river side. There are plenty of facilities there, bars, restaurants, cafés. Homes for sale in Tavira have easy access to all this. All through the year, Tavira hosts various festivals and carnivals.

The hills and mountains are the main cork oak production area of the Algarve. The harvesting is still done in the traditional manner. The villages are proud of their traditions and celebrate their history.

For owners of villas near Tavira, there is nightlife, restaurants, clubs, and bars. The town is small, undeniably beautiful, but also well stocked with all the amenities. If you are interested in becoming a Tavira property owner, have a look at Casafari’s database and find your property.