Overview

Avoid the Algarve crowds on our Tavira Spring Break.

Away from the busy, all-inclusive seaside resorts, the eastern Algarve is a peaceful region of medieval border towns and quiet fishing villages. Towns like Olhao da Restauracao, Moncarapacho and Estoi have a long history dating back to Roman times (and beyond), whilst the small fishing hamlets of Santa Luzia and Fuseta display their proud maritime history through the flotsam and jetsam which adorns the exterior of their whitewashed, low-rise fishermen’s cottages.

Your stay begins in the historic castle town of Tavira – thanks to its strategically important hilltop location overlooking the mouth of the River Gilao, the Phoenicians, Celts, Romans and North Africans all left their mark here. Modern-day visitors are also drawn to Tavira by it’s quiet, 3km beach – accessed by a regular river ferry, the beach is part of the protected Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. This vast nature reserve extends from Tavira to the regional capital Faro over 60km to the west – it’s a complex collection of lagoons, tidal flats, sandbar islands and wetlands which are home to herons, flamingos, dolphins, turtles and flying fish.

Heading west, you’ll end your stay in the grand Pousada Palacio Estoi – an ornate and architecturally eclectic 18th century palace overlooking the Vale do Mouro. We’ll include a hire car to allow you to explore the Roman ruins at Milreu, the port city of Olhao and the castles of Castro Marim at your leisure. We’ll also include direct flights from your preferred international airport to Faro, the regional capital of the Algarve.

We’ve suggested a seven-night stay – if you’d like to extend your stay to two weeks, you can combine the eastern Algarve with the west by adding Seven nights in Lagos.

 

Itinerary

You’ll begin your holiday with a direct flight to Faro. You‘ll collect a hire from the airport on arrival, before driving east to your accommodation at the Pousada Convento Tavira in the old town district of Tavira.
You’ll explore Tavira on foot, with visits to the Castelo de Tavira, the Ruinas Fenicias, the riverside Praca da Republica and the Mercado da Ribeira.
You’ll take a drive east to the tiny seafront hamlet of Cacela Velha, popular for its panoramic views across the Ria Formosa - a vast nature reserve which extends across most of the southern coastline of the Algarve. You’ll also visit the border town of Castro Marim, overlooking the River Guadiana which forms the border with Spain.
You’ll take the river ferry to Tavira island where you can relax on the town’s 3km long, south-facing beach.
You’ll leave Tavira today, heading west to your new accommodation at the Pousada Palacio Estoi. En-route, you’ll visit Santa Luzia and the famous tourist railway to Praia do Barril, and the charming village of Fuseta, with its narrow streets and whitewashed, low-rise fishermen’s’ cottages.
You’ll have a free day to explore the Roman ruins at Milreu and the city of Olhao da Restauracao.
You might like to head into Moncarapacho for tour of the Monterosa olive farm, followed by an afternoon in Sao Bras de Alportel. Sao Bras’ historical centre owes its existence to the cork industry: cork clothing, bags and accessories are still produced in the town and are popular across Portugal – as a material, it’s both waterproof and stronger than leather.
You’ll return your hire car to Faro airport before flying home.

From £2100 per person

We can create a tailor-made holiday to suit your budget.

Direct flights from the UK to Faro, accommodation in twin/double en-suite rooms on a B&B basis, and car hire.

Location

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