Tavira , in the Eastern Algarve, has a colourful history, and is one of the most picturesque towns in this part of the Algarve. The town was once second only in importance to Lisbon, and unfortunately suffered similar damage in the 18th century earthquake which wrecked the capital. As well as being used by early travelers on their way to Morocco, the town had a thriving tuna fishing industry. During the 19th century Tavira was the focal point of the annual tuna harvest, and had a large tuna exchange where the catch was auctioned. When the migratory routes of the tuna shoals changed the industry went into decline and tourism has taken the place of the tuna.
Situated between two rivers, the Gilão and the Segua, Tavira lies 3 kilometres from the Atlantic coast. The town has some fine architecture, churches, medieval houses and a magnificent seven arched bridge across the Gilão, built by the Romans during their occupation of the town. The best medieval dwellings can be found on the Travessa de Dona Brites and are instantly recognizable by their Gothic windows and doorways.
Evidence of Tavira’s early settlers can still be seen despite the ravages of time and the Lisbon earthquake. The battlements of a Moorish castle overlook the town, and from here there are magnificent views over the town, the river delta and the open sea. It was during this time that foundations of Tavira’s fishing industry were laid.
Earlier, the Romans elevated Tavira’s standing in the region by establishing an important settlement here, and excavations on a 45 hectare area to the east of the town has revealed evidence of this.
Tavira has no less than 37 churches and two are of particular significance; the Igreja da Santa Maria ( close to the castle) has been built on the site of an ancient mosque and contains the tomb of Paia Peres Correia, the Portuguese commander and his seven knights who drove the Moors out of Tavira in 1242.
The 16th century Igreja da Misericórdia, dedicated to Ss. Peter and Paul has a superb Renaissance doorway, and admirable 18th century traditional tiling.
Although Tavira is not right on the coast there are good beaches in easy reach of the town. The Ilha de Tavira is a long spit of sand separating the town from the sea and has several bars, restaurants and a camp site. Very recently the Ilha de Tavira beach was named by the Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top 10 best beaches in the world for children. In the high season there are hourly boat trips from the centre of the town to the beach, passing salt pans on the way.
Tavira is a delightful town, well situated for tourist venues and golf courses, so as such offers good opportunities for property investment for those buyers wishing to be located a little further away from the holiday hot-spots. There are some good deals around for buyers looking for property in town, either newly renovated or in need of some modernisation and they represent good value for money.
For investors looking for a more traditional Algarve property Tavira has a great deal to offer.
