About Tavira, Estoi and their Environs:

History:

Tavira was originally a Turdetani settlement known as “Balsa” and was known by the Romans as such. After this it became known as Tabríga.  In it's distance history it has been occupied by many people including: The Phoneticians from modern day Syria and Lebanon, the Celts from central Europe, the Lugures from Northern Italy. The town was then controlled by the Visigoths between the 5th century and 8th century BC, which was when the Moors arrived. The Moors then ruled the city for the next five hundred year till the Christian reconquest, in 1239.

Roman bridge at Tavira 

One of the Hypothesis for why Tavira was settled is due to the fact that it has a source of fresh water, which can be seen in the centre of the old town even now. Since there is not much fresh water along the coast, this lead passing ships to stop and load up with water. After this early period it developed into an important port and town, exporting salt, fish, almond, figs and wine to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

The town developed after the reconquest, mainly due to being a centre of military importance. Firstly after the christian invasion, then to defend Portugal from Castile. Castile had invaded and sacked the town in 1337. Tavira's development then suffered a huge set back at the hand off the Black Death. Still the town began to prosper once again due to it's sea port, whaling and salt trade.

During the 16th century the town became a city and increased in importance as a trading centre and mostly as a military centre to defend Portugal from Castille. In 1527 it was the fifth biggest city in Portugal.

From then on the town entered into decline at the hands of Castile and the British and Moorish pirates which constantly raided the Algarve. To add to these problems there were devastating bouts of plague and the river began to silt up.

Over the next few centuries the town developed due to the salt industry and tuna fishing. The tuna fishing stopped in 1972.

Beaches:

A swim to refresh you after your ride?

Tavira has many miles of beaches, all are on the Lagoon, but all are unique and charming.

Praia da Ilha de Cabanas is a popular beach situated on an island and accessed by ferry. It is 7km long and has most of the facilities you would expect to find at a large and popular beach including sunshades, lifeguard and a Restaurant. Cabanas town on the main land is particularly a particularly lively and fun place to visit.

Ilha de Tavira is another long stretch of sandy island. It's accessed by ferry either from quarto aguas, a place at the mouth of the Tavira river (Rio Gilão) or by an hourly ferry that leaves from the centre of the actual town. It very popular this beach and even has a camp site.

Further on from Tavira there is the Town of Santa Luzia, which is near praia do Barril. This beach is unique in that you have to cross the lagoon on a pontoon and the either walk a long way (or cycle) or take a little train across the sand dunes to the sea front.

Train to Praia do Barril 

Nature:

From the coast to the mountains through unspoilt countryside.

Wildlife around Tavira tends to be similar to that of the previous stage at Vila Real, except the bird life isn't as rich. Something worth mentioning in regards nature in Tavira is the existence of a water fall and plunge pool which is a very popular attraction. You can take a route up through the river valley to this place. We wont guarantee you will see exotic beasts, but it's very charming.

Culture:

Tavira rich history intertwines with its culture and many events of cultural interest take place as can be seen in the municipalities busy cultural agenda found here: https://cultura.cm-tavira.pt/index.php?pagina=

Please note that in your custom made route book we provide full notes on what is happing culturally at the time at each of the places you visit.

Sport:

The main sport in Tavira is cycling. It's cycling team is the best in Portugal and has won the Tour of Portugal for the previous three years. The world indoor cycling championships where hosted in Tavira in 2009 and the town nearly always plays host to the Volta ao Algarve and other cycling races.

Aside Cycling the town is also well known for sailing with one of the top portuguese sailor coming from Tavira.