Location - Eastern Algarve

The east of Faro contrasts sharply with most of the Algarve. The coastline, almost to the Spanish border, is largely lined by stretches of tidal marshlands which are an integral part of the Rio Formosa National Park, a conservation area of raw beauty and great ecological importance. These marshlands are protected by long and magnificent sand flats (ilhas).

Eastern Algarve

The Eastern Algarve is very different compared to the rugged beauty found west of Faro. Here tourism blends in perfectly with local activities creating a relaxed way of life. There is a tinge of excitement, even romance, about those ferry or tiny boat trips to the ilhas, trips rewarded by superb, less crowded beaches and warm waters.

To the east beyond Tavira the sea “returns to land” creating excellent beaches at Cabanas, Manta Rota, Alagoa and Praia Verde.

The countryside is unspoiled and full of surprises. Best surprise of all is the border area to the north and inland from the Guadiana River; here you will find the undiscovered Algarve. Tourism has not yet touched the splendid countryside along the river and into the Serra do Caldeirao. Stretching north to Alcoutim, west to Ameixal and in the south bounded by Castro Marim and Sao Bras de Alportel, the Barrocal region is little visited, an area where time has stood still.

Faro

The provincial capital of the Algarve, Faro is a busy industrial town and port built around an attractive harbour. Largely ignored by the thousands of holiday-makers who fly into its nearby airport bound for resorts mainly to the west. Understandable perhaps but a pity because the town offers excellent shopping, an interesting waterfront and buildings and its happy mix of business life and tourism creates a relaxed atmosphere. Much of the town centre has been pedestrianised and offers many restaurants and tiny cafés. There is a sandy beach which gets very crowded but others are within easy reach.

Tavira

Tavira combines relaxation away from the hordes of tourists with a picturesque setting, a rare feat for the Algarve. Perhaps this is because Tavira is 30km away from the stretch of coast between Faro and Lagos that is teeming with apartments, hotels and general tourist traps. Tavira lies further towards Spain and seems once removed from resorts further west. However, recent developments in the town, such as converting the old market into a restaurant and shopping mall, or building two new golf courses, suggest that Tavira will not be off the beaten track for much longer.

This beautiful fishing town with 18th Century buildings and 37 churches dates back to around 2,000BC. During the occupation of the Algarve by the Moors this town was considered of great importance due to its fishing industry, based on tuna fish. Dom Paio Peres Correia took it from the Moors in anger in 1242 after seven of his principal Knights were killed during a period of truce.

A Roman bridge links the two parts of the town across the River Gilão. The church of Santa Maria do Correia is built on the site of a Moorish Mosque and in it are the tombs of Dom Paio Peres Correia and his seven Knights.

When you’ve had your fill of azulejos and views of the terracotta rooftops, wander back down to the leafy riverfront and find a quiet spot for a drink. It is here that the Mercado Velho (old market) building can be found, with its cafés, boutiques and temporary exhibitions. Fishing is still a mainstay of the local economy and the fishing boats are moored just beyond the old market. This also means that restaurants are supplied with fresh fish every day.

The beach lies past the salt pans and is reached by ferryboat that takes the visitor to the sandy-bar island known as Ilha de Tavira. Boats cross from Quatro Aguas to the eastern end of Ilha de Tavira, which stretches west nearly as far as Fuzeta, some 14km away. The beach is enormous, backed by dunes with small beach huts, water-sports, bars and restaurants.

Cabanas

Cabanas Beach Sandbank

Cabanas is a fast growing resort just to the east of the picturesque town of Tavira. The town is nestled behind a long broad stretch of sandbank that forms a warm shallow lagoon perfect for safe swimming and water sports. It also makes an idyllic and beautiful setting as a natural harbour for small boats.

The resort has a promenade running along the waters edge where you will find a wide selection of shops, bars and restaurants.

A water taxi service runs throughout the summer, taking holiday makers over to the far side of the sand bank to enjoy the stunning untouched stretch of golden sand. On the beach you will find changing rooms, showers and bars.

The premier golf courses of Benamor, Quinta da Ria and Quinta da Cima are all close by, making Cabanas a perfect location to relax and enjoy both the golf and the beach.