Tavira is one of the architecturally most attractive towns in the Algarve. Its origin dates back around 2.000BC, and during the Morrish occupation the fishing industry of this town began to be of great importance. In the 17th Century its port, located at the Gilão River,played a significant role shipping wine, salt and dried fish. After the earthquake in1755 the town has been completely rebuilt with many fine 18th Century buildings and 37 churches. The church of Santa Maria do Castelo has been erected on the site of a Mosque. It contains the tombs of Dom Paio Peres Correia and his seven knights, who took the city from the Moors after his knights were killed.
The surrounding of Tavira is still very rural but slowly changing due to the demands of the tourist industry and three golf courses opened nearby. The beach can only be reached by a ferryboat that takes the visitor to the sandy island of Ilha de Tavira.
Tavira, a city of art , charm, history and an essential port to call on any cultural tour of the Algarve.
