Page 470 - Lonely Planet Europe’s Best Trips (Travel Guide)

Tavira Saturday street bazaar MANFRED GOTTSCHALK / GETTY IMAGES ©

museum of Moorish
g Tavira history are among the h Cacela Velha
Set on either side of the attractions. It’s ideal for Enchanting, small and
PORTUGAL 33 ALENTEjO & ALGARVE BEACHES
meandering Río Gilão, wandering; the warren of cobbled, Cacela Velha
Tavira is a charming cobblestone streets hides is a huddle of white-
town. The ruins of a pretty, historic gardens washed cottages edged
hilltop castle (Largo and shady plazas. Tavira with bright borders, and
is the launching point for
Abu-Otmane; h8am-5pm has a pocket-sized fort,
Mon-Fri, 9am-7pm Sat & Sun, to the stunning, unspoilt orange and olive groves,
5pm winter), now housing beaches of the Ilha de and gardens blazing
a pleasant little botanic Tavira, a sandy island with colour. It sits above
garden, the Renaissance that’s another part of the a gorgeous stretch of
Ria Formosa park.
Igreja da Misericórdia sea, with a character-
(Rua da Galeria; h9am-1pm 4 p469 ful local bar, plus other
& 2-6pm Mon-Sat), and the restaurants, a church
Núcleo Islâmico (Praça The Drive » Cacela Velha and heart-lifting views.
da República 5; adult/child is 14km east of Tavira: head From nearby Fábrica,
along the N125 and you’ll see it
€2/1, joint admission with signposted; it’s 1km off the road. you can get a boat across
Palácio da Galeria €3/1.50; to the splendid Cacela
h10am-12.30pm & 3-6pm mid- Velha beach, which has
Jun–mid-Sep, 10am-4.30pm a low-key LGBT scene in
Tue-Sat mid-Sep–mid-Jun) summer.

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