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See GoLisbon.com's selection of Algarve HOTELS to find the ideal hotel for you!
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EASTERN ALGARVE:
Vila Real de Santo António, Tavira, & Olhão
VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTÓNIO is a major border crossing point, with a
handsome 18th century square built by Marquês de Pombal, the prime minister
who also rebuilt Lisbon's downtown
following the earthquake of 1755.
A ferry makes a short journey to Spain on the other side of the river to the
town of Ayamonte,
but continuing in Portugal to the west is the little village of CASTRO
MARIM. Prince Henry the Navigator stayed briefly in the 13th century
castle above the town, although little remains of it. The town hosts a
3-day medieval fair at the end of summer with knights, archers, and plays by
the castle.
TAVIRA is perhaps the prettiest town in Algarve
and remains remarkably unspoiled. Its biggest pleasure is wandering through
the old town observing a myriad of architectural details (such as
distinctive pyramid-shaped rooftops), its over-three-dozen churches and fine
18th century mansions on both sides of the Gilão River, which are linked by
a Roman bridge.
It can all be seen from the ruins of a 13th century castle, which
also has some fine gardens. Santa Maria do Castelo Church stands
adjacent to the castle, containing the tombs of crusading knights, and not
too far away is the 16th century Misericórdia Church with a beautiful
Renaissance door and carved high altar. All the other churches in town are
usually open during services only.
A ferry connects the town to a marvelous sand dune island nearby,
Ilha de Tavira, a glorious island beach with warm waters excellent
for swimming and bird-watching. For accommodation, check out these
hotels in Tavira.
Find hotels in Tavira
To the west is OLHÃO, a 17th century town built in the Moorish style
that remains Algarve's major fishing
port. Naturally, it has some of the best seafood restaurants in the region,
but it is mostly famous for its cube-like fishermen's houses and busy
colorful market, where vendors try to get everyone to confirm the fish's
freshness. In the pedestrianised center is the imposing parish
church, whose tower provides bird's-eye views.
Offshore are numerous sandy islands such as Ilha da Culatra and
Ilha da Armona, easily reached by ferries that run every hour.
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Places Nearby
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Central
Algarve - From Faro, to the luxury resorts, through vibrant
Albufeira, to inland villages
Western
Algarve - From the spectacular beaches of Lagos to the End of the
World
Alentejo
- A World Heritage city, medieval villages, marble towns, prehistoric
monuments
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