Frequently voted the most lovely town in the Algarve, and certainly both Marc and I might agreed with that. For years we’ve been wanting to go there and spend a week or two yet we’ve never quite been able to orchestrate that, probably because I don’t want to move once I get settled in! That said, we visit it often and never tire of exploring and meandering. We always manage to find something new.
Tavira is also considered the number one place in the world to retire! The town unfolds along both sides of the River Gilão. Flanked by Renaissance architecture and connected by an old Roman bridge, the riverfront, with its promenades, swaying palms, open-air cafés, and restaurants serving the day’s catch, casts a romantic air.
One thing I usually do whenever I am going to spend any time in a locale is to check in advance if we are overlapping with any statutory holidays. Did I do that this time? Nope, I forgot. And so, with discovering most things in Tavira closed today, including many restaurants, we asked and wouldn’t you know it. Restoration of Independence Day (Restauração da Independência) is todays holiday!!! Marc has since put a list on our calendar to avoid a repeat performance.
I’ve always enjoyed the various graffiti here in the Algarve. It’s never vulgar or offensive and usually quite artistic. This particular piece caught my eye today and gave me a chuckle.
Finding a place to eat proved challenging because of the holiday however we continued to wander confident we would eventually stumble on something. As we wandered we chatted about past visits, great company, countless laughs, and acknowledged just how blessed and fortunate we have been and continue to be.
Finally, just as we were about to give up we rediscovered a restaurant from our last visit, Pizzaria Luzzo . Propitious as we were starving and we instantly recalled our great meal from the first visit. The sun was shining, the terrace virtually empty and the server friendly, efficient and chatty. (She’s the one who told us of the stat holiday…..and reminded us there is another next Wednesday). All in all a magnificent day. And so it continues.
Manter-se seguro e saudável.
Marc and Randys Travel Adventures 
Lovely Tavira. Great post
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Thanks Ken……such a treat to wander around there today
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We loved our three weeks in Tavira and agree, it is one of the prettiest towns in the Algarve. Thanks for this post, it brought back some great memories.
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You names came up today when we were there as we were recalling our first meeting and lunch together!
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wish I were there, such a beautiful place the fruit and flowers are breathtaking.
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You would probably love it here and enjoy all the sights but sadly with the cobblestone streets, all the many stairs, and the many hills,it would do you in. I think of you all the time when I see all the gorgeous flowers……I know you’d like them.
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More beautiful pictures. And you two look so happy and relaxed. 😘
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Relaxed is the right word…..Portugal has become my “zen” place and it kicks in as soon as I my feet his the soil!
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I think I have pic of Pat M and I next to that Bougainvillea. Love Tavira; pics are wonderful. My heart is racing.
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We haven’t started the countdown to your arrival just yet but, soon we will!!
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I loved your photos and commentary, my memory of Tavira is well intact! That bougainvillea was the backdrop of a photo with Pat and I…Awchicarumba, it’s bigger! Love seeing familiar haunts and as always, your gorgeous smiles!
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Yes, we certainly do have grand memories of past visits to Tavira…….I think that might be the only town where we don’t have belly rippling laughter stories of you? You seemed to behave yourself each time we visited!
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Such a lovely town! Ken and I were commenting recently on how it might be nice to stay in Tavira during our next visit to Portugal (okay I said it but Ken didn’t disagree haha).
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LOL…now doesn’t that sound like the truth!!! We are pretty certain that next year we will take our first month there. It’s been in the making for a very long time.
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Ahhh … lovely memories of all these places.. just pre-covid.
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Yes, you got in and out in the nick of time
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