Today was all about Tavira, and such an enjoyable outing it was. Although the forecast was 100% rain, we managed to avoid being the lucky recipients until almost 15h15!!!! Gave us loads of time for extensive wanderings, photo opportunities, and a delightfully wonderful lunch at one of our favourite haunts in Tavira.
Raincoats on, good walking shoes, all parked and off we headed for the Roman Bridge and then upwards to the castle. As Marc and I both love Tavira it’s easy to impart that love on to others and both Wendy and Norm enjoyed every moment there.
I was disappointed to find that the Pousada Convento De Tavira is closed for renovations and not to open until May 15th. We were hoping to be able to visit the interior gardens and take a few photos. Was not to be.
Once we had wandered in the upper part of Tavira, we headed back down to the Gilão River to enjoy a walk though the park, the old market, cross over the bridge to the “restaurant area”, and finally off to Zeca da Bica for lunch.
We were greeted with much gusto at Zeca da Bica. The owner recognized us from the many years of eating there and today he told me that the restaurant has been in operation since 1965!!! I find that utterly amazing to think it’s been around, and is still packed daily, as the level of service and food is still superb!
Full from our wonderful meal, we headed slowly back towards the car, eventually driving through Santa Luzia when the skies finally opened up. It poured but thankfully we were warm and dry in our little Panda. We had a couple of errands to run before heading home but Marc and I had decided to surprise Norm (who did not have dessert with lunch) by stopping in Marieta’s Café. Oh to see the delight on their faces. I can’t name the desserts but suffice to say, the three of them ooohed and auhahahhed while devouring them.
Turned out to be another full day for all and now we are home for the evening. My piri piri chicken is marinating, the fire is crackling, everyone is immersed in their own little project, and life, as we know it, is immensely grand.
What a wonderful day 2 here in beautiful Portugal with two very special people who are so accommodating and amazing tour guides. We had have a few giggles and absolutely loving the food the amazing towns and people are so friendly. So blessed to be here!
And we too, are enjoying every moment of your visit.
The Nut cake in the fore ground is my favourite. Who ever ordered it, hope they enjoyed it. At Helen’s cafe in Feuzeta, there’s another great dessert….almond!
It was Marc. it too was almond, and he loved it…..actually, they all did
So funny- we walk in each other’s footsteps sometimes. Marco in Bica is host extraordinaire. We were further east in Vila Nova de Cacela today. Cacela Mar is another welcoming restaurant with great food, if you’re out that way. We’re in Terceira in the Azores next week and I’m excited! xx
Thanks for that recommendation, is it in Vila Nova de Cacela? I’m envious of your trip….hoping you post photos. Enjoy and safe travels.
Yes, it is. You should find it on Google maps ok. And thanks xx
You did get lucky with your weather, it poured in Faro. Great photos as always. The deserts look fabulous!
Apparently they were very good. And yes, we lucked out with the weather yet again.
Thank you for a lovely visit of Tavira! And those desserts looked so good! I am having trouble tolerating the weather here after Spring in Paris!! Snow here everyday this week! Enjoy your visitors!
I don’t know how you do it as I could not come back before the snow is gone. I simply don’t enjoy winter and that’s all there is to it! Hang tight however, it will be over soon and how quickly we all forget it once it’s gone.
So glad that you’re all having a wonderful time. I’m sure your friends are really enjoying themselves and how wonderful it is for them to have such amazing tour guides. All I have to say about the whole blog comes down to the desserts. Yum! Yum! Yum!
LOL
The ranunculus are so beautiful. All the gorgeous colors, I would have no problem viewing those at all times.
Love and hugs
I knew you would love them….your name did happen to come up while Marc was gobbling his down
A great day was had by all! Happy to hear the ‘art lady’ is still creating such fabulous pieces and open for business…her craft is exceptional as I look up at my ‘olive wreath’, love it! Yes, Tavira is such a pretty town with the lovely gardens, the bridges over the river, etc., so interesting to walk up and down all the streets filled with uniqueness and variety. And the cork stores! Oh my! Great restaurant choice!
Very pleased the rain stayed away until late afternoon and I hope it stays away for the remainder of Wendy and Norm’s stay. Enjoy!
And guess who purchased another decoration for next years Christmas tree???