photo by parkresto

TAVIRA is a clear winner if you are looking for an urban base on the eastern stretch. It’s a good-looking little town with superb island beaches in easy reach, yet despite ever-increasing visitors it continues to make its living as a tuna-fishing port. Buses pull up at the new terminal by the river, a two-minute walk from the central square, the Praça da República; the train station is 1km from the centre of town, straight up the Rua da Liberdade. Boats cross from Quatro Águas (during winter dependent on the weather; €1 return), 2km east of town, to the eastern end of the Ilha de Tavira, which stretches west almost as far as Fuzeta, some 14km away. The beach is enormous, backed by dunes, and despite increasing development – a small chalet settlement, watersports, beach umbrellas and half a dozen bar/restaurants facing the sea – it’s an enjoyable spot in which to hang out. Tavira has some of the best areas for scuba diving in Portugal, check out the diving school at Pedras Del Rei (tel 281 793 495).