Tavira
www.cm-tavira.pt
The City of Tavira spreads on 611km2.
Around 80% of the city is built in the mountain. On the
ocean side, Tavira is surrounded by 18km of fine sand.
Half way away from the airport of Faro and the border with
Spain, Tavira offers a privileged geographic situation
being the main centre of Sotavento of Algrave.
The community is divided into 9 parishes, Santa Luzia,
Santo Estêvão, Santa Maria, Santiago, Santa Catarina da
Fonte do Bispo, Conceição, Cabanas, Cachopo and Luz de
Tavira.
The mountain undulated, or abrupt, is covered with a dense
vegetation and forest. The littoral zone is completely
integrated in the Natural reserve of Ria Formosa.
The existence of Roman castles and megalithic monuments
makes it possible to locate at the Neolithic era (4000 to
1500 before Christ) the human presence in the commune of
Tavira.
Heiress of old civilizations, Tavira, was a Phoenician
colony, occupied by Romans and an important city during the
period of Moslem occupation.
In 1242, the knights of Santiago, ordered by D. Paio
Correia Fathers, conquered the city for the Portuguese
crown. Tavira received various royal visits and, in 1520,
reached the rank of 'city'.
Tavira has a very rich historical heritage, which goes from
archaeological testimonies to religious heritage, passing
by palaces and lord houses, as well as the witnesses of the
industrial archeology. The tour of the historical center
leads the visitor to scenarios of rare beauty. Six
monasteries and 23 churches translate the strong cultural
tradition of the community.
Tavira is a ground of islands and long sandy beaches.
Beaches are equipped with excellent hotel units. It is for
that reason that Tavira is an invitation to
discovery.
