{"id":30019,"date":"2019-11-08T14:43:01","date_gmt":"2019-11-08T13:43:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/?p=30019"},"modified":"2024-12-10T13:52:24","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T12:52:24","slug":"algarve-from-faro-to-tavira","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/algarve-from-faro-to-tavira\/","title":{"rendered":"Portugal’s Eastern Algarve – from Faro to Tavira"},"content":{"rendered":"

Miles of white sandy beaches, lagoon islands, and shallow dune landscapes \u2013 I’m talking, of course, about the Sotavento region of Portugal, the eastern region of the Algarve, which stretches east from Faro to the border of Spain.
\nSotavento forms a contrast to the so-called rocky coast, which, as the name suggests, is characterised by rugged rocky coasts and picturesque bays.<\/p>\n

From the TUI BLUE Isla Cristina Palace<\/a> in Andalucia, Sotavento can best be explored by hire car. Alternatively, you can also take part in one of the organised excursions. I hopped in the car and explored the eastern Algarve coast on my own. You can find out my insider tips and impressions now! \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

\"Sotavento
#instagram – spectacular photos of Sotavento in Portugal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Roadtrip through Sotavento – untouched and authentic<\/h2>\n

Along the Sotavento coast from Faro via the fishing villages of Olhao and Cacela Velha to Tavira, you can get a great impression of the eastern Algarve. You’ll be surprised by the contrast of the landscape compared to the rocky Barlavento (western) coast. Sotavento and the Ria Formosa Nature Park are surrounded by vast dune landscapes and endlessly long bright sandy beaches. An absolute hallmark of the beaches on the eastern Algarve coast are the offshore islands, which resemble a large sandbar. As one might put it: it is better to swim in calm waters \u2013 the influence of the Atlantic is much less noticeable in Sotavento, which makes it even more tranquil and inviting.<\/p>\n

In the villages, the locals maintain their fishing tradition. The originality and authenticity are clearly noticeable in the eastern Algarve.
\nSo in the car and off we go: #sotavento, here we come!<\/p>\n

Faro – Old town feeling and bright sandy beaches<\/h2>\n

After half an hour, I reach the city of Faro, the capital of the Algarve and one of the most interesting places<\/a> here, in my opinion. Most connect Faro only with the airport, but the city has so much more to offer.
\nThe marina and the picturesque old town with its cathedral S\u00e9 are particularly worth seeing. In the narrow streets typical of Portugal, you can take a relaxing stroll and admire the Portuguese architecture.<\/p>\n

\"Faro
In Faro, you’ll find sweet caf\u00e9s in the middle of the old town.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a short stop in the old town, I make my way to the coast, to the Praia do Faro sandy beach. It is only here that I really understand why this region is characterised as the “sandy Algarve” among some travellers. The beach is located on an offshore island, which can only be reached by a bridge. Upon arrival I see… – Sand!
\nThose looking for beachy relaxation can spread their towel on the Praia do Faro sandy beach.
\nSand and beach stretch as far as the eye can see. I take off my shoes and walk along the water. I relish the feeling of the warm, fine sand between my toes and breathe in the fresh sea air – wonderful!<\/p>\n

\"Dune
Miles of bright sandy beaches – fantastic!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Olhao – fishing village with Arabic flair<\/h2>\n

From Faro, we continue to the coastal village of Olhao at the foot of the Ria Formosa. The city has the largest fishing port in the Algarve, and even today fishing is the largest source of income for the residents.
\nA visit to the fish market with its wide selection of freshly caught fish and seafood is a must here. It’s really a great experience to explore the colourful market.<\/p>\n

\"Fish
The fish market in Olhao is one of the top attractions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Olhao also boasts an exceptional and interesting architectural style throughout the city that distinguishes it from the rest of the region. Nowhere else in the region can you find an architecture with an Arab influence.
\nThe two to three-storey block-shaped houses, also called cubes, were built here based on the North African model.<\/p>\n

The beaches of Olhao can only be reached by boat, as they are located on offshore islands. The question is, is it worth the trip?
\nIf you’re a beach person who enjoys the peace and quiet of “lonely” islands, you should definitely take the longer route to the beautiful lagoon islands Ilha da Armona and Ilha da Culatra. It’s worth it!<\/p>\n

Cacela Velha – picturesque little village on the Ria Formosa<\/h2>\n

This dreamy coastal village has a population of just 100 and consists only of a church, a fortress wall, and small houses. It is precisely this pristine authenticity that makes the place so special.
\nHere you can still find the old white houses so typical of Portugal, whose windows and doors are painted with colourful stripes. If you ask me, a very nice photo motif for your next Instagram post \ud83d\ude09 #portugalvibes<\/p>\n

From the former fortress wall you also have a unique view of the sand dunes, the shimmering Atlantic Ocean, and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. I sit down on one of the benches and enjoy the view.<\/p>\n

Tavira – Sotavento’s hostpot<\/h2>\n

For many, Tavira is “the place to be” when it comes to describing Sotavento.
\nThe river Gil\u00e3o flows through the centre of the city. Bridges connect the town centre with the historic old town.<\/p>\n

\"Tavira
What a picture: The river Gil\u00e3o separates the town centre and the old town of Tavira.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The atmospheric old town of Tavira is very impressive, especially for history buffs and culture lovers. Here you can see many historical records of different ethnic groups such as the Phoenicians and Romans.
\nI was particularly impressed by the church of Tavira: High tiled mosaics adorn the walls and a shining gold altar catches my eye immediately. The so-called Fado Concert, featuring a melancholy Portuguese music style recognised by UNESCO in 2011 as a World Heritage Site, also regularly takes place here. (Very good!)<\/p>\n

\"Tavira
Picturesque Tavira<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I’m now drawn to the beaches.
\nThe beaches of Tavira are located on an offshore island. Boats regularly sail from the old town to the sandy beaches. Alternatively, you can park in designated car parks and walk the rest of the way to the beach.<\/p>\n

A total of four beaches line the approximately 11-kilometre dune. The most famous is the Ilha de Tavira. Here you will find everything you need for an extensive beach day: From plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas, to numerous snack bars and restaurants, to a water sports provider. This beach is especially popular with families. If you are looking for a little more peace and quiet, I can heartily recommend you the Praia da Terra Estreita.<\/p>\n

\"Tavira
To the horizon:<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I now enjoy the last rays of sunshine and then make my way back to the TUI BLUE Isla Cristina Palace. Sotavento is ideal for a day trip. Stroll through the pristine villages in the morning, take a boat to the sandbank in the afternoon and relax on the bright, gorgeous beach \u2013 this is a holiday!<\/p>\n

Are you looking for the perfect place to stay to explore Sotavento and Andalucia?<\/h2>
\t
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TUI BLUE Isla Cristina Palace\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t
For Two\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t
4.5\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\tCosta de la Luz . Spain\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t
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more details<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t<\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

So remember: Head east to find the sandy region of Sotavento. For a complete contrast, head west to the impressive and rocky Barlavento<\/a>.
\nAnd where do you like it better? In rocky Barlavento or sandy Sotavento? Let me know in the comments!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Miles of bright sandy beaches, lagoon islands, and flat dune landscapes – discover the beautiful, sandy Sotavento region of the Algarve with me from Faro to Tavira<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":28829,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"loftocean_post_format_gallery":"","loftocean_post_format_gallery_ids":"","loftocean_post_format_gallery_urls":"","loftocean_post_format_video_id":0,"loftocean_post_format_video_url":"","loftocean_post_format_video_type":"","loftocean_post_format_video":"","loftocean_post_format_audio_type":"","loftocean_post_format_audio_url":"","loftocean_post_format_audio_id":0,"loftocean_post_format_audio":"","loftocean-featured-post":"","loftocean-like-count":0,"loftocean-view-count":18524,"loftocean-enable-content-navigation":"","loftocean-content-navigation-position":"","loftocean-content-navigation-heading":"","loftocean-content-navigation-label":"","loftocean-content-navigation-icon":"","loftocean-map-location":"","loftocean-map-latlng":"","loftocean-map-auto-latlng":"","eaven_single_post_hide_thumbnail":"","eaven_single_post_template":"","eaven_single_post_sidebar":"","eaven_hide_before_page_content_ad":"","eaven_hide_after_page_content_ad":"","eaven_advanced_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2542],"tags":[1023,1021,2141,2293,1341,1441],"class_list":{"0":"post-30019","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-destinations","8":"tag-algarve-en","9":"tag-portugal-en","10":"tag-rental-car","11":"tag-things-to-do-algarve","12":"tag-tips","13":"tag-travel-tips"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30019","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30019"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30019\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":53911,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30019\/revisions\/53911"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28829"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30019"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30019"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30019"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}