Below are a sample of some of the places of interest in the East Algarve, please click on a town name to jump to the information

Cabanas ♦ Fuzeta ♦ Moncarapacho ♦ Olhão ♦ Santo Estevão ♦ Santa Luzia ♦ Sao Bras ♦ Tavira ♦ Vila Real De Santo António ♦

Cabanas

Cabanas is approximately 7km east of Tavira. It is also the start of the East Algarve Golf trail with Benamour sitting on the roundabout of concecio. Cabanas name derives from huts (cabanas) that were built during the early 18th century by the tuna fishermen to store their fishing gear. Obviously liking it they decided to settle and build houses for themselves ,and hey presto the fishing village of Cabanas de Tavira was born.

Fishing still plays a role in the economics of Cabanas but for the last 30 years or so tourism has played an ever increasing role. Cabanas was once a small, sleepy village with a handful of cafés, in the summer it changes into a popular tourist resort.

Cabanas underwent some surgery in 2010 with a magnificent waterfront facelift . Most of the through traffic is one way and congestion has eased considerably. in the future there is plans of a small marina being built.
New cobbled roads and pavements there room for the numerous cafes and restaurants to have tables outside and it is a very relaxing place to be. The boarded walkway runs the whole length of the Avenida and has seats and sunshades for taking in the view and watching the water lapping around the boats

When you do venture across to cabanas beach you will find it is a chilled out place where any sense of mayhem simply disappears. The view across the calm, crystal clear waters of the lagoon to the beach, with brightly coloured fishing boats along the waters edge, really is magic.
Whilst not everyone's cup of tea it has grown on me and is now a very pleasant place to be.

Fuzeta

Fuzeta is a small Village nestled on the coast of the Algarve close to Olhao.
It is generally more popular in the summer because of its beaches and easy going atmosphere. It holds regular boot fairs & markets.

Fuzeta has two beaches for you to choose from. The first is a small beach on the lagoon in the town itself. This Fuzeta beach is very busy in the morning and late afternoon in August, but quieter outside of this. When the tide is up it is great to swim and is very safe. When the tide is out, you are reduced to paddling and exploring the shore. Families with small children’s will like it as being in the lagoon it is calm and very safe.

Fuzeta’ s other beach is just across the lagoon on Ilha de Armona. When the tide is high, you can also swim here on the lagoon side without waves. However, the 'real' Fuzeta beach is the ocean side. Close to the landing pier, Fuzeta beach is packed in the summer. However, the beach extends left and right for miles, so those seeking some more privacy and peace and quiet can walk for five, ten, twenty minutes or more and find as much beach to themselves as they like.

Moncarapacho

Moncarapacho is a small country village in the eastern Algarve not far from Faro. It is set in beautiful countryside which is home to growers of oranges, lemons and figs, and the area is also a big producer of flowers. The village itself is situated 8km northeast of Olhao and about 10km east of Estoi.

Being in the less commercialised Eastern Algarve, the area is quite quiet. Being a rural village, Moncarapacho is certainly not overrun by holidaymakers, although it is becoming a more popular destination along with a few of its neighboring villages. The real attraction of the village is its relaxed and friendly atmosphere and its unhurried pace of life. The village offers the basics, such as supermarkets, banks, a post office, restaurants and bars and also a weekly market. You can also find traditional crafts here such as leatherwork for horses and the manufacture of ceramics, a good ceramics shop being found on the outskirts of the village.

Located where it is, within a 20-minute drive of Faro airport and only 3km from the IP1 motorway, Moncarapacho makes the rest of the Algarve easily accessible, if you have hired a car (which is definitely recommended).

Olhão

The town lies on the coast reasonably close to Faro (approx 10 km) and approx 20 km from Tavira. Olhão is pretty much at the end of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. The own has seen new development flooding in with a Shopping Centre , new apartment complex and 5 star hotel as well as a spa being built along the sea front. With plans underway for a new marina, we can see the huge potential in this location. The town now also boasts a premiership football team "Olhanense" which has a enthusiastic following of portuguese and ex- pat supporters.
Architecturally the town is well known for an older quarter where the flat terraced roofs and straight box-shaped chimneys show a definite Moorish flavour in their style. Another important curiosity to the visitor is the fish and veg market held every day in a long building on the waterfront. Each morning there is a lively atmosphere and the impressively large variety of fish offered by the local catch is displayed to tempt the local housewife.

From the town of Olhão there is a ferry and boat service that takes visitors to the nearby very small islands of Ilha da Culatra and Ilha da Armona. With their un-spoilt sandy beaches and a virtual lack of construction these islands are a pleasant contrast to the noise and bustle of the main coast. Well worth a visit with a picnic.

Santo Estevão

Santo Estevão is a popular village near to the City of Tavira. A lovely cobbled square with a pretty church is the heart of this area where nearby amenities include two good supermarkets, a chemist, bank and cafe. Whilst the friendly and popular restaurant O Forno serves great food in their courtyard garden. This area is loved by a mixture of nationalities wishing to be near to the main City of Tavira whilst located in a rural Portuguese village set within stunning countryside.

Tavira is located approx 5minutes away whilst all major routes are easily accessed. Located a little further East of Tavira are a good selection of beaches and golf courses. The island of Tavira with a fabulous beach can be reached by boat from the centre of the City.

Santa Luzia

Just 2kms west from Tavira is the small village of Santa Luzia.
Commonly known as the “Capital Do Polvo" which in English means "Octopus Capital". The fishermen are regularly out fishing for the Polvo and you can find many different dishes and ways this is served.
Santa Luzia has been somewhat transformed recently with new walkways along the sea front, ease of access to the beautiful beach known as” Praia do Barril" and with its traditional and quaint bars running along the sea front really makes this a perfect spot to catch the last of the sun in a early evening drink.
It is a quiet village but with many fantastic restaurants with Restaurante Canto Azul ,Marisqueira Capellos ,Restaurante Vincent’s and Tasquinha Casa do Polvo just to name a few. These ones mentioned are all from experience and produce wonderful food with a great atmosphere.

This really is a charming village and a place to visit which will be remembered for a long time to come.

Sao Bras

Sao Bras is a large and popular bustling market town, With a mixture of old cobbled streets and traditional and new properties, this suits a mixture of nationalities who happily settle in this traditional Portuguese location, Either within the town itself or located in the stunning countryside surrounding Sao Bras which offers beautiful views country and in some cases coastal views whilst being well located to all amenities of the town.

There is a good selection of popular restaurants and bars with something to suit everyone. All amenities are to hand from Supermarkets, banks, chemists and all day to day needs on your doorstep. A regular market is held in the centre of the town every week .

Located overlooking Sao Bras is the Pousada with stunning views and an ideal base to stay and explore this lovely area. Nearby is the traditional village of Alportel and a gorgeous stop off picnic point located within the pine forests with pools of spring water to enjoy a dip!

Another bonus to this location is it’s situation to Faro Airport a mere 20minutes away whilst the lovely market town of Loule is also located nearby, other major routes are all easily accessible from here.

Tavira

Tavira is a small town, but big in character and charm, one of the prettiest towns in the Algarve which has escaped the clutches of tourism, high rise hotels and rowdy holiday makers.
Rich in history and with many buildings still boasting Moorish architecture dating back from the 13th century. The Roman Bridge (actually Moorish) links the two sides of the town across the River Gilão which runs into the sea.

Tavira boasts 37 churches many of which are open to the public and offer amazing architecture.
The town today is vibrant and lively with local produce for sale in the local market which serves as a meeting place for those to catch up with one another over a coffee and a small brandy.
In the mornings walk down to the river front and sit along the river watching sun come up, with the local fishermen bring in the catch of the day.
During the day catch the ferry across to the Ilha de Tavira where you find the most incredible beaches ,which are perfect for spending a day relaxing . With restaurants and a few bars this really does make a enjoyable day out.

Golf has now played a big part of the industry here with several course's within 20 minutes or so from Tavira.
With the mayor and local residents this town will resist the temptation to put tourism first. Tavira really is a gem and a perfect location to get away too.