\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI now understand the Mediterranean lifestyle and why it is so healthy.<\/p>\n
The local market is a 10-minute walk from our apartment. It sells fresh fruits and vegetables, olives, herbs, nuts, dried fruit, honey, fresh fish, seafood, and meat. The oranges and lemons are picked fresh from the trees and are divine. It is possible to eat very well here.<\/p>\n
The weather is mild, about 18 C during the day at this time of year, which makes it very pleasant to walk outside.<\/p>\n
Tavira is located on the Gilao River. This river reaches the sea through the lagoons of the Rio Formosa Nature Park.<\/p>\n
One of the major attractions of the area is Ihla de Tavira. We can catch a ferry which takes us to this island. A round trip ferry ride costs less than $4 and takes about 15 minutes to reach the island. Along the way, you can see flamingos and other wading birds in the salt flats.<\/p>\n
Tavira Island has 11 kilometres of beach. The beach is sandy, with no rocks or pebbles, and the water is very clean. There are sandbars, and it is possible to wade in the water this time of year.<\/p>\n One of my favourite activities in the world is beachcombing, so I am in shell heaven here as there are piles of shells along the beach.<\/p>\n The town of Tavira is very walkable and much quieter than many other towns in the Algarve region.<\/p>\n In the centre of town is the medieval Tavira Castle. The gardens are beautiful, as is the view. Beside the castle is the Convento de Tavira, which dates from the 16th century. My husband and I can spend entire afternoons wandering through the narrow streets and over the Roman bridge. There are so many little caf\u00e9s and restaurants where we can stop, sit outside to enjoy a beverage or coffee, and watch people go by. Jeff even found the Black Anchor, a popular Irish pub.<\/p>\n There are also cultural events in town. We recently attended a small evening concert in a church. The quintet played a variety of music. The acoustics were wonderful and the setting magical\u2026 an evening\u2019s entertainment for only eight Euros.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t