Program
Castro Marim, Tavira, Alcoutim
Going to the interior we still have some places which are incredibly beautiful: Castro Marim, Tavira (the Algarve’s most ancient city), Alcoutim (also a very typical village). Castro Marim - The first settlements in this area date back to approximately 5000 BC, possibly situated on the hill where the castle now stands. Phoenicians and Romans where present here. Due to the strategic position of the town on border with the kingdom of Castile , Castro Marim became the headquarters of the Order of Christ after the Christian reconquest.
Tavira - is one of the gems of the eastern Algarve. Straddling the River Gilao and the River Segua, its gentle charm and predominantly low-rise architecture set it aside from other resorts in the region. Sometimes referred to as the Venice of the Algarve, it boasts a seven-arched Roman bridge, some fine Renaissance architecture, numerous churches, tree-lined squares and a certain romantic air. Also, along the Travessa de Dona Brites you will find fine examples of medieval houses complete with Gothic windows and doorways. However, it is also a lively trading town with a vibrant fruit and vegetable market just beyond the riverside park where many stop to drink a coffee and catch up on the local gossip. An important place on the map throughout Portuguese history often used by travellers to Africa due to its proximity to Morocco and, in fact, once the most important port beyond Lisbon, this once thriving tuna- fishing town now depends largely on tourism. A nod to the town’s significant past are the ruins of a Moorish castle, the battlements of which can still be visited and from where one gets the best view of the town, its many church spires, ornate rooftops and balconies and indeed the river delta and beyond to the sea. At only 3 kilometres from the Atlantic coast, a handful of pleasant beaches are easily attainable from Tavira, not least the two beaches to be found on the island of Tavira.
Alcoutim - The blue river framed by cool greens of the riverside vegetation, of fertile orchards and gardens. The dark ochre of the hills, flecked with colour by cistus plants, holm, oak and the occasional olive tree. Houses with walls of schist or baked mud white with the dazzle of lime, huddled together in hamlets lost among the hills. Such contrasts are to be found in the Alcoutim municipality.
