As you can see from the photographs the gardens are both lovely as well as being well kept. The pool is also immaculate and has lifeguards through the summer months. The apartment itself is fitted with a brand new combi gas boiler which provides hot water as well as heating. There is also aircon fitted in the lounge and both bedrooms. The aircon is also new and has a special quiet mode that allows
you to get to sleep more easily. If you don't feel like venturing out because of the weather. You can either sit and chill on the covered patio, which provides both shade from the sun and shelter if its rains (it does occasionally but its still warm when it does and the smell of the warm earth makes it almost worthwhile!!)
Or you can surf the web or watch films on the hard drive which is plugged into the tv and has loads of films for kids and adults as well as a number of videos about Tavira and the surrounding area. TV
The TV is a "Smart TV" which is linked to the internet so you can surf the web or access youtube and several other apps
Information booklet
When you get a chance have a flick through the info booklet at the apartment there’s tons of ideas about places to go and places to see as well as a map of the condo. There's also my contact details on the front, please don't hesitate to get hold of me if I can help in any way. I’d love you to fall in love with the country as I have!! OTHER STUFF
Shopping
If you fancy a greater choice of grocery shopping you can call at "Continente" hypermarket which is one of the many shops inside the "Grand Plaza". It’s the large rectangular building a few hundred meters in front of you as you leave the condominium. There are some small shops in the back streets around the town which are well worth a look at. A great place to get some local artisan fresh food (especially sea food) is the municipal market hall. This is located inside a large building at the foot of the road bridge downstream of the Town. You'll be astounded at the prices a cooked chicken will cost you 3 euros (Continente) and a kilo of Sardines that have been caught that day will be about 4 euros!!! Restaurants
There are some fantastic restaurants whose quality and prices will amaze you. Have a look inside the booklet where you will find a map with their locations marked in pen and the corresponding reviews attached. Our favourite is “Komaky”
https://www.facebook.com/Komaky-1562952747260395/
which is on the main street the other side of the river. If you go there you really should try the seared Tuna, with the chef/owner being Japanese it’s amazing!! (A three course meal for two with drinks will cost less than 30 euros)
There is however a restaurant a few meters away inside the condominium, so if you don’t fancy going out or cooking give it a go. It’s well-used by both locals and resident alike. Tavira town
You can walk(approx 1.5 km), but it’s much easier to take a taxi. You can ask reception to order you one they're normally there in minutes. Other ways are located inside the cover of the info book. You can download the digitaxi app and use the WIFI or call or email "taxiesar". If you email you must give 24 hours’ notice. If you’re going into to town I would suggest you ask to be dropped at the "Bishops Square" this normally costs less than 5 euros and will drop you near the Roman Bridge in the centre of town. Beaches
Tavira is situated inside the "RIA Formosa Natural Park". It has been described a one of the most amazing places in the Algarve and has recently been elected as one of the natural wonders of Portugal. It is made up of five barrier islands that stretch from Faro to the Spanish border. As a consequence the main beaches or on the outer bars which are accessed either by Ferry which you can catch from the far side of the river at the upstream of the Municipal Market. (You can park in the market car park for free), the cost will be about 2 euros per person but not only do you get to the beach, which is superb, but if you’re lucky you will get a glimpse of some of the wildlife that makes this special place its home. You can also access the beach by driving to “Pedras De El Rei” which is located just past “Santia Luzia” which itself is just to the west of Tavira. When you get to “”Pedras De El Rei”, park on the side of the road next to the water, walk across the footbridge and catch the train to the beach, this is a great adventure for the kids. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0JT92eS5zM
If you only want to go to the beach for a quick paddle you can drive to the roundabout by the Gran Plaza, go straight across, and drive for another kilometre keeping left at the end. You can park the car and access a couple of small beaches which look out at Tavira Island were if you fancy you can snorkelling and have a look at the abundant wildlife, if you look carefully or are very observant you could spot a sea horses which are prevalent in the area. Golf
There are a number of golf courses close by, a further 20 along the coast. The closest are;
Quinta Da Ria – Par 72, 18 hole. Quinta De Cima – Par 72, 18 hole. Benamor golf – Par 71, 18 hole. Castromarim – 3 x nine hole courses. The best option if you fancy a round or two seems to be booking through PT golf which is conveniently situated opposite the supermarket at the entrance to the condominium. A guide to the prices are in the info pack at the property, just call down and have a chat with the guys at PT Golf. They are a Scandinavian company who speak perfect English and are happy to help. You can hire clubs off the guys or at the course but they’ve told me that if you’re serious and you’re not bringing your own, you can hire quality clubs at; http://www.clubstohire.com/Pages/shop_faro
Apparently your clubs will be waiting for you at the airport.
