Tavira, Coastal municipality in Algarve, Portugal
Tavira is a coastal municipality in eastern Algarve that spreads across six parishes connecting urban areas with rural zones. The town sits between the Atlantic Ocean and inland mountains, with roads leading to both beaches and mountain villages.
The region began as a Phoenician settlement and later fell under Moorish control before Christian forces conquered it in 1242. This conquest brought new governance and cultural influences that shaped the area's development.
The city reflects its layered past through whitewashed houses with decorated chimneys that visitors can see throughout neighborhoods. This building style reveals how people adapted their homes to the Mediterranean climate and light.
When visiting, know that the city is split by the Gilão River and crossed by a medieval bridge connecting both sides. Roads through the municipality link beaches, mountain villages, and urban centers, making different areas accessible to explore.
The Gilão River dividing the city is crossed by a bridge with seven arches that was rebuilt after major floods in the 17th century. This bridge is a daily landmark that visitors cross without always knowing its story.
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