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Tavira - Other Parishes in the Municipality |
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Cabanas de Tavira
Cabanas de Tavira has a population of around 1070 inhabitants and an area of 6.31km2. It was once a fishing village that depended exclusively on fishing activities and shellfish harvesting in the Ria Formosa. Traces of its past can still be seen in the town today. This is especially true of its gastronomy which is rich in produce from the sea.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Mar (Church of Our Lady of the Sea)
Inaugurated on 24th April 1994, this church houses an image of Our Lady of the Sea paid for by the local population.
Forte de São João da Barra (São João da Barra Fort)
On arrival at Cabanas, head to the far eastern end of the seafront promenade until the paved road comes to an end then continue on foot, staying on the dirt track that will lead you through trees and white broom bushes to the fort overlooking the Estuary. Observe this interesting military building dating back to 1656 and enjoy the superb view over the sea, which can be glimpsed beyond the sand dunes.
Conceição
Situated close to the sea, the parish’s beauty testifies to its natural heritage. Its patron saint is Our Lady of the Conception and its inhabitants mostly make their living in farming, trade, building, tourism and handicrafts.
Parque de Lazer do Perímetro Florestal da Conceição (Leisure Park)
The leisure park offers the visitor the opportunity to go on an interesting and informative ramble to become acquainted with the local flora and fauna. There are a children’s playground, support facilities, a bar and toilets.
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The 1st of May is a good day to have a picnic in the park in the company of many people who head off to the park not only to enjoy the workers’ holiday but also to indulge in a traditionally much-consumed delicacy at this time of year – snails.
Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Main Church of Our Lady of the Conception)
Dating back to the 16th century, the church comprises three naves. The exterior façade reveals baroque features and the portico is decorated in late-gothic Manueline style.
Ponte Romana de Almargem (Roman Bridge)
Set in farmland next to the Eurotel Tavira Hotel, the bridge is formed by three perfectly rounded arches all similar in size.
Cachopo
The parish of Cachopo comprises fifty-three hamlets set in the Serra do Caldeirão mountain range. There is a cosy atmosphere in the typical little mountain village of Cachopo. Wherever you look, time seems to have stood still and tradition lives on.
A Igreja (The Church)
Cachopo’s village church, dating back to the year 1535, is a must-see for any visitor. This is where farming families came over the centuries to pray for the good harvests that were so vital to rural livelihoods.
Núcleo Museológico de Cachopo (Museum)
The museum, situated in the old Casa dos Cantoneiros (the local headquarters of government employees whose job was to keep the roads in a good state of repair), affords visitors the opportunity to become acquainted with the culture and customs of the people who live here and have so much knowledge to impart.
A number of monuments and interesting places can be found throughout this mountain range and should not be missed. Go for it; set off on an adventure of discovery to find the mountains’ hidden treasures.
The Fonte Férrea (Ferrous Spring) in Cachopo, so named because of the qualities of its water, constitutes an oasis of coolness on hot summer days and is a pleasant spot all year round.
As for the natural viewing-point Miradouro Natural do Cerro do Malhanito, take the opportunity to delight in the marvellous view over the mountains.
The necropolises of Antas das Pedras Altas and Anta de Masmorra are also well worth a visit. And because mountain traditions often date back over the millennia, take a close look at the circular houses used to store animal fodder and whose origins can be traced back to prehistoric times.
Luz de Tavira
Located just a few kilometres from the city of Tavira, the parish of Luz de Tavira was the place where the Romans once built the ancient Roman city of Balsa.
The town of Luz de Tavira has two religious monuments, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz (Church of Our Lady of the Light) and the Ermida de Nossa Senhora do Livramento (Chapel of Our Lady of Deliverance), dating back to the 16th century and to the year 1708 respectively.
Another monument worth visiting is the Torre d’Aires (Aires Tower), also known as the Torre de Aires Gonçalves, which was once a part of the then highly important Portuguese defence structure.
Santa Catarina
An extremely rich parish as far as nature is concerned, with a diversity of fauna and flora, particularly so with regard to birdlife. Common linnets, goldfinches, house martins, barn swallows, swifts, kites and common buzzards are just some of the species that can be found here. Examples of the varied plant-life include blue-bells and irises.
This is a place well worth visiting, where agreeable rambles are an excellent suggestion. Make the most of it by having a picnic in the picnic area (Parque de Merendas) and then visit the “Fontes Férreas” (Ferrous Springs) and Santa Catarina’s main church, which dates back to the 16th century.
The parish is also renowned for its handicrafts: pottery; roof tiles, bricks and floor tiles; basketry; firewater manufacture, mostly made with arbutus berries; and also for its typical sweets: stuffed figs, and almond- and carob-based sweets, among others.
Igreja Matriz de Santa Catarina (Main Church)
Dating back to the 16th century, the church’s architecture is a combination of Manueline, renaissance and baroque styles.
Santa Luzia
Known as the “octopus capital”, Santa Luzia is a fishing town. On leaving Tavira, you will soon come to Santa Luzia where you can start the morning off taking a stroll and becoming acquainted with the magnificent stretch of sand known as Praia do Barril, as well as admiring the fauna and flora of the Ria Formosa.
On your return, stop at one of the local restaurants and try one of the many dishes made using octopus, shellfish or fish from the Estuary.
And to finish off your day, visit the town’s main church (Igreja Matriz de Santa Luzia), wander through the typical streets and watch the fishermen untangle their nets after the day’s work is done.
Santo Estevão
The parish of Santo Estevão is located in the heart of the Algarvean uplands, the bountiful area linking the sea and the mountains, where farming is the main activity and delicious meals of game may be enjoyed.
Worth visiting in Santo Estevão are the main church and the places known as Moinhos da Rocha and Pêgo do Inferno.
Also located in this parish, at a place called Sítio do Malhão, is the Astronomy Observatory. Take us up on our suggestion of a night-time visit to contemplate the stars.
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