Eastern Algarve: Tavira and Vila Real

The quietest and most traditionally Portuguese stretch of the Algarve, centred on the beautiful riverside town of Tavira.

The eastern Algarve, stretching from Tavira to the Spanish border at Vila Real de Santo Antonio, is the least developed and most traditionally Portuguese part of the coast. Tavira is widely regarded as the most beautiful town in the Algarve, with its Roman bridge, riverside setting, dozens of churches, and an old town that has been sensitively maintained rather than commercialised. The town attracts a more cultured visitor and a growing number of expat residents drawn by its authenticity. Vila Real de Santo Antonio, laid out on a grid plan after the 1755 earthquake, sits on the Guadiana river opposite the Spanish town of Ayamonte, connected by a regular ferry. The eastern Algarve's beaches are reached via the barrier islands of the Ria Formosa and Cacela Velha, requiring boat trips that filter out casual visitors and preserve a sense of remoteness. Castro Marim, inland near the border, has a castle and salt pans that support flamingo populations. Property prices in the east are generally lower than in the central and western Algarve, making it attractive to buyers seeking value. The trade-off is greater distance from Faro Airport and fewer international amenities.