Eastern Algarve & Tavira - Property For Sale by Knight Frank
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The Eastern Algarve stretches from Faro to Olháo ending at the Guadiana river which separates Spain from Portugal. Beautiful empty beaches with sands that seem to go on forever. Fields of orange trees, heavy with the scent of blossom. Then the hills of fig and almond trees and houses with dazzling whitewashed walls and distinctive chimneys decorated to resemble fine tracery of lace. And, last of all, the great open spaces. This is just a hint of the charms of the Eastern Algarve incorporating Tavira and its municipality. Tavira nestles on the banks of the Gilaáo river. The Eastern region of the Algarve remains relatively under developed compared to the central Algarve.
The Algarve´s major fishing port is Olháo 20kms west of Tavira. It faces the Ria Formosa nature reserve, a vast lagoon area laces with channels sandbanks and islets.
Climate
The climate in the Algarve region of Portugal is mild, with little rainfall and plenty of sun throughout the year, making it an ideal year-round destination. Summers are hot and sunny, but are often refreshed by cooling breezes off the coast; the farther west you go, the windier it becomes. July and August are the hottest months of the year, and can be fairly unbearable inland. The weather in the autumn and winter months is mild, and visitors will need warm clothing in the evening. January is the coolest month of the year. The Algarve gets most of its rainfall over the winter months; rain is rare between June and September. The Atlantic Ocean is cold but becomes gradually slightly warmer to the east, thanks to the influence of the Mediterranean.
History of the area
Tavira along with Lagos is one of the most architecturally attractive towns in the Algarve and its origin dates back to around 2.000 BC. During the occupation of the Algarve by the Moors this town was considered of great importance due to its fishing industry.
Like most of the Algarve its buildings were all virtually destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. The town has since been rebuilt with many fine 18th Century fine buildings along with its 37 churches A Roman bridge links the two parts of the town across the River Gilão. Its original economic reliance on the fishing industry has now been surpassed due to the change in the migration patterns of the tuna fish. The population is in the region of 20,000 inhabitants supporting a military base whilst the surrounding area is still very rural and undeveloped.
Faro has been a provincial capital since Roman times and was reduced to rubble in 1755 by the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Europe. Among the building severely damaged but re-built was Faros Romanesque Gothic cathedral.
Culture
Faro hosts a number of large music concerts, the last big name to play at Faro stadium was Melanie C. Tavira has the handicraft festival in August and the fair of Saint Luzia from 8th -11th August. October in Tavira see the fair celebrating Sao Francisco.
Unique points
Fresh Fish, sea food rice, Cataplana and green wine.
Types of property available
In contrast to the amount of building that has gone on in the central Algarve coastal zone, the eastern part of the region remains relatively un-developed. Riverside property in Tavira itself is extremely difficult to come by, but the foreign demand is not so much for property in the town as the surrounding countryside to a radius of 10-15 kms. Faro and Olhao tend not to appeal to the 2nd home market.
Market comment
Interest in the eastern Algarve has grown with the opening of golf courses ar Quinta da Ria, Quinta da Cima, Benamor and Castro Marim and the planned course at Monte Rei.
Quite a few Germans and other European nationals have settled in the east and British and Irish are increasingly discovering its delights.
Access
The via do infante (A22) motorway and the E125 main road give easy access to the west and the Spanish border is only a 30 minute drive from Faro airport.