Eastern Algarve Tavira 2008

A short drive East of Faro on the A22 you find the town of Tavira, one of the most architecturally attractive towns in the Algarve and its origins date 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. However the town has since been rebuilt with many fine 18th Century buildings along with numerous churches. A stunning roman bridge links the two parts of the town across the river Gilao. A castle and Pousada overlook the town from high; it is easily possible to wander the cobbled streets stopping for coffee in one of the many pavement café s and soak up the history and ambiance of Tavira.

Restaurants are abound on both sides of the river, far more reasonably priced than the golf mecca of Vilamoura. However it is worth noting that when buying fresh fish check the weight and the overall cost, fish and shellfish sold by the kilo can be very expensive. We found a couple of excellent restaurants, both recommended in a recent daily Telegraph editorial on Tavira, firstly Beco found just over the Roman Bridge in the old town. Don't be put off by the appearance no table cloths and café like in appearance. The food is excellent and a three course meal will cost between £10 and £15 pounds per head plus wine.

At the other end of the scale a short taxi ride towards the beach from town to the Quatro Agues (Four Waters) overlooking the estuary a great place for lunch or in the evening. More expensive around £30 per head but excellent food.

We stayed at the well situated Villa Gala Hotel right in the centre of town. There is no other choice in Tavira other than the Pousada but for a golf trip this may stretch the budget. There is also less choice of golf courses in the area but being less popular helps to keep the cost lower. Our first round was played at Benamore, where I bumped into an old friend Keith Ashdown formally professional at Ilford now at Benamore since 1986. A pleasant parkland course reasonable condition and very playable. Our second round was at Quinta da Ria designed by Rocky Rockmore, thirdly Castro Marim, here a buggy is recommended some good holes but a little undulating and lastly round four we headed for Quinta da Cima host to the European senior tour a big course at 6,700 yds of the daily play tees.

All of the courses are great to play and quieter on the east side of the Algarve away from the hustle of the West and Central areas.

The champions for the week both from Forrester Park for the ladies a very consistent Clare Turner and in the men's event Ron Stovell well done to both of them.

This tour represented great value for money at £599 including accommodation at the 4 star Vila Gala Hotel with welcome cocktail party and gala dinner, car hire four rounds of golf, competition with a £300 prize fund and of course a little help from yours truly if required. A great destination I am sure we will return to this area soon.

Gary Pike

Nov 08

See the Tavira 2008 photo album. Click here.

CALENDAR 2010
From:		to	Nights	Country & Location:	Price from
02/09	-	09/09	7	Madeira , Casa Velha 5	£1325*	details
02/10	-	09/10	7	Portugal, Western Algarve, Le Meridien Penina 5	£820*	details	GS
01/11	-	14/11	13	USA, Myrtle Beach	£1,995**	details
20/11	-	27/11	7	Portugal, Western Algarve, Le Meridien Penina 5	£795*	details	GS
CALENDAR 2011
8/01	-	24/01	14	Vietnam Escorted Tour, Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) & Hoi An	£3,495**	details
31/01	-	13/02	12	South Africa ,The Winelands and Garden Route Escorted Tour. Only 1 remaining place	£3,160**	details
05/03	-	12/03	7	Portugal, Western Algarve, Le Meridien Penina 5	£855*	details	GS
12/03	-	19/03	7	Portugal, Festival of Golf, Penina / San Lorenzo 5	£955*	details
16/04	-	23/04	7	Portugal, Western Algarve, Le Meridien Penina 5	£855*	details	GS
07/05	-	14/05	7	Portugal, Western Algarve, Le Meridien Penina 5	£855*	details	GS
_/05	-	_/05	TBC	Itay , details available soon
10/09	-	17/09	7	Spain, Benalup; Fairplay Hotel and Spa, Luxury All Inclusive 5 £150 single supplement	£1280*	details
15/10	-	22/10	7	Portugal, Western Algarve, Le Meridien Penina 5	£855*	details	GS
__/11	-	__/11	TBC	Dubai, details available soon
				*Prices per person sharing including golf excluding flights **Prices per person sharing including golf & including flights
GS - Golf School     Available Fully Booked