Tavira is the eastern Algarve's prettiest town, nicknamed by locals as the 'Venice of the Algarve.' Visitors will likely notice that there are many more domestic holidaymakers here than in any other town throughout the Algarve.

Houses dating back to the 18th century line Tavira's streets. Most of these historic houses feature Roman-tiled pyramidal roofs. The town can conveniently be explored on foot. Rua da Liberdade is a stepped street which simply must be climbed to explore the ancient castle's battlement walls.

From the castle, you will have the finest panorama of the church spires in town including the spires of the Igreja da Misericordia, which also boasts a beautifully carved high altar.

A spit of sand cuts the town off from the ocean. The only way to reach this sandbar, which features Praia de Fuzeta and Praia de Tavira beaches, is by speedboat. Perhaps even more beautiful is the beach in Santa Luzia, which is a quaint village situated nearby.

If you've arranged car hire before you arrive, visiting Monte Gordo is a must. Tranquil Monte Gordo is located right on the border with Spain and its beach is particularly popular among children. The waters have warmer temperatures than average, attracting visitors throughout the year.

Olhao can be found west of Tavira. This village enjoys a wonderful location in the stunning Ria da Formosa nature park. Located further west is the popular town of Albufeira, which is the place to head for those who appreciate vibrant nightlife.

There are several car hire firms in Tavira, but the rates charged by local service providers can be expensive. Pre-booking a rental car is highly recommended, with excellent discounts available online.