Tavira “Fleur de Sel” Awarded PDO

Rui Simeão, one of the pioneers in salt extraction in Tavira (who started ~2 years before other producers), has been awarded a special Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status by the European Commission. This distinction is not directly related with the salt extraction process, but the Ria Formosa mud quality and Rui Simeão's Fleur de Sel distinguished product.photo credits: Rui SimeãoFlor de Sal -- or, literally translated Flower of … [Read more...]

Quatro Aguas Pier Redevelopment

After 20 years, the pier at Quatro Águas has finally been remodelled. As a child, I remember the initial shape of Quatro Aguas pier was a square. Around 1994 it was completely rebuilt and the round shape was introduced. The new redevelopment efforts are not only aimed at aesthetics, but also a revitalisation and reorganisation of the pedestrian and parking space.The new Quatro Aguas Pier This requalification work will focus on the … [Read more...]

Aguardente and Medronho Liquors

The "Medronho" -- arbutus berries -- matures when winter knocks on the door. This a warm colored fruit, which grows easily everywhere, likes humidity and spreads throughout the Algarvian hills. It's harvested from October to November, being sunk in a bit of water for 40 days, then, it is smashed and covered. Afterwards, the fruits are placed inside an "alambique" -- batch system -- to be cooked, it is then covered and the mud is pasted around the … [Read more...]

Fires consume Tavira tourist spots

Since last Wednesday serious fires have been burning precious natural areas inside Tavira's municipality. At least 5.000 acres of land have been consumed by the flames in an area that has been recognized as one of the best areas of the country for corktrees.photo by Agêcia LusaThe fire was spotted initially around 13:00 in the parish of Cachopo, from where at least 50 people have been evacuated. Latest reports state that fires are now … [Read more...]

2012 Sea Gastronomy Festival

The flavors of the sea are back to the table in Tavira. Between 12 and 27 of May, with yet another of the Sea Food Festival. In its 9th edition, the event will take place in 15 restaurants in the parishes of Cabanas, Santa Lucia, Santa Maria and Santiago, enabling all sea food lovers to try dishes that combine tradition and innovation.The public once again will have an added incentive, the participants will enter a contest to win a weekend in … [Read more...]