Steve's World Blog Information and articles on cities, towns and villages around the world.

Located in the eastern section of the Algarve in Portugal, the historic city of Tavira is one of the oldest in the region. Established by the Phoenicians in the eighth century BC it developed into a significant trading port. In the 8^th century AD, Tavira came under the control of the Moors and the current name is derived from the Arabic Tabira (“hidden”). Conquered by the Christians in 1242 much of Tavira was rebuilt only to be later destroyed by the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755. Present day Tavira is a popular holiday destination with some fine facilities, nice sandy beaches and superb golf courses. The region enjoys a super climate with Tavira weather being especially pleasant between May and October. Easily accessible from Faro airport, which is about 35 kilometres to the west, Tavira can also be reached from southern Spain.