Children in Algarve, Portugal by Carlos Baquero / License: Creative Commons

Children will also get much more out of any holiday if you involve them in some of the planning stages – sit them down with a map of the region and explain where you’re going and what you’re likely to see and do. You can be sure that will start a debate! Building up excitement prior to the trip is not only all part of the experience, but will also keep them going should you encounter any hitches such as flight delays. Take their interests into account too – if one child loves the outdoors while the other has more fun exploring castles and playing king over ramparts, make sure you’ve built in both options for the trip. Ultimately, whether your child wants to be a pirate or a princess, some fun preparation will help you get more out of your adventure.

The Region in Brief

If you haven’t yet visited the Algarve – and even if you have – you may think that this southernmost stretch of sandy shore is no more than a gaggle of golf courses, villa complexes and cheap and cheerful beach resorts. Up to a point, you’d be right, but Faro airport is the gateway to so much more than just the manicured greens and spotless sands of resorts such as Vilamoura, Albufeira, Quarteira and Portimão.

Head all the way west, and in a surprisingly short space of time (less than a 90-minute drive from Faro) you’re on the wild west coast, a region of endless sands, spectacular coastlines and Atlantic surf.

Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal by Klugschnacker

Take off in the opposite direction, and in only half an hour you’re in Tavira or Vila Real de Santo António, gorgeous historic towns that haven’t turned into booming tourism resorts because they’re not right on the coast – but both of which have splendid sandy beaches just minutes away.

Push on a little further east and you can be across the border into Spain’s ‘sherry triangle’ and the stunning historic cities of Seville, Jerez and Cádiz, and a whole different culture of gypsy violinists, flamenco dancers and prancing stallions – and of cutting edge adrenaline water sports.

Or go inland, across the rolling plains and winding river valleys of the Baixa Alentejo. Spattered with scarlet, purple and yellow wildflowers in spring and early summer, the Alentejo’s prairies bake under endless sun in summer, but the region is dotted with dozens of freshwater reservoirs, including Europe’s newest and largest artificial lake, that are super, uncrowded family picnic spots. If you go a little further to north, you can visit the capital of Portugal, the beautiful Lisbon.

Lisbon, Portugal by Miguel Vieira

This is a region that seems a world away from the busy coast, but that is very easy to get to. And all of the holiday honeypots of the Algarve, the Alentejo and Andalusia’s western corner are packed into a remarkably compact space: none of the attractions and destinations that we have highlighted in this book is more than two hours from Faro airport, at maximum. With buses and trains linking everywhere along the coast and inland, you don’t even need a car to explore.

Further south, Monchique, around an hour’s drive from Sagres and about half an hour from Lagos or Portimão, is a pleasant enough little town for a break to let the family stretch their legs and grab a cold drink if you’re tempted to take a drive through the hills inland from the coast – but from the point of view of parents with children it isn’t really a destination worth making a special trip to.

Yes, go to the Algarve for some of the most spectacular beaches in Europe, for lovely villas and excellent family resorts – but go too to explore wild Atlantic beaches, flamingo haunted wetlands, traffic-free historic town centers, cool river valleys and the big skies of the back country. There is much more to the Algarve than the world of the holiday brochures.

Bispo is a Portuguese young man that lives in Algarve and loves to travel.

The post Traveling With Children To Algarve In Portugal appeared first on Europe Explored.

Tavira – Ponte romana, Portugal by Rui Ornelas

The Best Time to Visit Tavira

Summer season, when temperatures are highest, is the best time to visit the Island. The best months are therefore July and August. During this season, the daytime sky is always clear blue due to high temperatures and more hours of sunshine. The Tavira weather is generally good throughout the year.

Weather in Tavira

Temperatures are lowest in January and highest in July. Summer temperatures may go as high as 30˚C with sunshine throughout the 12 hours of the day. In winter, spring and autumn seasons, temperatures are always above 15˚C and sunshine hours are reduced to six. Generally, Tavira weather is a typical one from January to December.

Ria de Tavira, Tavira, Portugal by F Mira

Taxi Fares

Traveling may involve hiring a car or taxi for people staying away from the city centre. If you are interested in seeing Tavira’s tourist spots and multiple beaches, hiring a car is your best option. The taxi may cost as high as $45 from the outskirts of the city to the Island. It costs around $20 for adults and $5 for children. There is also an ample packing in the Praia Verde and Manta Rota, a few kilometers away from the Island.

Best Places to Stay

Most of the best hotels are far from the city and people have to know in advance the best locations to stay and those which suit their needs. Some hotels are situated in places with easy beach access perfect for beach holidays and are also near the city centre. These include the Pousada Convento da Graca, Vila Gale Tavira and Hotel Porta Nova in the Tavira city.  Other top hotel choices but may take a while reaching the city are Vila Gale Albacora, Pedras D’EI Rei in Santa Luzia and Pedras da Rainha in Cabanas de Tavira. For economy travelers, there are also lots of guest houses, private apartments and camping facilities in the Island.

Hotel Rates

Hotel prices range between $160 and $260 for hotels such as Pedras Raihha Holiday village, Vila Gale Tavira, Vila Gale Albacora and Golden Clude Cabanas. These prices do not include $12 for fees and taxes, and are available for one room and double occupancy partners.

Tavira Beaches

Tavira has some of the most pristine, secluded yet very inviting beaches in the world. Listed below are four of the top tourist choices for beach holidays.

Praia da Terra Estreita (the Narrow Land Beach)

This beach is 50 m in width and found to the East of Praia do Barril, on narrow part of the Tavira Island. It’s also called Praia de Santa Luzia, a village where boats are set off towards the island. Tourists enjoy a warm seawater swim and admire sea daffodils flowers.

Praia da Terra Estreita, Tavira, Portugal by Rafael Tovar

Praia de Cabanas

Found on a strip of land that is narrow and long to the East of the island and river estuary, Praia de Cabanas  is located in the Cabanas village, a fishing village. The beach is identified by numerous fishing boats anchored around the Rio Formosa area.

Praia do Lacem

A small lagoon forms this beach and it’s surrounded by vineyards, farmland and orchards. It’s accessed by a footpath with thick vegetation growing on its sides.

Praia do Barril

It’s found in the South coast of Algarve and one of calm beaches as high floods of season don’t affect it. During spring and winter seasons, the water is warm and calm making it a great place for swimming. Tourists visit the beach to jog and watch birds.

Travel Necessities

Some important documents like a valid passport and hotel tickets and confirmations are necessary when traveling to Portugal. Some extra cash and debit and credit cards are important in case of emergencies. Someone needs to have a travel medical insurance plan in case of health problems requiring medication.

Praia do Barril, Tavira, Portugal by Alexmol

Footwear such as flip-flop, pairs of padded socks and sneakers are important for walking on beaches. Jacket is also necessary in case of rain and cold weather. Other clothing basics should be at least four tops and three bottoms, dressy shirts and T-shirts. Personal hygiene items such as soap, sunscreens and hair products are also travel necessities. A map or any guide material for people who may not be able to speak Portuguese is necessary.

About the Author:

Lori Harp is travel blogger and writer for Tavira House Hotel – one of the best hotels in Algarve set within the castle walls of the stunning Algarvian town. For more information visit their website or check out their Google+ Page.

The post 7 Things You Need to Know When Visiting Tavira Island | Portugal appeared first on Europe Explored.