This Town Redefines “Mediterranean Living”
UNESCO-recognized for the Mediterranean Diet—but it’s not on the Med.
As I stood on the balcony of our apartment, I could hear the announcer yell out in Portuguese as the cyclists crossed the finish line. Crowds cheered, drones flew overhead capturing the footage, and TV reporters interviewed exhausted participants.
My adopted home of Tavira is a happening town of year-round events and festivals that never seem to end.
Perched along the banks of the sleepy Gilão River, this charming town is more than just another beach haven in the popular Algarve. It was recognized by UNESCO in 2013 and awarded the distinctive title, Portugal’s representative community of the Mediterranean Diet, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Although Tavira faces the Atlantic Ocean, it embraces a Mediterranean lifestyle by promoting fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil as the primary fat, local seafood, dried fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and wine. Portugal, like the rest of the European Union, adopts a precautionary approach when it comes to food additives, along with salt, sugar, artificial colors, and gluten.
Every weekend during the summer, the town hosts an array of free concerts, outdoor movies, festivals, cultural events, and marathons. The closing festival in early September celebrates the renowned Mediterranean Diet. Hundreds of kiosks pop up filled with food, cooking demonstrations, handicrafts, folk dancing, music and merriment that lasts into the early morning hours.
Even the city’s architecture echoes the Mediterranean vibe with features like, "telhados de tesouro" (pagoda roofs) and "portas de reixa" (trellis doors). Tavira’s old town radiates with
venerable dwellings embellished with azulejos tiles with timeless designs of intricate patterns.
Fuchsia and lilac-hued bougainvillea cling to facades, church bells chime in the distance, and the sweet smell of fresh baked goodies seeps out of corner bakeries.
Mostly flat, the layout of the city makes it easily walkable so many expats choose to live without a car to stay fit and active. Hot, dry summers and mild winters with abundant sunshine create the ideal atmosphere for outdoor living.
Expats can choose to go hiking, biking, or sign up at one of several fully equipped gyms for classes, weightlifting, personal training and making new friends. Gym memberships run between $40 to $45 per month per person.
Just like the rest of the Algarve, Tavira does see its share of summer tourists. But because the beaches are on Tavira Island, accessed by a short ferry ride or tourist train, most of the tourists are outside of the city center. Day trippers visit the old town to see the ruined castle and marvel at the sights over the famed Roman Bridge.
Gastronomy from around the world can be found in the city or in neighboring towns. Indian cuisine has long been a favorite among the British so there are plenty of Indian restaurants along with Italian, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, and traditional Portuguese fare.
Tavira Plaza is a multi-levelled shopping center with a sizeable food court, giant supermarket, a multitude of smaller shops and even a medical and dental clinic. Restaurants prices average around $12 per meal, but specials of the day can be found for less.
Our absolute favorite is a pizza restaurant in the Plaza where my husband and I can share a large, veggie pizza and drinks for around $12. The crust is thin and crispy with delicate air bubbles from the wood-fired oven that give it that charcoaled flavor… yum.
Tavira is serviced by two train stations making it easy to get most anywhere. Trains from Tavira to Faro offer easy access to the airport, or hop aboard another train for treks to Lisbon, Porto, and beyond. Seniors over age 65 get a 50% discount! Upgrade to first class for a bit more money and receive free Wi-Fi, extra leg room, and snacks and drinks delivered to your seat.
Uber and Bolt is available throughout Portugal at affordable prices too. Long-distance buses offer service into Spain, with the medieval city of Seville just two hours by car or bus. Close to Seville is a Costco Warehouse where many Americans with cars like to go, hoping to find some of the comforts of home.
Situated in the eastern Algarve, the city is just a 30-minute drive to the fishing village of
Ayamonte, Spain. The easy to cross boarder is marked only by a sign that says, “Espana,” where the road signs change from Portuguese to Spanish. Expats often drive over for tapas, do some shopping on the Spanish side, and then return the same day.
All residents of Portugal have access to the low-cost private healthcare system as well as the almost free public system. Although Tavira does not have a hospital, it does have a handful of small medical and dental clinics. The nearest hospitals, both public and private are a 30-minute drive away in Faro or Loulé. Faro hospitals can be accessed by train and then a quick Uber ride.
Historic charm, modern necessities, and healthy living make Tavira the ideal spot to live an active, European lifestyle.
Editor’s Note: Thinking about Portugal? From the golden beaches of the Algarve to the vibrant neighborhoods of Lisbon and the tranquil inland towns, Portugal has something for every lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re curious about visas, healthcare, or the cost of living, we’ve got the resources to help you explore your options.
👉 Read our full guide to living in Portugal and start planning your next chapter.