Tavira is a beautifully elegant town and almost surreal in aspects. Visitors can be forgiven for forgetting where they are, or even what year it is, as they step into this unique Algarve fishing town. The market hall (mercado do ribeiro) on the river front was revamped a few years ago and now is home to several shops, cafes and restaurants around the edge with the central space available for exhibitions and special events.  If you enjoy shopping then dont miss the GranPlaza shopping mall it has a fantastic selection of shops, places to eat and cinemas as well as a large Continente supermarket. The beach at Tavira is a fabulous island beach, Ilha de Tavira, a 14km long offshore sandspit. Ferries cross from the town centre throughout the summer and all year round from nearby Quatro Águas.