The Ria Formosa Camp-site is very close to the train station and bright and early, we caught the train to Tavira, just a short ride along the Portuguese Algarve coast. By showing our driving licences we were allowed to purchase tickets at the pensioners’ rate.
Having been to Tavira on a number of occasions it was really just remembering the layout. It is a pleasant town to walk around. It was founded in pre Roman days and has always been an important fishing port. One of the two bridges that span the river Gilao is Roman. After the earthquake in 1755 it was rebuilt and many of the 18th century buildings remain, albeit that some are in dire need of loving care.
After a pleasant walk rekindling old memories we caught the train to Olhao, which is the largest fishing port on the Algarve. It has an attractive river front with gardens and promenade, together with a superb market for fish and vegetables, it is a busy working town. We ate lunch, fish of course, at a restaurant on the front and after walking it off, we returned by train to Cabanas.
We returned to Olhao on a Saturday, with some friends we had made on the camp-site, who had a car and gave us a lift. This time we took advantage of the lift to buy lots of fish, fruit and vegetables from the market. Saturday is also the main market for clothes, household goodies and souvenirs and stretches along the promenade. Even off season it is very busy with locals and visitors.
We revisited both Tavira and Olhao a number of times during our stay on the eastern Algarve.
