History and nature collide at Tavira Boutique Apartments. This serene spot, on the outskirts of Tavira, was once home to the largest religious order of its kind in the Algarve, having functioned as a Cistercian convent for over 500 years. Today, following a smart restoration by world-famous Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, it houses a neat collection of apartments, two of which are featured here, surrounded by cloistered gardens, miles of salt flats and the dazzling Ria Formosa lagoon.
These apartments are a dream for families or savvy travellers looking for longer stays. Passionate owner Miguel, who also runs similarly stylish apartments in Porto, has chosen a calming, understated design for both: white and minimalist with splashes of colour and designer pieces. Each apartment has two bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen for self-catering and access to two enticing saltwater swimming pools. We enjoyed relaxing breakfasts outside in the shade of our bougainvillea pergola on our dedicated terrace, listening to the evocative sounds of the waders, watching storks and flamingoes. And just loved the feeling of living like locals, popping to the bakery for morning pastries, and strolling into Tavira to browse its craft shops and try its trendy restaurants and bars. This is a precious slice of authentic Algarve.
Highs
- Contemporary cool at its best; the apartments are spotless and brimming with design surprises
- Great value for money – rates include a lot of self-catering basics – our welcome hamper was a real treat!
- Plenty of space to relax: on your private sit-out or on a sunlounger by one of the two saltwater pools
- Ideal for families and longer stays, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a full kitchen and all the mod cons
- Useful tranquil location, 5-10 minutes from Tavira’s old town which is a short taxi boat ride from some of our favourite beaches in the Ria Formosa
Lows
- No formal reception, but they offer a meet-and-greet service on arrival and owner Miguel is only a phone call away
- The kitchens and bathrooms are compact but cleverly designed and very well-provisioned
- As they are positioned on a terrace below the main convent conversion, the views from these apartments are of surrounding salt flats not the central pool or cloisters; very occasionally you may hear machinery loading the salt
- As with most rentals, you'll need to pay a security deposit before arrival
Best time to go
We visited at the start of May and had fabulous sunshine and temperatures in the mid-20s; April is similar. June, July and August can get very hot but the grounds are very shady and all rooms have air con. September and October are gorgeous, like spring but with the advantage of the sea being warmer and fewer crowds.
Unlike other cities in the Algarve, like Faro or Portimão, Tavira has a large permanent population, so most restaurants and cafes remain open during the winter.
Unlike other cities in the Algarve, like Faro or Portimão, Tavira has a large permanent population, so most restaurants and cafes remain open during the winter.
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Based on 5 independent reviews from i-escape guests
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