Praia da Ilha de Tavira, Portugal
Set on either side of the meandering Rio Gilão, Tavira is a charming town that makes good use of its pretty river setting. The ruins of a hilltop castle, an old Roman bridge and a smattering of Gothic and Renaissance churches are among the attractions, and its enticing assortment of restaurants and guesthouses can make it difficult to leave.
As elsewhere in the old Algarvian towns, Tavira is ideal for strolling: its warren of cobblestone streets hide shady plazas and patisseries, and despite the growing number of tourists, there’s still a small, active fishing port. The town lies 3km from the coast, near the beautiful and unspoilt beaches of Ilha de Tavira.
Gibraltar – Top of the World Arctic Circle © Monika Newbound