Fuseta
The apartment is a 5 minute walk from the centre of the old fishing village of Fuseta which offers restaurants, shops and amenities. Fuseta has summer street entertainment, live bands and its own beautiful beach, with nearby cafe at the river’s mouth, from where you can watch the boats go to and fro, and the ever changing tides and light over the sands, salt flats, and marshes. And the nearby ferry takes you to a choice of three beaches (Ilha da Fuzeta) on the outlying barrier islands, where you can either settle in splendour after a few minutes walk or continue until it feels like you have the whole beach world to yourself.
Fuseta, dates back to 1572, when it was then referred to as Fozeta, a name that is derived from the diminutive for foz (referring to river mouth); the Rio Tronoco opens into the sea from this location. Initially, the area was just a collection of small shacks used by fishermen to store tools for their fishing boats. Gradually, it developed into a small settlement.
Tavira
Equidistant in the other direction is the charming and picturesque town of Tavira. With its castle and many churches, Tavira is steeped in history and is an essential cultural visit whilst in the Algarve. Tavira dates back to around 2000 BC and has an attractive mix of architecture, with influences from the occupation of the Moors. The fishing industry in Tavira made it an important town in the Eastern Algarve. Like most of the Algarve its buildings were all virtually destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. The town has since been rebuilt with many fine 18th Century buildings along with numerous churches. The town is split into two parts divided by the River Gilão and connected by a Roman bridge. With a population of around 20,000, the growing tourist industry and opening of golf courses in the surrounding areas is leading to more development and less reliance on the older industries.
A lovely town to walk through and soak up some history. A laid back atmosphere with a mix of old and new and many good options for a quick bite to eat or a more leisurely meal.
Olhão
Fuseta is 20 minutes from the port town of Olhão, where explorers left centuries ago for Rio de Janeiro. Olhão is a splendid, architecturally interesting town, with narrow pedestrianised streets and a large covered market, surrounded by cafes, on the waterfront. It is a charming seaside town filled with white-washed buildings, except for the large, red-brick municipal market.
As one of the larger fishing ports in the region, Olhão is an ideal place to stumble upon delicious seafood. Expect grilled sardines with potatoes, or cataplanas, local stews of fish and shellfish made in copper pots.
Olhão has a traditional, less touristic feel and is probably one of the more “off the beaten path” towns in the Algarve. Definitely worth a visit when in the area and the market is not to be missed.
Sports
Bikes (including electric bikes) are available for rental by the day from Jennifer at Escandanavia, so you can explore at your own pace, cycle to market or along the many cycle paths, through the salt marshes, discovering the abundant birdlife in the lagoon – or even to cycle further along the coast towards Olhao or Tavira on the Ecovia do Algarve (returning by train if you find yourself worn out!). Kayaks can also be rented, allowing you to explore the lagoon and reach the most secluded spots. Stand-up-paddle (SUP), windsurfing and kite-surfing are also popular along the coast, and particularly in Fuzeta, with rentals available.