This pretty, historical town of twisting streets, quaint buildings, markets and Moorish architecture lies on the banks of the river Gilao and is dominated by an impressive Roman-esque bridge which spans a wide stretch of water that separates both sides of the centre.

If its picture postcard perfection that you seek from your summer holiday, then head no further than Tavira - it more than lives up to its reputation for its unspoiled beauty.

The fishing village was once reliant on daily catches of tuna which provided for villagers and led to a boom in the local economy but today the 25,000 locals rely on the tourist industry and rapidly developing golfing community for support.

The inviting beach can be reached by ferryboat and lies past the salt pans to the Ilha de Tavira, part of the Ria Formosa. The island and beaches can also be reached from the nearby footbridge in Santa Luzia and are a charming way to laze away the hours in splendid surroundings. It's a great base for families wanting a large, safe sandy shoreline. Or for the thrill-seekers, pounding waves on the other side of the island make perfect conditions for watersports.

Exploring the town's architecture is fascinating - there are approximately 37 churches to visit for a start plus a Moorish mosque holding the tombs of Dom Paio Peres Correia and his knights. A bust of Dom Paio Perres Correia who died in 1275 can be seen on the corner of the town hall.

Visitors flock to Tavira for its picturesque centre, its wonderful public gardens and open spaces, wide walkways and bustling boutiques.

Riverside restaurants provide a restful place to refuel at the end of a hard day sightseeing or sunbathing and an array of after dark bars create the ideal backdrop with a perfectly chilled cocktail, to watch the sunset across the river and the seven arched bridge.