Archive for: March 2008

IThe opportunity of visiting the Pousada Tavira in the eastern Algarve in Portugal was taken during the Easter break.

This Pousada has recently been converted from the Convento da Graca ( Graca Convent ) and is the only one of three Pousadas in the Algarve region based on a historical building.

The convent is on a hill in what was the old Jewish quarter of the town and surrounded by narrow streets. It was founded by King Sebastiao in 1569 and the excellent conversion into a hotel has maintained many of the original features including the Renaissance cloister and the baroque facade.

The Convento de Graca now contains 31 rooms and five suites with a contemporary design but in harmony with the age of the building. It has a restaurant serving international and regional food, a bar, meeting rooms and a gymnasium.

There are two swimming pools for adults and children with plenty of sunbathing area. A small museum contains Islamic artifacts which were found on the site during the conversion.

This is a fine place to stay with standard rooms for two persons starting at €150 in low season, rising to €250 in August, which includes a buffet breakfast for two persons and taxes.

The promotion which is most used by international visitors is a discount of 40% of the room rate if one person is over the age of 55. This is subject to availability and available from Sunday to Thursday nights except July, August and September. It is not available during certain national holiday periods.

Tavira is a pretty town which was largely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755. It is on both sides of the river Gilao which is linked using an old bridge. It has the nickname of “Venice of the Algarve”. The Pousada and the town contrast strongly with the concrete of the main tourism resorts in the central Algarve.

Golfers have the benefit of the courses recently constructed in the area including Benamor, Monte Rei and Quinta da Ria. In addition the courses of Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and Huelva region of Spain are within reach.

About a mile away, across the salt pans are the deserted sandy beaches and villages of this part of the coast.

There is a problem with the signposting to the Pousada. On the exit from the motorway are the familiar blue signs pointing to the Pousada that are in use throughout Portugal.

Unfortunately the local mayor ( President of the Camara ), for reasons best known to himself, will not permit them. In the town there are white signs to “Convento da Graca”. Visitors to the Pousada should be prepared to follow the signs of both colours and to both the “Pousada” and the “Convento da Graca”.

Following these signs through narrow streets will bring you to this jewel of a hotel.