I left my heart in Tavira.

Next stop on my Portuguese journey was the quaint little town of Tavira, in the Algarve region, a few hours by fast train from Lisbon. This was my first small town experience in Europe and it will be a hard act to follow. With a population of around 25,000 people this beautiful little town straddles the Gilao River with the opposing sides of the town connected by an ancient Roman arched bridge.The town is home to many beautiful churches and prototypical colored buildings. Nearby there are beautiful beaches and islands. I just loved this peaceful and picturesque little place and can't wait to return.

The Gilao River and Roman Bridge at sunset. Tavira, Portugal.

The Gilao River and Roman Bridge at sunset. Tavira, Portugal.

Peak hour in Tavira, Portugal.

Peak hour in Tavira, Portugal.

And while I'm at it!!!!! Tavira, Portugal.

And while I'm at it!!!!! Tavira, Portugal.

Riverfront architecture. Tavira, Portugal.

Riverfront architecture. Tavira, Portugal.

Tending the salt farm. Tavira, Portugal.

Tending the salt farm. Tavira, Portugal.

Blue skies smilin at me, nothin but blue skies do I see. Tavira, Portugal.

Blue skies smilin at me, nothin but blue skies do I see. Tavira, Portugal.

Starting young. Tavira, Portugal.

Starting young. Tavira, Portugal.

Dinner time (almost). Tavira, Portugal.

Dinner time (almost). Tavira, Portugal.

The Gilao River and Roman Bridge. Tavira, Portugal.

The Gilao River and Roman Bridge. Tavira, Portugal.

The Salt Farm. Tavira, Portugal.

The Salt Farm. Tavira, Portugal.