Tavira and Surroundings

After 2 weeks in Albufeira, we once again feel the desire to move on and discover new places. Christmas is approaching and we don't know yet where we will spend the holidays. Our last stop before the Spanish border is Tavira, or a small neighboring town 5km away. The camping site Rio Farmosa is the most German place we have had the chance to get to know so far. The pitches are about 35sqm 'big' and it is hardly possible to fit all your things on the pitch. In addition, the staff meticulously make sure that no one crosses the yellow mark with their belongings. That is an absolute no-go! And if the pitch is not enough, you have to pay for 2 pitches. It's really a pity because it doesn't create a cozy atmosphere. Few people say hello. Strangely enough, one of the two toilet blocks is randomly locked at night. We don't know why.

But all the frustration, or rather the luxury problems, disappear as soon as you explore the surrounding area. The small fishing village is located on a river or lagoons. In front of the village there are many small islands and behind them the vast Atlantic Ocean. Tavira is the nearest larger city and is known as the little Venice of Portugal. A river flows directly through the city and we explore many small alleyways in the old town. In Tavira, we also start our attempt to send a package to Germany. According to our research, many people recommend sending packages with GLS to Germany, as they are considered particularly reliable in Portugal. Well, we find a GLS shop in a small chaotic computer store. The process was a bit strange, we receive the invoice by SMS but never the tracking number. The owner can hardly speak English and everything doesn't really seem trustworthy. But the package actually arrives relatively quickly and seems undamaged. We are very happy about that!

On a Sunday, we visit a Portuguese Christmas market in a small castle. Nicole has high hopes of getting a mulled wine. But unfortunately no... The Christmas market in Portugal is more like a flea market. Mostly handicrafts are sold. Below the castle there are beautiful lagoons where Rocky likes to take a swim.

Another highlight is our little trip to Manta Rota. A long, wide beach. Hardly any people. Behind the dunes there is a fantastic motorhome parking lot, which is fully occupied and where many people spend the winter for years. Unfortunately, caravans are not allowed there. It can hardly be any closer to the sea.

Unfortunately, this is our last stop in Portugal, as the corona situation is slowly worsening here and we fear getting stuck in a lockdown at some point. Let's go back to Spain!!!