Tavira is how the Algarve used to be, with cobbled streets instead of waterparks.

Portugal’s prettiest town is all cobblestones, fishing boats and secret gardens, with hand-shaped door knockers pointing you towards your next custard tart...

Straddling the river Gilão, with a 12th century bridge linking the two sides, lots of Tavira got pancaked in the 1755 earthquake. But don’t stress there’s still a hilltop castle, terracotta roofs and oldy-worldy churches.

Wave hello to Tavira...

The hike uphill to the crumbling castelo is well worth the sweat patches - it’s the best view over Tavira.

Tavira’s got churches by the bucket load, but the most ‘grammable are the blue and white ‘Nana’s teapot’ frescos at the Igreja da Misericordia Church and the clocktower at Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo.

There’s liars everywhere in Tavira - the "Roman Bridge" isn’t from Roman times, nor from Rome. It’s 12th century Iberian. Still, bloody nice bridge.

If you prefer your culture with a glass of red, get yourself to a Fado concert. It’s the Taviran version of flamenco, breaking mending and smashing your heart to smithereens all through the power of music.

But let's face it, you aren't in the Algarve for the culture. Lucky for you, Tavira’s only 3km from the unspoilt beaches of Ilha de Tavira. Ahhhhh.

P.s. look out for the graveyard of anchors...

You’d have to actively try to eat badly in this town of fresh seafood and sweet cakes.

Get the perfect grilled octopus at Casa do Polvo Tasquinha, Pastelaria Tavirense for custardy treats and A Ver Tavira for a modern spin on Algarvean cooking - tuna with wasabi is the one.

Sack off the real world and get lost in Tavira’s charms. Your brain will thank you.