THE ALGARVE - Portugal - page 180

and the adjacent shady fountain- and bench-filled park. The old market hall is beyond the
park. And beyond that is the boat to the beach island. The old pedestrian-only Roman
Bridge leads from Praça da República to the north bank (with two recommended hotels
and most of the evening and restaurant action).
Tourist Information
The TI is on the main square, Praça da República, right across from the town hall (May-
Oct Tue-Thu 9:30-13:00 & 14:00-19:00, Fri-Mon until 17:30; Nov-April closes some
weekends and daily at 17:30, Rua Galeria 9, tel. [phone]). The TI's free leaflet de-
scribes a dozen churches with enthusiasm. But for most tourists, the town's sights can all
be seen quickly (see “Welcome to Tavira” walk, later).
Arrival in Tavira
By Train: The train station is a 20-minute walk from the town center (centro) . To get to
the center, leave the station in the direction of the blue Turismo sign, and follow this road
downhill to the river and Praça da República (or take a cab from the station for around
€4). The riverside bus station is three blocks from the town center; simply follow the river
into town.
By Car: Drivers can park on the street, along Rua da Liberdade, for up to two hours
(€0.40/hour, look for zona pago signs, pay at green boxes marked caixa, change required).
Free parking is usually available on the street near the Pingo Doce supermarket.
Helpful Hints
Internet Access: Café Anazu has a gang of computers available (€3/hour, daily
8:30-24:00 but may close on off-season weekends, over the Roman Bridge on the
right at Rua Pessoa 11). A few free terminals are at CityHall —it's the white building
with the flags on Praça da República (Mon-Fri 9:00-22:00, Sat 10:00-13:00, closed
Sun, 30-minute free access, check in at the desk). Free Wi-Fi is available in the old
market hall and at many cafés in town.
Bike Rental: You can rent bikes at Sport Nautica (€6/day, just down from Café Anazu
at Rua Pessoa 26, tel. [phone]).
Taxi: A taxi stand is across the Roman Bridge on Praça Dr. António Padinha.
Shopping Tip: You can buy your own copper cataplana pot for about €35 at the yellow
hardware store at the far end of Rua Alexandro Herculano (first street on your left
after the City Hall on Praça da República).