Tavira is a little known gem of a town in the eastern Algarve. Find out more in this article.

1. Tavira is steeped in history and the town actually dates back to around 1.000 BC. During the Moorish occupation the fishing industry of this town was of huge importance and this industry remains a staple of Tavira today.

2. It is believed that the original name for Tavira was Baal Saphon.

3. Tavira has a defunct tuna canning industry. Storks now use the factory's high brick chimneys as nesting sites.

4. Tavira is only 30 minutes drive away from Faro international airport. Faro is served by a number of international airlines including budget carriers. This makes it an easy long weekend destination from all parts of the UK.

5. Unlike in Spain, Tavira restaurants are open for business from around 7pm in the evenings. This means that if you want to have a meal in a busy restaurant packed with locals as well as tourists you do not have to wait until after 10pm.

6. Tavira has a castle which dates back to the 13th century and 37 (yes, 37) churches.

7. Tavira has miles of beautiful beaches which are on an island situated in the Rio Formosa. There are regular and easy boat transfers to the beaches which are well serviced by small bars and restaurants.

8. In 1755 a massive earthquake with an epicentre some 200km south west of Cape St Vincent hit the Algarve. The quake destroyed most parts of Tavira and it is believed to have registered around 9 on the Richter scale. This earthquake is perhaps better known as the Lisbon quake because of the terrible damage caused to that city.

9. The so called "Roman" bridge which links the town's two halves (separated by the Rio Gilao) is actually of Moorish origin.

10. The Moors controlled Tavira until 1242 when Dom Paio Peres Correia fought a bloody battle to win back the town. He took this action after 7 seven of his trusted knights were killed by the enemy in a cease fire. The battle had a terrible effect on the population of the town with many people dying in the fighting.

11. Tavira has a camera obscura. This unusual camera provides visitors with a fascinating circular view of the town.

12. Tavira has a growing property market but development is low rise and well controlled by local planning. Property remains good value with everything available from stunning detached villas to spacious apartments in the heart of the town.