Santo Estevão & Luz de Tavira

Santo Estevão is another great place to live!

A part of the population still lives on agricultural exploitation and citrus production. The production of carob, citrus fruits, figs, almonds and agriculture still plays an important role in the economic activities of the parish and in the diet of the population. Tourism has been developing in the parish, namely with the presence of several accommodations.

Enjoy the charms of this parish and enjoy the best that the barrocal can offer you.

What to visit?

• Mother Church of Santo Estêvão: At the heart of the village is the Church. This building, initially a late medieval hermitage, evolved in its original aspect due to important works carried out in the 18th century. In the 19th century, its facade was remodelled and, in 1903, its main portal was rebuilt. Inside the nave are images from the 17th and 18th centuries.

• Pego do Inferno (due to forest fires that occurred in July 2012, the site is without public access) About 7 kilometres from Tavira is Pego do Inferno, in the middle of the Algarve. Along the way, it is possible to observe the Ribeira da Assêca. Formerly a watermill and wheat mill. On the riverside, it is possible to appreciate some fauna species that depend directly on the water. Despite the beauty of the whole route, the highlight of the visit is the arrival at the Pego viewpoint, where you can admire the waterfall.

• Moinhos da Rocha Near Pego do Inferno you can also visit the Moinhos da Rocha (Rocha de Cima, Rocha de Baixo and Rocha do Meio), which are part of a property with the same name. The mills go back to the old reguengo and were used for the production of cereal flour.

• Panoramic Views This parish also has, in its essence, places that, by themselves, allow the enjoyment of panoramic views, such as Passal, Monte Agudo, Malhão, the Synagogue and Estiramantens.

Luz de Tavira Borders between Santo Estevão e Luz de Tavira are almost confusing but down the road what normally is called Luz de Tavira is a little town facing EN125 with the amazing church and a little daily market full of surprises.

Bordered to the south by the Ria Formosa and to the north by the parish of Santo Estêvão, it covers an area of ​​31.53 km2 and has 3,355 inhabitants (2011 censuses). The population lives mainly on agriculture, harvesting bivalves in the area of ​​Torre d’Aires (where structures of the important Roman city of Balsa dating from the 3rd to 1st century B.C.) were discovered, producing good quality citrus fruits and small shops. Iron and woodwork and artefacts for artisanal fishing are produced.

The parish church in Luz de Tavira forms the focal point of the village and highlights against the skyline as you enter the village from the Faro direction on the N125. It is well worth a visit, the main part of the church dating back to the 16th century.

Due to the traffic from EN 125, Luz de Tavira is slightly less expensive and provides the cheapest solutions for houses and apartments around Tavira. It is expected on a longer-term to achieve more expensive prices if road EN125 is diverted from this delightful little town. 

Do you live around these 2 areas? Feedback is very much welcome to guide new welcomers feel at home and make a wise decision! Thanks for sharing your personal experience. This blog is not only a collection of my personal opinion but hopefully a place where we can all share our experiences.