Easy hikes and walks around Santo Estêvão

It remains impressive, such a bridge that has stood the test of time and is still in use.

At the end, the hiking trail is a bit unclear. You have to follow some paths, which sometimes requires a bit of searching, but at the end, when you have to cross the river, the route isn't quite right. Look for where the water is low enough and try to find that spot! Very beautiful and fun though!

The last stretch on foot, it wouldn't have been possible with an e-bike. Unfortunately, I didn't make it all the way down because I was concerned about getting back up - not even 10 years ago that would have been a no-brainer. But with the slippery path and without hiking poles, I have to be fair to my age (71) and physical condition. But the view down to the pond and the young people bathing there was worth it alone... however, I couldn't see the waterfall from up there.

Tavira is a beautiful coastal town on Portugal's Algarve coast. It lies on the Gilão River, which flows into the sea via estuaries and lagoons in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Tavira Island boasts a long sandy beach and salt flats that attract flamingos, spoonbills, and other wading birds. The medieval Castelo de Tavira is located in the town center and offers panoramic views. The Church of Santa María do Castelo houses the tombs of seven knights killed by the Moors. The town has many charming restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops!

I particularly like the coat of arms depicted in the lawn (I've never seen anything like it before). The many loving details are also simply beautiful to look at. You immediately feel at home in the garden. It has a pleasantly relaxing and calming effect on me. When we were there in October, someone with a key in their hand alerted us at 5 p.m. that the garden was now being locked. So, it's not accessible 24/7, but it's still highly recommended.

At the heart of the garden stands an iron bandstand, built in Porto in 1890, a symbol of 19th-century iron architecture. For decades, musical performances were held here, contributing to the park's vibrant atmosphere. In the 1940s, a small artificial lake was created around the bandstand.

The Jardim do Coreto, also known as Jardim das Palmeiras, is Tavira's oldest public park. It lies along the right bank of the Gilão River, in the historic Ribeira area. The park was created in the 19th century as a place for relaxation and social gatherings, similar to the public promenades in other European cities. At the heart of the garden stands an iron bandstand, built in 1890 in Porto, a symbol of 19th-century iron architecture. For decades, musical performances were held there, contributing to the park's lively atmosphere. In the 1940s, a small artificial lake was created around the bandstand. The park also features several statues, including a bust honoring the poet Isidoro Pires and another honoring the mathematician and journalist António Cabreira. There is also an epigraph dedicated to the musician Sebastião Leiria. The Jardim do Coreto is an ideal place for a peaceful stroll, a moment of reflection, or to enjoy the local flora and fauna in the heart of Tavira.

Tavira's municipal garden, also known as Jardim do Coreto, is located near the Church of St. Francis (Igreja de São Francisco). From the church, you can see parts of this green space. The park is a peaceful spot with palm trees, benches, a cast-iron bandstand from 1890, and a small pond. It serves as a meeting place for both locals and tourists and forms a pleasant transition between the historic center and the Gilão River.