‘Straight out of a fairytale’: Portugal’s best towns and villages, by readers

With river and Atlantic beaches, brilliant architecture and affordable but delicious cuisine, our tipsters have gorged on the country’s beauty

Even the most cold-hearted atheist cannot fail to be impressed by the 37 churches of Tavira, the small town which, thanks to a slightly inland location, has avoided the overdevelopment of some Algarve resorts. And what could be more appropriate than to stay in a converted convent – Pousada Convento Tavira – in the centre of town, from where ferries run to Tavira island for beach lovers? But it’s hard to tear yourself away from the riverside restaurants and bars with views of the famous Ponte Romana bridge.
pousadas.pt, doubles from €123
Malcolm Matthew