Santa Luzia
(map)
Santa Luzia is located west of Tavira, it is a charming little town, worth visit. Santa Luzia is situated directly on the waterfront on the promenade, a few steps to the centre of, which is sybolized by the amazing white church dome. There you have big choice of typical local, restaurants, simple and fine cuisine, very delicious, for lunch or dinner, cafés and little grocery stores for your daily need. A lots of nice coloured fisherboats are anchored in the romantic lagoon of the Ria Formosa (the nature reserve). The lagoon is flowing like a river between the mainland and the offshore islands, a paradies for human beings, flora and fauna.
Some also call it “the Capital of the squid”, because Santa Luzia is very popular for this species and for seafood. Go for a little stroll through the small lanes and be happy, sometimes it does not need more… Occacionally one sees on the banks jars made of clay, the Portuguese uses them to catch the “polvo and octopus”.
1 km further you are in “Pedras d`el Rei”: all year long you may go on foot and use the floating bridge to pass the Ria Formosa. You also could use the tiny train to go to the atlantic, lovely, sandy beach: “Praia do Barril” , there is an enormous monoment of giant anchors, which reminds – 90 years ago, when it was very lucrative to catch and deal with tuna.
During the high-season you may take the ferry boat to the amazing beach of
St. Luzia called "Terra Estreita", taking off on the waterfront at the promenade (ferry schedule)or if you wish just call a water-taxi.
Culture tip:
“Festival do polvo” (squid-festival), every year this city festival is a great event for
Santa Luzia. It will be held always on the 2nd weekend in August.
The culture program will be very varied and mixed, of course delicious dishes all around “polvo” will be in its focus, furthermore live music, Fado on Saturday, and also a very nice selection of “Artesanato” (handicraft).
During this festival the town pulsates, laughes, dances and celebrates – the Portuguese hand in hand with residents and tourists – worth visit!
The festival takes place directly at the main road called: “Avenida Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco” across from the boats.
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