A Taste of the Ocean

On the coast, fishing directly influences the local diet. Fish is the main ingredient, cooked in a huge variety of ways without ever ruining its delicate and appetising flavour.

At its most tasty straight from the sea, sardines are an unrivalled snack that, in its simplicity, surpasses more elaborate dishes. Fans say they should be grilled, eaten with a slice of homemade bread and accompanied by country salad or potatoes boiled in their skins.

Tuna, formerly plentiful along the entire coast, is now a specialty in Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António; either as a steak with almonds or as estupeta (salt belly). It is a difficult choice.

Santa Luzia, close to Tavira, is the home of the best recipes using octopus, whether it is stewed in wine, coated in breadcrumbs, grilled, served with rice, or simply baked in the oven. Caldeirada which comprises a variety of fish is one of the most highly rated dishes, being exquisitely cooked by the fishing community.

Fresh fish grilled over a low charcoal fire, dogfish soup, conger eel with rice, mackerel cooked in tomato paste, salted mackerel, octopus salad, squid with ink are some of the recommended dishes, all impossible to resist; especially when served on the beach, within listening distance of the sea.