Tavira

The seven-arched bridge over the Gilão, medieval in origin despite its name, is pedestrian and links the two banks of the old town. It is the obligatory crossing of any on-lead stroll, superb at sunset when the white facades reflect in the river.

The Moorish walls rebuilt after the Reconquest shelter a garden blooming with bougainvillea and jacarandas, free to enter. Leashed dogs are happy wandering here, but the climb onto the ramparts has no railings: keep the lead short while enjoying the view over the tesouro rooftops.

Eleven kilometres of sand and dunes between lagoon and ocean, reached by ferry from the centre or Quatro Águas. Dogs are generally allowed aboard the boat but banned in summer from the supervised beach: the island is best savoured with a dog off season, when the sand is free again.

The salt pans bordering the Ria Formosa turn pink in summer and host flamingos, avocets and black-winged stilts. The dykes can be walked or cycled, with a short lead compulsory for dogs: the peace of the natural park's birds depends on it, especially during spring nesting.

The former water tower converted into a camera obscura projects live, through a mirror and lens system, a 360-degree image of the town and the lagoon. The guided visit takes place in a dark room where dogs do not enter: take turns, the castle garden waits two steps away.

Along the Gilão, the bandstand garden and its riverside promenade line up palm trees, azulejo benches and terraces facing the fishing boats. It is Tavira's open-air living room, perfect for the evening on-lead outing, extended along the quays to the market and the salt pans.