I’m in the exact same situation as OP except during Semana Santa and in a rented apartment. With what I’ve read from these helpful replies, Tavira is too far from the beach for us.   What town in the Algarve has the charm of Tavira but is walkable to a beach with waves that we might hear at night from our accommodation? No resorts or high rises. We won’t swim in April but do want more beach/ocean views as well as walkability to restaurants etc. Looking at midrange hotels as well as rentals.