bilboburgler

I like central Faro, most travelers only see the airport and the ring road while I've spent a few days in the old town and its as nice as Tavira (spent a week there as well). I've also ridden the Ecovia do Litoral bike route that traverses the Algarve (the southern coast) from one side to the other which means Tavira to the Cape

Much of the Algarve is made up of golf courses and low rise hotels but there are some lovely bird sanctuaries and of course Obama's Water Poodle comes from a breeding stock between Tavira and Faro.

On the coast to the West of Faro it starts dull but Lagos and Finally Sagres make up for it and you will find a lot of beach bums (that is a positive term right??) at Sagres

I have a bunch of info at http://www.mybikeguide.co.uk/Algarve_Guide.php though it is bike orientated. For me just a head north to the Alentejo as much of this is national park. Fine beaches and little beech bars

Going back to your latest questions, at Tavira try and take the train out onto the sand at the delta (you need to pass through the salt pans and the old tuna factory until you get to a ferry dock, take the ferry out to the sand bar (it is pretty big) and you can catch the train. If in doubt Tourist Office is back by the Roman bridge.

I'd drop Ronda, it is basically a gorge and not a very big one though Fodorites seem to think it is wonderful. It ain't.

yorkshire

I am one of those having the opinion that Ronda is "wonderful," but I would not go for only one night because part of the appeal of it is the proximity to hiking. I think I would add the extra day to Sevilla, and I highly recommend the day trip to Cordoba. You may enjoy a day trip to Cadiz as well.