Faro is a city in the southern region of Portugal known as the Algarve. It is the capital of the Algarve region and is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Here are some more details about Faro:
- History: Faro has a long history dating back to the Roman Empire, and there are several historical sites in the city, such as the old city walls and the Faro Cathedral, which was built in the 13th century.
- Airport: Faro is home to the Faro Airport, which is the main airport for the Algarve region and is a popular entry point for tourists visiting the area.
- Beaches: Faro has several beautiful beaches nearby, including Praia de Faro, which is a long sandy beach located on a barrier island. Other beaches in the area include Ilha Deserta and Ilha da Culatra.
- Ria Formosa Natural Park: This is a beautiful natural park located on the coast near Faro. It contains a range of wildlife and bird species and is a popular destination for boat tours.
- Culture: Faro has a rich cultural scene with several museums and art galleries to explore, including the Municipal Museum, which has exhibits on local history and archaeology, and the Contemporary Art Museum, which has exhibits on modern and contemporary art.
- Shopping: Faro has a range of shops and markets to explore, including the Mercado Municipal, which is a large indoor market selling fresh produce, seafood, and handicrafts. The Rua de Santo Antonio, which is a shopping street with a range of boutiques and shops.
Overall, Faro is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful beaches, and a range of cultural and shopping attractions to explore. It is a popular destination for tourists visiting the Algarve region of Portugal.
What to see in Faro
Faro is a city in southern Portugal that has a rich history and a range of cultural attractions to explore. Here are some things to see in Faro:
- Old Town: The old town of Faro is a charming area with narrow streets and historical buildings. It is surrounded by walls and contains several historical sites, such as the Faro Cathedral and the Arco da Vila gate.
- Faro Cathedral: The Faro Cathedral, also known as the Sé, is a 13th-century cathedral located in the old town. It has a beautiful baroque façade and houses several art and religious artefacts.
- Arco da Vila: The Arco da Vila is a 19th-century neoclassical arch that marks the entrance to the old town. It was built to commemorate the 1810 victory over the Napoleonic troops.
- Municipal Museum: The Municipal Museum is located in a former convent and has exhibits on local history and archaeology. It has a range of artefacts and exhibits from different periods of Faro’s history.
- Ria Formosa Natural Park: This is a beautiful natural park located on the coast near Faro. It contains a range of wildlife and bird species and is a popular destination for boat tours.
- Contemporary Art Museum: The Contemporary Art Museum has exhibits on modern and contemporary art. It has a range of works from Portuguese and international artists.
- Carmo Church and Bones Chapel: The Carmo Church and Bones Chapel is a unique attraction that features a chapel decorated with human bones. The bones were exhumed from a nearby cemetery and were used to create intricate designs on the walls and ceiling.
Overall, Faro is a city with a range of historical and cultural attractions to explore. The old town, the Faro Cathedral, and the Municipal Museum are all great places to start your exploration of this charming city.
Where to eat in Faro
Faro has a range of restaurants and cafes that serve traditional Portuguese cuisine as well as international dishes. Here are some recommendations on where to eat in Faro:
- Tasca Rasca: This is a popular restaurant located in the old town that serves traditional Portuguese food. It has a cosy atmosphere and offers a range of dishes such as grilled sardines, seafood rice, and steak.
- O Castelo: This restaurant is located in a historic building near the Arco da Vila. Has a range of traditional Portuguese dishes such as seafood stew and pork with clams. It also has a good selection of wines.
- Ria Formosa: This restaurant is located in the Ria Formosa Natural Park and offers a range of seafood dishes. It has a beautiful view of the lagoon and is a great place to enjoy a meal after a boat tour.
- Adega Nova: This is a traditional Portuguese restaurant located in the old town that has a range of meat and seafood dishes. It also has a good selection of wines.
- Faz Gostos: This restaurant is located in a historic building near the Municipal Museum and offers a range of modern Portuguese dishes. It has a good selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
- Snack-Bar Solmar: This is a casual cafe located near the Faro marina that serves light meals and snacks. It has a range of sandwiches and salads and is a great place to stop for a quick bite.
These are just a few of the many restaurants and cafes in Faro that offer a range of traditional and modern dishes. You can also explore the streets of the old town and the marina area to find other dining options.
Where to stay in Faro
Faro has a range of accommodation options for visitors, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some recommendations on where to stay in Faro:
- Hotel Faro: This is a 4-star hotel located in the city centre that offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. It has a rooftop pool and a terrace with views of the marina.
- Pousada de Faro: This is a historic hotel located in a former convent that has been restored and converted into a charming hotel. It is located in the old town and has a beautiful garden and swimming pool.
- Hostel Casa da Lagoa: This is a budget-friendly hostel located in the old town that offers a dormitory and private rooms. It has a communal kitchen and a rooftop terrace with views of the city.
- Hotel Eva: This is a 4-star hotel located on the marina that offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. It has a rooftop pool and a terrace with views of the Ria Formosa.
- Guesthouse Capitao Mor: This is a guesthouse located in a historic building in the old town that offers comfortable rooms with traditional Portuguese decor. It has a communal lounge and a rooftop terrace with views of the city.
These are just a few of the many accommodation options in Faro. You can also explore the streets of the old town and the marina area to find other hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that suit your preferences and budget.
Tours from Faro
Faro is a great base for exploring the Algarve region and there are plenty of tours and day trips available from the city. Here are some recommendations for tours you can take from Faro:
- Ria Formosa Boat Tour: This tour takes you on a boat ride through the Ria Formosa Natural Park to see the beautiful lagoon, salt marshes, and islands. You can also stop at some of the islands to go for a swim or explore the local villages.
- Algarve Coast Tour: This tour takes you on a scenic drive along the coastline of the Algarve, stopping at some of the region’s most beautiful beaches and villages. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste some local food and wine.
- Lagos and Sagres Tour: This tour takes you to the western Algarve to visit the historic town of Lagos and the fortress of Sagres. You’ll also have the opportunity to see some of the region’s most beautiful beaches and rock formations.
- Wine Tasting Tour: This tour takes you to some of the Algarve’s best wineries to taste the local wine and learn about the region’s winemaking traditions. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore some of the region’s charming towns and villages.
- Jeep Safari Tour: This tour takes you on an off-road adventure through the Algarve’s countryside, with stops at local villages and landmarks. You’ll also have the opportunity to swim in a natural spring and taste some local food and drink.
These are just a few of the many tours and day trips available from Faro. You can also check with local tour operators and travel agencies for more options that suit your preferences and budget.
Shopping
Faro has a range of shopping options, including traditional markets, modern shopping centres, and boutique shops. Here are some recommendations on where to shop in Faro:
- Mercado Municipal de Faro: This is a traditional market located in the heart of the city that offers a range of fresh produce, seafood, and artisanal products. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and sample some of the region’s traditional food and drink.
- Forum Algarve: This is a modern shopping centre located on the outskirts of the city that offers a range of national and international brands. It has a cinema, food court, and indoor playground.
- Baixa de Faro: This is the historic centre of the city that offers a range of traditional shops, including leather goods, ceramics, and handicrafts. It’s a great place to wander around and find unique souvenirs.
- Rua de Santo António: This is a pedestrian street in the city centre that offers a range of fashion boutiques, jewellery stores, and souvenir shops. It’s a great place to find unique and trendy items.
These are just a few of the many shopping options available in Faro. You can also explore the streets of the old town and the marina area to find other boutiques and shops that suit your preferences.
Weather in Faro
Faro has a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The weather in Faro can be quite pleasant throughout most of the year, with plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures.
During the summer months, from June to September, the temperature in Faro typically ranges from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), with July and August being the hottest months. It’s also the driest time of the year, with very little rainfall.
During the winter months, from December to February, the temperature in Faro typically ranges from 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F). While it can be quite mild during the day, the temperature can drop at night and it can be quite rainy.
Overall, the best time to visit Faro is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm and dry. However, if you prefer cooler weather and fewer crowds, visiting in the off-season can also be a good option.
Holidays with children
Faro is a great destination for families with children, offering a range of activities and attractions that kids will enjoy. Here are some ideas for things to do in Faro with children:
- Visit the Ria Formosa Natural Park: This protected wetland area is home to a range of bird species, and offers opportunities for birdwatching, walking, and cycling. You can also take a boat tour to explore the lagoons and islands.
- Explore the Old Town: The historic centre of Faro is a great place to wander around and soak up the local culture. Kids will enjoy exploring the narrow streets, historic buildings, and quaint shops.
- Visit the Faro Municipal Museum: This museum offers a range of exhibits on the history and culture of the Algarve region, including archaeological artefacts and traditional handicrafts.
- Spend a day at the beach: Faro has a range of beautiful beaches, including Praia de Faro, which is easily accessible by bus or ferry. Kids will enjoy playing in the sand, swimming in the sea, and soaking up the sun.
- Go on a dolphin-watching tour: There are several companies that offer boat tours to see the dolphins that live in the waters around Faro. Kids will love seeing these intelligent and playful animals up close.
- Visit Zoomarine: This water park and theme park is located about 30 minutes from Faro and offers a range of attractions, including waterslides, a wave pool, and a dolphin show.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Faro with children. The city and the surrounding region have plenty to offer, and you’re sure to find activities that your kids will enjoy.
How to get to Faro
Faro is a popular tourist destination and can be easily reached by air, land, and sea. Here are the most common ways to get to Faro:
- By air: Faro Airport is the closest airport to the city, located just a few miles away. It is served by several airlines, including low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet, as well as major airlines like TAP Portugal and British Airways. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus or shuttle to the city centre.
- By train: Faro is connected to the national railway network, with regular trains running to and from major cities in Portugal. The train station is located in the city centre, making it easy to reach your final destination.
- By bus: Faro has a bus station that serves both national and international destinations. The city is well-connected to other cities in the Algarve region, as well as major cities in Portugal and Spain. There are also several private companies that offer coach services to other destinations.
- By car: Faro is located on the A22 motorway, which runs along the length of the Algarve region. It’s also possible to drive from Lisbon or Spain. However, driving in the city centre can be difficult due to the narrow streets and limited parking options.
These are the most common ways to get to Faro, and each option offers its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your preferences and travel plans.
