Faro, the provincial capital of the Algarve, is a town full of charm, colour and history. For some the attraction will be the incredible sightseeing opportunities, for others it will be the soft golden sands that slope into the clear blue waters or the buzzing nightlife. With its relaxing atmosphere, Faro will appeal to just about every taste and it experiences good weather throughout the year with temperatures peaking at 37°C in August with an average of 13°C in December. Flights take between two-and-a-half and three hours and land at Faro airport, which is approximately 10km from Faro itself.
Faro, a working city with a traditional vibe, is perfectly suited to family holidays…
Faro is a working city with a traditional feel and as such it is rarely overrun with tourists, making this an ideal family destination. There is something for every age and type of holidaymaker with an array of shopping opportunities, engaging streets for romantic walks and a strong student scene that encourages a thriving nightlife. For those who are purely in search of sun and sand, Faro is an excellent base for your holiday with many resorts in close proximity.
The Algarve is famed for its breathtaking coastline with rugged coves, secluded bays and sweeping golden sands throughout. Faro is no exception and while the emphasis of this city might not be on fun in the sun, it’s still worthwhile spending a day or two on Faro beach with its clear blue waters and safe surroundings that make it ideal for family bathing.
If you want to grab a little more sun, there are many popular resorts within close reach including Vilamoura, Alvor, Lagos and Albufeira. Vilamoura is the closest of these and offers a variety of golf and sporting activities as well as two superb sandy beaches, a cosmopolitan marina, shopping, nightlife and restaurants.
The main attraction of Faro is its quaint old town where you can enjoy sightseeing of some true architectural masterpieces and wander around an array of museums. The most famous attraction is at the Igreja do Carmo, which features a chapel with walls containing the bones of more than 1,200 monks. Museums include the archaeological museum and the maritime museum, displaying a wide collection of model ships and boats. Largo da Se is a peaceful square filled with orange trees and the bishop's palace, while the Palace of Estoi has magnificent front gardens and a stunning fountain. It's also worth taking in the Nossa Senhora da Assuncao convent from the Renaissance period, and Sao Francisco church, built around the 18th century.
For shopping you should head towards the Rua Santo Antonio and the Rua Francisco Gomes. There are many popular stalls and bargain buys include clothing, wines, embroidered goods and basketware. If you prefer a market atmosphere then look to Largo do Mercado, which is very popular with residents and tourists alike.
By night Faro comes alive along Rua do Prior and in the alleys off Rua Conselheiro Bivar and Rua Infante Dom Henrique. The Upa Upa Café and Bar allows you to rub shoulders with the locals while the Dux nightclub is the place to be for partygoers and passionate clubbers, while the Fashion Kaffe is the hotspot for more laidback, but trendy, residents. There are also some great options for dining out including the Three Palms Restaurant and Mariscada, which specialises in seafood dishes.
The Algarve is also widely famous for golfing holidays. There are numerous courses dotted along the coast and Faro makes an ideal starting point to explore what's available.
