Faro – The Center of the Algarve
For many, Faro is just a transit city to the Algarve’s best-known resorts, but the region’s administrative center also offers the tourist much more to see than just the airport.
Familiar transit city
Faro has become little known to many visitors to the Algarve, as the area’s international airport is located in the city. Holiday flights made by many Finnish tour operators also use the city’s airport.
However, the city should not be included in the list of seen only on the basis of a short run. Faro’s long and multi-stage history has left the city with a multicultural, memorable touch and the Ria Formosa lagoon as well as well-maintained beaches will please fans of even a more relaxed holiday.
A city with a long history
Human settlers discovered the area of Faro already in prehistoric times, but it was not until the time of the Roman Empire that the region flourished again. The city became quite an important trading center and as such it also remained under the Arab rule.
Towards the end of the Middle Ages, Faro was officially made a city that gradually became the administrative center of the entire Algarve region.
A long history can still be seen in the cityscape. Monuments erected by Christians, combined with Arab achievements and lush parks, make Faro an attractive Algarve and, more broadly, the whole of Portugal .
Relaxed beach and beautiful nature
Faro Beach, located near the airport, is the most popular of the beaches in the area. Praia de Faro is a full-service beach oasis with fine sand softened by Atlantic waves.
However, during the high season, Praia de Faro may be unnecessarily crowded. Those looking for their own peace should then head to the floating islands off the town, which are only a short ferry ride away.
Ilha da Culatra is a great intermediate form that offers more of its own peace, but at the same time also comfortable services. Ilha da Barreta, also called a dessert, has no permanent settlements at all and is a peace-loving choice.
The nearby Ria Formosa lagoon with its countless bird species offers true natural beauty. In addition to small islands occupied by sand dunes, you can also admire Roman and Arabic architecture in the now protected national park.
Mediterranean heat
Although Faro is located on the Atlantic coast, its southern location guarantees hot summers and mild winters.
Adapting to the Mediterranean climate, temperatures regularly rise thirty degrees to the right during the summer and the sky remains rainy. In winter, of course, it’s cooler and wetter, but on the frosty side, mercury almost never drops.
The largest tourist crowds head to the area in June, when it may be crowded. If you want to avoid congestion, you should schedule the trip to the end of spring or the beginning of autumn.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN FARO
Flying to your destination
Flight connections to Faro are good from Finland, as practically all package tours to the Algarve start with a flight to the city.
Although Faro is not the number one destination for tour operators, you can only take advantage of a package holiday on a package tour and stay after the ride to explore the secrets of the city.
A direct leisure flight to Faro and back can be reached for about 400-500 euros. A budget traveler can save a long penny by using scheduled flights as long as they are ready for one or more stopovers.
Some hotel offer
As has been said many times, Faro is not one of the Algarve’s most popular holiday destinations . Although this makes the city an attractive destination in its own way, the relatively small number of tourists in the area seems to be on offer.
Instead of hundreds of hotels in the most traditional destinations, Faro’s offer is limited to a couple of dozen. There are a few more modest hotels offering nights of less than fifty euros, and if you prefer, you can choose a comfortable four-star temporary home for your stay.
Good transport links
As the administrative center of the Algarve region, Faro also has very good transport links to the rest of Portugal. In addition to Lisbon and Porto, regular services also take the Spanish side to Madrid and Seville.
You can also get closer easily. The most agreed resorts in the Algarve, such as Albufeira , are easily reached by bus.
Instead of public transport, you can also take a rental car, which is a great choice for those who want their own freedom. With the rental car, you can take a leisurely tour of all the nearby attractions according to your own schedule.
FARO ATTRACTIONS
Faro’s fantastic beach
The beach in front of Faro, the more familiar Praia de Faro, is a fine sandy, well-maintained beach oasis, surrounded by virtually every imaginable service.
The hot summers of the Mediterranean caress the skin while the fine sand caresses the soles of the feet and the lapping waves of the Atlantic tickle the toes.
The pleasure of the eye is shared by the adjacent harbor with its yachts and endless cozy cafes.
History in the Archaeological Museum
Faro may not be a very famous cultural destination on a world scale, but the city that has been seen by both the Roman Empire and the Arab conquerors is actually historically very rich.
If you are interested in ancient monuments and historical stories, you should definitely visit the Faro Archaeological Museum.
For a day trip out of town
Faro is not only a nice holiday destination in itself but also a very good base for an exploration trip to the Algarve. The administrative capital of the region has good transport connections to all parts.
If the timetable just gives up, it’s worth popping up at least in Lisbon , where the journey can be covered by bus in about three hours.
Closer is to be found: the small village of Alte with its cobblestones and endless beaches can be explored on a faster schedule.
THE BEST OF FARO
The best attractions
- Praia de Faro
- Ilha de Barreta
- Archaeological Museum
- Faro Cathedral
- Arco da Vila
