Faro, the capital city of
Portugal’s Algarve region, is often overlooked by holidaymakers who see little
more than the international airport before heading for the better known resorts
along the country’s south coast. But Faro is a charming and authentically
Portuguese city that has much to offer anyone who spends a little time here. Its easy to find a cheap flight and as it's just about 5 hours journey time, you'll be on the spectacular beach front in no time!
In Roman times, Faro’s
position on the Formosa Estuary led to its development as a trading and fishing
port by Moorish settlers. A destructive earthquake devastated the city in 1755,
but a stroll through the winding cobbled alleyways of Faro’s tranquil Old Town
reveals many remaining examples of ancient Roman and Moorish architecture. Climbing
the original 13th century tower of the magnificent Sé Catedral de
Faro (Faro Cathedral) provides panoramic views of the city and coast beyond.
Among the many beautiful
churches and museums of Faro’s Old Town the famous Capela de Ossos should not be missed. Inside, virtually every inch
of this chapel’s walls and ceiling has been painstakingly decorated using row
upon row of the skulls and bones of Carmelite monks.
Exiting the Old Town to the
north will bring you to Faro’s picturesque harbour and marina. A long promenade
dotted with elegant cafes and which leads to the Porto Nova pier is an
excellent location to watch yachts, boats and ferries make their way to and
from the port as they head along the Formosa Estuary where hundreds of species
of seabirds nest upon the barrier islands.
The centre of modern-day
Faro is just a short walk from the marina. Despite the emergence of modern
office blocks and apartments, Faro retains an unmistakeably Portuguese flavour thanks
to its pedestrianized cobbled streets and enchanting mixture traditional and
modern shops, bars and restaurants. Take time to browse Faro’s bustling
municipal market; the many colourful stalls displaying mouth-watering
Portuguese produce and speciality goods will have you reaching for your camera!
After dark, Faro is no less
enchanting. Few experiences could be as romantic as wandering through the
moonlit and peaceful Old Town or strolling along the harbour’s promenade. In
the newer part of the city, music from the bars and clubs that line the vibrant
Rua do Prior fills the warm evening air as locals and visitors alike let their
hair down and party into the night.
Enjoying a year-round
Mediterranean climate, friendly Faro is a city continually blessed with blue
skies and sunshine. Less overtly ‘touristy’ than some of the Algarve’s brash
resort cities, Faro rewards visitors with plenty of memorable and authentically
Portuguese attractions and experiences. Easyjet run a great service to Faro - quick, uncomplicated and very affordable. Not a bad start to your holiday experience!
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