Faro is the capital of Portugal’s Algarve, and is a modern city with many points of historical interest, good shopping, delectable cuisine and beautiful beaches nearby.
The city’s most well-known attraction is the Igreja do Carmo, a chapel with walls decorated by the bones of over 1,200 monks that were disinterred from the cemetery next door. In the main church, you can see some of the best examples of gold leaf woodwork in the south of Portugal.
Most of the historical attractions are centred in the old town, or Cidade Velha, which can be entered through an 18th century gate and is surrounded by the ruins of medieval walls. The main square, Largo de Sé, is bordered by the 19th century Town Hall building, the bishop’s palace, the seminary and the 13th century cathedral.
Also in the old town are two fabulous art galleries: Trem and Arco. Leaving Cidade Velha through the Arco de Repouso, you can easily access the shopping streets, known for high quality goods and a large range of handicrafts.
The nearby beaches of the Algarve provide fantastic leisure opportunities. Whether your preference is simply soaking up the sunshine on the golden shores, or more active pursuits, the Algarve’s seaside is the right place to be.
Windsurfing, snorkelling and swimming are popular activities in the clear blue sea of Faro’s beaches. For golfers, there are 19 golf courses on the coastal stretch between Faro and Albufeira. Faro has a wealth of cafés and restaurants serving local and foreign cuisine, a lively nightlife, and a beautiful Italianate where performances of drama, dance and music are hosted.
Seven kilometres from Faro, Roman ruins can be found at Milreu, including the remnants of an old Roman villa, a bathhouse, and an ancient temple with exquisite mosaic detail. Also nearby is the Ria Formosa Natural Park, set on a large lagoon. This nature reserve is home to hundreds of species of migrating birds.
From the west, Faro is accessible via highway Route 125; from the Spanish border, take the N125. Buses and trains travel between Lisbon and Faro several times a day. Faro has its own international airport, but some foreign visitors may be routed through Lisbon Airport.
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