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Guide to Faro, Portugal
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Faro
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Faro
A place once ruled by the Romans, inhabited by the Moors, and now part of Portugal, Faro is a feast for the eyes. The provincial capital of the Algarve is a quaint city with a population of just 41,934, but life is lively and the beach is buzzing. See history is on display in the old town of Cidade Velha, and experience the seamless mix of old and new which makes Faro so charming. Whether you want to spend your days at outdoor cafes or lying on the sandy beaches just a few kilometres from the city centre - everything you want is here, as well as some pleasant surprises.
How To Get There
Faros International Airport isnt hugely busy but youll usually be able to get a direct flight.
The airport bus system runs every 35 minutes, and there are taxis outside the terminal. You may have to bargain for a fare beforehand.
Travelling Around
Getting around the city is easy on foot, and taxis are reasonably cheap. Buses and taxis will take you to the beaches over the 3km bridge.
When To Go
The climate in Faro is wonderful for much of the year. Steady breezes blow in off the waterfront and cool the beaches. Winter can make the sea a little too chilly for swimming, but its still nice enough to walk the city streets. Spring is probably the perfect time to visit Faro when the weather is perfect and the city is thriving.
What To See
We recommend starting your discovery of the city at the 18th century Arco da Vila the gate to the old town. Inside this district, known as the Cidade Velha, youll find many historic buildings in a mix of Roman, Moorish, and Portuguese styles. This part of town is home to quaint shops, cafes and eateries. Look out for remnants of the medieval city walls.
A chapel sure to catch your eye is the Capela de Ossos, or Chapel of Bones. Built about two hundred years ago, the chapels exterior is lined with human skulls and bones a sinister reminder of the cycle of life. It is part of an older Baroque church, Igreja do Carmo, which has two impressive bell towers.
Faros old cathedral, the Se, is another architectural gem, melding Gothic and Renaissance styles. The Gothic tower can be seen from much of the city. However the highlight of the cathedral has to be the 17th and 18th century tiles inside. Admission is free.
There are a few notable museums in Faro as well. The Museu Municipal, Museu Maritimo, and Museu Ethnografico Regional all show aspects of Faros rich history and culture. Many of the exhibits reflect the citys fishing heritage, with replicas of historical boats and ships, and some great photographs.
Hotspot
Step outside the city for a rare glimpse of Roman Portugal. In the beautiful countryside of Milreu stand the ruins of an ornate villa. It dates from the first century AD and was built in the peristyle tradition - a gallery of columns surrounding a courtyard. Its easy to imagine Roman gentry milling around the halls and cloisters, and the intricate fish mosaics in the bathing chambers give an insight into the lifestyle of the people who lived here.
Also worth a look is the is the the Palace of Estoi just north of Milreu. This 19th century rococo building is famous for its blue and white tiles and overgrown gardens.
Night Life
Rua do Prior is where most of Faros night scene happens. The street in the heart of town is lined with night cafes, local bars and English pubs, as well as dance clubs that stay open until dawn. Rua do Prior is great during the day too.
fast facts
- Faro is famous for its motorcycling, and hosts one of Europes biggest biking festivals
- during the Moorish occupaption, Faro was home to Jews who wrote copies of the Old Testament
- Faro is twinned with Tangiers, Malaga and Huelva
Quick History
The area where Faro now lies has been occupied since Palaeolithic times. Faro began as Ossonoba, an important town during the Roman occupation of the Iberian peninsula. It was the a religious centre from the third century, and was the most important town in southwest Iberia when the Moors took over in the 8th century Ossonoba. The town was named Harun after a local Muslim ruler, which later became Faro. When King Alfonso III took Portugal back from the Moors in the 13th century, Faro became the administrative capital of the Algarve area. More recent history has seen Faro becoming a portal of tourism for the Algarve, and is a popular destination for travellers.
Lingo
Locals are always happy to hear you make an effort, so its good to have a couple of words and phrases up your sleeve. Here are some Portuguese basics:
Hello OlGoodbye AdeusPlease Por favorThankyou Obrigado (if youre male) or Obrigada (if youre female) Yes SimNo - No
Money
Up-to-date exchange rates can be found on a currency converter.
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