Faro is the provincial capital of The Algarve region of southern Portugal. It’s a very popular summer resort and roughly attracts 5 million holidaymakers every year. Faro is serviced by Faro International Airport, approximately 4 miles to the west of the city. Low-cost airlines offer cheap package deals and bargain flights to Faro throughout the year, making it an ideal place to visit in any season. Because Faro is only a couple of hours away from the UK, many British citizens are starting to relocate to Faro altogether. New builds and renovations can be seen all over the Faro countryside, and who can blame them? Warmer winters and gloriously hot summers keep even the Ex-pat happy!

The world famous Ria Formosa Lagoon has attracted human occupants dating back to the Pre-historic age. Made from a barrier of islands, this nature reserve plays an important part in the region, as it attracts many species of migratory wildlife. The Ria Formosa is truly a bird-watchers paradise. The busiest migration times are in the spring and autumn. The lagoon itself is connected to the sea by means of six inlets, one of which is man-made. The other two most important cities near the Ria Formosa are Tavira and Olhao. 

Faro is a modern lively city that has attractive shopping precincts, excellent restaurants and a hectic nightlife. 

The Rua Santo Antonio and the Rua Francisco Gomes is the heart of Faro’s main shopping area. There is a bustling produce market held at the Largo do Mercado every day. Shoppers and visitors can mingle with the locals and buy handcrafted gifts made from leather, wood, pottery, hand-woven basket ware, embroidered goods, local wines and traditional clothing. Remember to haggle to get the prices down, also bear in mind that many markets sell counterfeit goods, so buy with caution.

There are a huge variety of restaurants and eateries in the pedestrianised area of Rua de Santo Antonia. A variety of food can be found, ranging from local cuisine to fast-food outlets. You must try the local cakes and desserts, which are made from almonds and juicy figs.

As Faro is a university city, it has a vibrant student population, who make sure that local nightlife is always banging. The best place to be is along the Rua do Prior, Rua Conselheiro Bivar and Rua Infante Dom Henrique. Bars are open from noon and close in the early hours of the morning. Nightclubs and discos get going around midnight, and the party lasts until the doors close the day! The Upa Upa Café, attracts locals and tourists alike, as does the Dux nightclub. Trendsetters should check out the Fashion Kaffe.

Those of you who wish to relax on the beach; it is approximately 4 miles away, close to Faro International Airport. Accessed via a bridge, a long sandy spit confronts you; this is the Graia de Faro. It is a lovely clean sandy beach, where sun loungers and umbrellas can be hired on an hourly basis. Water sports equipment can also be hired from local outlets on the seafront.  For those who wish to relax somewhere a little quieter, take a ferry from the Porta Nova pier to Ilha da Barreta. This is a pretty little island covered in wild flowers, which offers a quieter stretch of sandy beach.

If you have the chance to stay long enough in Faro, you will find a charming colourful town that has an interesting history. The Old Town, or Cidade Velha, is entered through an 18th Century gate, and is surrounded by the remnants of a medieval wall. Visit one of Faro’s most famous macabre attractions; the Bone Chapel, or Igreja do Carmo. This chapel has walls, which are decorated with the skeletal remains of over 1,200 monks! The bones were disinterred from a neighbouring cemetery. 

Other sites worth seeing include Faro’s marina, the Statue of King Afonso III, the City hall and the Governo Civil of Faro.

Visitors love to come back to Faro year after year. Whether you are just passing through on a tour of The Algarve, or you are staying for two weeks, Faro keeps everyone happy. Top class all-inclusive hotels and cheaper self-catering apartments are always available, and last minute cancellations mean that the price is always competitive! Don’t just sit around the hotel complex, hire a car and discover the real Faro, not just the well-trodden tourist route.