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Faro,
Just twenty minutes from the airport lies one of the Algarve’s liveliest and most attractive towns. The capital of the Algarve, central Faro is gathered round a yacht-filled marina off which radiates an atmospheric warren of mosaic-cobbled streets lined with excellent shops and aromatic cafés. The whole town looks out over the start of the Reserva Natural da Ria Formosa, flat tidal wetlands that are a haven for seabirds – and most of the shellfish that ends up in local restaurant kitchens. And with nowhere in the Algarve more than a couple of hours from Faro, it makes the perfect gateway to the whole region, which covers 200km of the Atlantic Ocean coastline and is blessed with everything from beautiful stretches of sandy beaches, small hidden coves and quaint fishing villages, to bustling seaside resorts overflowing with restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Find Faro's best:
- Day trip
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Day trip
Best adventure:
A trip to the Ilha Deserta
Take a two to three hour boat trip through the mudflats of the Reserva Natural da Ria Formosa to Portugal’s most southerly tip, the Ilha Deserta. Here you’ll find a stunning beach, with plenty of room to lay your towel. There’s a smart restaurant, a few fishermen’s shacks, lots of seabirds – and nothing else to disturb the peace.
Where: Departures from the jetty at the end of Rua Com. Francisco Manuel by the old town walls.
Website: www.ilha-deserta.com - Gem
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Gem
Best secret gem:
Portuguese water dogs
This rare breed of web-footed poodle – bred to help chase fish into nets – has become better known now that President Obama has one, “Bo”, for his kids. You can visit the kennels where they are bred in the beautiful nature reserve 20 minutes west of Faro (closed weekends).
Where: Quinta da Marim, Quelfes.
Website: www.caodaguapt.org - Family
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Family
Best family attraction:
Zoomarine
Less than an hour down the main N125 from Faro, this is a fantastic zoo-come-theme park filled with swimming pools, rides and various animal enclosures, including a fine aquarium. The highlight is the impressive dolphin show, though there are various other shows throughout the day.
Where: Zoomarine, Estrada Nacional 125, Guia.
Website: www.zoomarine.com - Architecture
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Architecture
Best photo op:
The Cathedral
Head inside Faro’s striking cathedral (Sé) to see some dazzling 18th-century glazed tiles, then clamber up its clock tower for the best views over the coast and the terracotta roof tiles of the old town, its churches and spires dotted with storks’ nests.
Where: Sé, Largo da Sé, Vila-Adentro, Faro.
Website: www.cm-faro.pt (the town council website with a link to the church)
Faro - (FAO)
Location
5 miles from Faro, a 15-20 minute journey.
Public transport
Faro Airport 0035 (0)289800800
Taxis to the centre cost approximately €9-€10 and buses €1, including the AEROBUS shuttle to the city centre which runs daily (except Tuesday) between 1 June - 31 October.
For more info on buses please click www.eva-bus.net
For more info on train services please click www.cp.pt
Tourist information
Tourist information is located at a meeting point in the main terminal building.
Check-in
Opens 2 hours prior to flight departure time. Desks close promptly 40 minutes prior to departure.
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