FARO, Algarve
Faro, Algarve‘s capital, has a more distinctly Portuguese feel than most of resort towns.
Overlooking the lagoons of the protected Ria Formosa Natural Park, this town offers rich cultural heritage and a stunning beaches.
It has beautiful marina, well-maintained parks and plazas and a historical old town surrounded by medieval walls.
Exploring old town is one of the most popular things to do. The greatest historical monuments are clustered together within the walls of the Old Town. It’s winding, cobbled pedestrian streets, squares and buildings are home to museums, churches, a bone chapel and al fresco cafes.
There is an archaeological museum and a “Bishops’ Palace,” a Renaissance cathedral that was heavily bombed during World War II, but later rebuilt.
The Comboio Turística, or tourist train, provides a novel way for tourists to discover Faro.
Travelling with children? They will love the Algarve Live Science Centre.
Praia de Faro – a long stretch of white sand that forms the island’s south coast. Lapped by a crystal-clear sea, this is the nearest beach to the city and is a very popular windsurfing and kitesurfing destination.
On Faro’s doorstep are the lagoons of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa and nearby beaches, including the islands of Ilha de Faro to the southwest and Ilha da Barreta.
Ria Formosa is among Europe’s most important natural habitats and attract a dazzling array of seabirds and other wildlife. This natural park encloses 18,000 hectares of lagoons and marshland, salt pans, islets, and channels.
Another must-visit destination near the Faro is Olhão – Algarve’s largest fishing port, and pretty much everything here revolves around fish and seafood.
