A Different Side To Faro

By Author: Zenil Shroff
Total Articles: 43
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The gateway to the Algarve, thousands of people chose the Faro region and surrounding area for their annual break. It’s not surprising as it boasts a heavenly Subtropical Mediterranean climate. As a result, the Faro region is a holiday destination hitting the top spot on many sun seekers lists.

The lure of the great weather and fantastic beaches however, tends to see most tourists who touch down at Faro Airport heading straight to the surrounding resorts without a second though. Few visitors rarely hang around long enough to experience the charm and history that Faro has to offer but rest assured there is plenty! Read on for our pick of things to do during a stay in Faro.

First and foremost, experience down town Faro referred to locally as Baixa de Faro. Here you can meander through the whitewashed streets and spend a few hours visiting the selection of shops, ranging from small local boutiques selling jewellery, to larger chain brands including Hugo Boss, Zara, Mango and more. The Algarve Forum is great for shopping too and is open until midnight in the summer months.

There are undoubtedly many great ...
... cafes, bars and restaurants to tempt your taste buds. Enjoy a delicious fresh seafood meal or sample a Portuguese delicacy such as ‘Chorico assado’ which is basically flaming Portuguese sausage. Another popular treat to try is marzipan; the Algarve is famous for it and you can sample some delicious examples in Faro. The nightlife during the summer is second to none with many bars staying open late and serving delicious cocktails and wine as well as Portuguese and International beers.

During your time in Faro be sure to visit the Old Town, known as Cidade Velha. It is surrounded by Roman Walls which date back to the 9th Century. Take some time to visit to the 13th Century Faro Cathedral, the interior of which displays a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and the Baroque times. Bishop’s Palace which is opposite and was built in the 18th Century. Nossa Senhora do Carmo, also known as the “golden” church, contains a rather strange and chilling chapel which is lined with the bones from over 1,200 monks.

Other gems to visit in Faro include the Café Alianca; a charming tea house which also acts as a gallery displays photographs of Faro from times gone by. It’s a great place to stop for a café and learn of Faro’s history from a slightly different perspective. Be sure to visit one of the oldest buildings in Faro; Ermida de Santo António do Alte which was built in 1355 and be rewarded with a fine view of the city by climbing up the steps on the side of the chapel.
This is just a selection of the places to see in Faro but it highlights a different way to experience the Algarve. Car hire Faro is a great way to enjoy a mix of the charms of Faro as well the fantastic resorts which surround it.