The provincial capital of the Algarve, Faro is a modern, lively city with attractive shopping precincts, good restaurants and a frenetic nightlife. Thousands of travellers pass through the city en route to and from the resorts of the Algarve. Those who choose to linger awhile will find a town full of charm and colour with an interesting history and the feel of a true Portuguese fishing port. There are some sightseeing opportunities, mostly centred in the Old Town or Cidade Velha, which is entered through an 18th century gate and enclosed by the remnants of medieval walls. Faro's most famous attraction is a macabre one at the Igreja do Carmo, which features a chapel whose walls are decorated with the bones of more than 1,200 monks disinterred from the neighbouring cemetery. Another worthwhile attraction near the city is the Ria Formosa Natural Park, and a short distance to the north is the peaceful village of Estoi, boasting a pink Roccoco palace and Roman ruins dating from the 1st century. For the beach, one has to travel a few miles. A long sandy spit lies across a bridge near the International Airport.
Faro's main shopping area is in the heart of town along the Rua Santo Antonio and the Rua Francisco Gomes. There is also an interesting, colourful produce market on the Largo do Mercado open every day where visitors can mingle with the locals. Good buys in Faro are the local handcrafts, like basketware and embroidered goods, local wines and traditional clothing. Also sought after are locally made ceramic tiles decorated with traditional motifs.
A huge variety of restaurants and food stores line the pedestrianised Rua de Santo Antonio, catering for all tastes and budgets. A must is to sample the local cakes and desserts, deliciously made of juicy figs and almonds. For a view try the Ginasio Clube Naval's terrace overlooking the harbour, and for a fishy feast there is Adega Dois Irmaos, the city's oldest seafood eatery, where the fresh catch of the day is on display. For well-priced Algarve specialities, A Tasca on the Rua del Alportel is a good bet, or Carmane on the beach for superior dining
Being a university city, Faro has a vibrant student population who ensure that nightlife keeps pumping. It all happens along the Rua do Prior and in the narrow alleys off of Rua Conselheiro Bivar and Rua Infante Dom Henrique. Dance clubs get going around 11pm or midnight, while bars are open for business any time from noon until the early hours. The Upa Upa Café and Bar at 51 Rua Conselheiro Bivar draws locals and tourists. The nightclub, Dux, is the place to party until the early hours and the trendsetters should head for the Fashion Kaffe.
Faro's main attraction is its quaint old town, where visitors can wander and enjoy some architectural sightseeing and brush up on their history. There are some worthy museums in the town too, like the archaeological Municipal Museum housed in a former convent and a maritime museum displaying a collection of model ships and boats. The city offers a taste of the traditional old Portugal for visitors making a stopover en route to an Algarve resort. Those who want to try out the local beach will find it to be a clean stretch of golden sand where umbrellas and sunbeds can be hired and all sorts of watersports undertaken.
Faro is a bustling, working city and not a holiday resort town as such, the emphasis being on its historical attractions rather than fun in the sun.
Encircled by pine trees and overlooking a white sandy beach and clear blue waters, this hotel offers the ultimate in comfort and leisure facilities.Spend your time on the 9-hole golf course or mini golf, or take time out to relax in the health club or outdoor pools. Try something different with the water sports facilities, or use one of 5 tennis courts for a energetic morning.Drive along the coast to Olhos de Agua or Albufeira to see more of the Algarve's impressive coastline before returning to your comfortable hotel and its wealth of facilities. Choose how to spend your evening from a number of restaurants serving different types of cuisine.
Located near to Lagos Marina and only 5 minutes from the city centre and the beach, Marina Park is composed of several small apartment blocks, with ample green areas and gardens. The apartments are spacious and are decorated in a modern way, all of them with big balconies, offering comfort and space. The complex has a snack bar, a swimming pool for adults, a separate children's pool and tennis courts.
Blend a colourful casino with views over the still, blue ocean and golden sand of Praia da Rocha beach, to create this 5-star hotel.With 2 swimming pools, 3 restaurants, cushioned lounges, lush gardens and the beach on your doorstep, you will be spoilt for choice at this hotel. Not to mention the children's playground and water sports during the summer.Reinvigorate body and mind with a massage or session in the sauna, Turkish bath, hairdresser or jacuzzi. Get active in the fitness centre, or simply enjoy the marvellous beach stretched out before you.Make good use of the hotel's free WiFi internet access and free parking.Travel around the local area for golf courses, or simply busy yourself with the hotel's many facilities. Let a win in the casino put a smile on your face and provide a good end to a great day.
