Faro in Portugal is a beautiful, modern city where the past still lives. Cheap flights to Faro have made this travelers’ paradise affordable to all, and those who come here can tour historical sites, play on the beach and enjoy world-class hotel service.
Flights to Faro land at the Aeroporto Internacional de Faro, which is about 7 km. to the west of the town. From the airport, a public EVA bus service will take visitors to the center of Faro. There is also an Aerobus shuttle running between the airport and the city. Many of Faro’s hotels provide their patrons with free airbus transfers, and of course, taxis link the airport with all the towns in the area. Hiring a car is an option preferred by some because it allows the visitor to explore the local scene at their leisure. Within the city of Faro, buses are the cheapest way to get around.
When visitors arrive in Faro, they can start their day by seeing the Centro Historico, which is full of historic structures. One popular stop is the Igreja do Carmo church, a 17th-century building that actually has the bones of over 1,000 monks within its walls. There are several art galleries in this district, and the Rua do Municipio will take travelers to the Largo da Se.
When they get their fill of history, travelers can relax on the beautiful beaches of Faro. The main beach is the Praia de Faro, one of the best beaches in the Algarve.
Those wishing to travel a bit more afield can take a ferry through marshy channels to the beaches at Ilha da Culatra and Ilha Deserta, which also have many places to eat and shop.
Travelers who grow tired of the town can enjoy the Ria Formosa natural reserve. Visitors can hop on a tour boat and take a two-to-three-hour cruise, stopping off at a scenic island on the way.
When lunchtime comes around, visitors can either go back into Faro and eat at one of the town’s fine restaurants or simply stay and eat on the beach. There are many restaurants, gift shops, bars and other facilities here. Visitors are encouraged to try fish or shellfish from one of the many local eateries, though there is also plenty of beef, pork and poultry available. A local specialty is tripas, a form of spicy tripe with beans.
Faro’s Municipal Museum of Archaeology provides a glimpse of the region’s past, while the Maritime Museum specializes in displaying highlights of the city’s ancient relationship with the sea. The Regional Museum of the Algarve shows the handicrafts and other traditional industries of the area.
There are several excellent hotels, which tend to be grouped on the north side of the harbor. For those on a limited budget, the Pousada de Juventude youth hostel is a good value. Other bargains are the Residencial Adelaide on the Rua Cruz das Mestras, Hotel Eva on Avenida da Republica and Residential Algarve on Rua Infante Dom Henrique.
This was a guest post by Jon Sullivan. You can book flights to Faro online at easyjet.com.
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