Perfectly located on the southern Atlantic Coast of Portugal, Faro has a rich, diverse history and a culture that is unmatched anywhere on the iberian peninsula. The weather in Faro is ideal for a holiday at any time of the year, while there is a special impetus on environmentally responsible tourism all over the region. Faro also sits in a region rich in the legacy of many cultures.
Historians have had much to discover and document as the area around Faro has been associated since Palaeolithic times. Settled by the Moors and Romans, examples of these older civilizations as well as more modern ones, are evident all over Faro. Much of this history can be seen today in the buildings in the area, and through the various art galleries and museums. Faro holidays let visitors explore this diverse and rich heritage at a leisurely pace and with little impact on their environment.
Frequently referred to as the gateway city to the Algarve region, the city of Faro is worth a visit for its quiet charm and great local restaurants. The impressive facade of Carmo Church with its twin bell towers and yellow balustrade is worth visiting, while inside ornate gilded woodwork is a fine example of craftsmanship in the region. Containing an excellent example of a Roman mosaic, and housed in a 16th Century convent, the archaeological museum is also a good place to learn about the fascinating history of Faro.
Boutique shops and small independent retailers are a common sight on the streets of Faro. The hustle and bustle of the city is an authentic Portuguese experience, with some excellent places to buy often produced and locally made gifts.
One of the main ecological attractions of Faro is the Rio Formosa lagoon. This stretches along the Eastern Algarve from Faro city to the village Cacela Velha. The movement of the tides here is forever changing the structure of the lagoon and many archaeological sites in the area of Roman and pre-Roman origin can be seen. The Rio Formosa lagoon is now a protected nature reserve. There are plenty of things to do and see on the lagoon, with cycle and walking tours as well as ferry trips between the islands. Some of the beaches are ideal for a quiet escape, while there is a range of wildlife and flora and fauna to be discovered in the area.
Faro is also home to many traditional industries. There are pockets of minor industry in the Rio Formosa lagoon, such as salt harvesting and shellfish farming. The waters here are extremely clean, and many visitors are impressed with the nature of the traditional methods used in these local industries that safeguard the area's natural beauty and maintain ecological balance.
A stya in the exciting city of Faro is bound to be an interesting one, and with many villas in Faro featuring a delicate balance of style, luxury, and green facilities and amenities, the area that can be the ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of the Algarve. With unspoilt beaches and coastlines, a massive range of sports both on land and in the water and plenty of other activities to choose from, Faro's weather ensures that a holiday can be enjoyed here at any time of the year.
From the turquoise waters of the Rio Formosa lagoon, to the colorful rural landscape and villages of Faro's countryside, a visit to this part of the Algarve is recommended. Getting to Faro is easy, with the regions main airport located near Faro city, and regular flights to and from the UK.