Faro is in the Algarve Region on the southern tip of Portugal. It is the provincial capital with a population of about 40,000. Most of its attractive older buildings were constructed after the devastating earthquakes of 1532 and 1755.

The beautiful Praia do Faro beach is outside the town and can be reached by ferry from the jetty by the Old City or by crossing a bridge leading off from the road to the airport.

From February until June the landscape becomes a blaze of yellow with Mimosa and Bermuda Buttercups in full bloom. March also brings the pink, blue and scarlet pimpernels, irises and rock roses. In late spring you can expect to see a proliferation of oleander, gladioli, tulips, orchids and jacarandas.

The Ria Formosa Lagoon in Faro is a nature reserve which is over 17,000 hectares in size with hundreds of species of birds including long legged, black wing stilts, which use it as a stopping off place during the spring and autumn migratory seasons. Large birds such as storks are a common sight and often build their nests on bell towers or other high buildings. Eagles, kites, owls and Egyptian vultures can also be seen occasionally.

Also in Faro is the 30,000 seater Estadia Algarve which was one of the sites of Euro 2004 and is considered a model small/regional flexible use stadium for European Football and cultural events.

Sport in Faro

Sporting enthusiasts will have plenty to do in Faro with 6 of the 24 golf courses in the Algarve in its immediate environs. Many of these clubs also have tennis courts and academies where you can receive coaching.

 

Beaches in Faro

The beach offers a wide variety of water sports, or you can go big game fishing or on one of the many cruises offered at Lagos Marina. With a proliferation of entertainment which includes amusement and aqua parks, zoos, various safaris and go karting, there is no shortage of something to do here.

 

Nightlife in Faro

Most of the night life in Faro goes on to the north of the harbour on the Rua do Prior which is full of clubs or the Conselheiro Bivar which is buzzing with outdoor bars and cafes which are open until the early hours.