Location
FAROis Located in Southern Portugal (Algarve region)
Faro serves as the gateway to the Algarve, a popular tourist destination famous for its golden beaches, golf courses, and Mediterranean climate.
Originally settled by the Romans, Faro was later influenced by Moorish culture, evident in its whitewashed buildings and intricate tilework.
Getting there
The train is about 4 hour trip and the ticket price is 24 Euros, 28 US dollars
Where to stay
We reserved a studio with kitchenette at the Roots hotel, 3 stars hotel, very friendly and helpful receptionist, the hotel is very clean, with small swimming pool,
The hotel was about 3 min walk from the train station, and about 5 min from the historic center.
During the all trip we were not lucky with the weather, particularly during the Faro stay, very windy, raining with sometime some sunny periods and suddenly huge showers.
This limit our plan to stay in Faro, the idea is to go to the Benagil caves, which are about 1 hour from Faro but in such bad weather also rain and wind, no suitable for boat trip.
Same to go to Ilha Deserta, which are part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, it wasn’t very safe to try to go there really too windy.
Attractions:
The Old Town Cidade Velha is Enclosed by medieval walls, this area features cobblestone streets, churches, and museums.
Ria Formosa Natural Park: A protected wetland system teeming with wildlife, ideal for birdwatching and boat tours.
Sé Cathedral: A historic church offering sweeping views of the city from its rooftop.
Faro is nice little town, the purpose to come to Faro was to use Faro as main to go to travel to the algarve, the Benagil caves, the desert island et…
Transportation
Walking in Faro is the best way to visit the city, there is also the touristic small Hop on Hop off tourist teain, which is basically a kind of small electric train.
This will bring you around the small town, it’s one way to visit the city if you are tired of walking.
The cost is 7 Euros, 8 US dollars and the trip last around 45 min to 1 hour.
The main stop is just on the main plaza across the harbor.
Faro hop on and hop off tourist train | musement
But during the all trip, we were not lucky with the weather, particularly during the Faro stay, very windy, raining with sometime some sunny periods and suddenly huge showers.
This limit our plan to stay and visit around Faro, we planned to go to the Benagil caves ,which are about 1 hour from Faro, but in such bad weather, rain and windy, this was not suitable for boat trip.
Same to go to the “deserted island”, is called Ilha Deserta, or Ilha de Bareta, which are part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, it wasn’t very safe and also not fun, we try to go there few times, but really too windy and too much rain.
So we basically stay in Faro, visiting the few attraction.
What to see
The Se Cathedral
The site of Faro Cathedral has a rich history dating back around two thousand years, when it was initially a Roman forum.
Later, a mosque was built on the site.
The cathedral was constructed in 1251 under the command of King Alfonso IV and Archbishop Viegas of Braga, built over the ruins of the mosque. This construction was meant to symbolically assert Christian dominance in the region after the Reconquista from Muslim rule.
Throughout its history, the cathedral faced several challenges:
It suffered significant damage during an English attack in 1596, when the Earl of Essex sacked and burned the cathedral during the period of Spanish rule over Portugal.
The original gothic building was damaged multiple times by fires and earthquakes. Today, only the tower with the main gothic doorway and two chapels in the transept remain from the original structure.
After numerous architectural changes and renovations, the present building showcases a mixture of styles, including gothic, renaissance and baroque influences.
The interior is supported by doric columns and arches that were added after the 1596 fire.
It features two organs: a small one from 1640 and a large one from 1701 decorated in Asian style.
Today, the cathedral functions primarily as a tourist attraction while still holding religious services. It includes a museum of sacred art and offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views over Faro and the Ria Formosa Natural Park from its bell tower.
In the Streets of Faro
Where to eat in Faro.
CHEFE BRANCO: Chef Branco Restaurant, Faro – Gastronomic Routes
FARO E BENEFICA MARINA: Address: Doca de Faro, 8000-541 Faro, Portugal, Phone: +351 289 821 422
MERCADO DO PEIXE: the restaurant is just outside the market, Address: Largo Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro, 8000-151 Faro, Portugal Phone: +351 289 897 250
SOL E JARDIN: Address: Largo Terreiro do Bpo. 22, 8000-238 Faro, Portugal, Phone: +351 289 820 030
COZINHA DAS ILHAS( for breakfast): Address: R. Conselheiro Bivar 36, 8000-252 Faro, Portugal, Phone: +351 911 759 010
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