Explore Faro Portugal – Winter Adventures

It is no secret that the Mediterranean climate is highly sought after because you never truly experience winter. In search of some sunshine, I decided to go and Explore Faro Portugal, a city located in the Algarve region. The Algarve is the southernmost region in Portugal filled with pristine coastal beaches for miles on end. It is filled with low cliffs that overlook the sandy beaches, cute fishing villages lined with beaches and resorts.

At the beginning of the year, I decided I was going to continue with the Take 12 Trips travel challenge. This challenge is simple and challenges anyone to travel anywhere at least one weekend a month. To complete the 2018 Take 12 Trips challenge, I decided to end it in style and went to Explore Faro Portugal. The city is very unsuspecting and doesn’t seem like it has much to offer apart from the weather. In this article, I aim to share how to Explore Faro Portugal and must visit places.

HOW TO GET TO FARO 

Like most European cities, Faro is very easily accessible via air, road, rail and sea though the latter is less often. From London, there are frequent flights to this popular sunshine destination in the Algarve. From Lisbon you can catch a bus, train or even drive on the motorway which is a straight forward drive.

WHERE TO STAY IN FARO

Faro being a coastal city is lined with resorts, hotels and hostels suitable for every budget. As a solo traveller, I often switch between hotels and hostels and when I was to meet people I choose hostels. During my visit to Faro, I stayed in a hostel in the heart of the city called Hostellicious. Newly opened hostel so it is a great condition and lovely rooms, comfortable and clean. There are various hostels located near the beach and hotels which are very comfortable budget.

11 Things To Do in Faro Portugal

From the outskirts, the city doesn’t look like there is much to see until I decided to Explore Faro Portugal. All the places listed below are those I was able to visit during my mini-vacation to Faro. There are other places I wanted to visit but preferred to venture to other areas instead

Faro Cathedral

The Cathedral of Faro is not the prettiest of cathedrals but its unique in that it combines Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. It is thought the cathedral was built in the 13th century and has been host to various religious monuments. The cathedral is worth a visit and a climb up to the offers mesmerising views of the city.

Capela dos Ossos {Bones Chapel}

The Bones Chapel is located inside the Cathedral of Faro and is a shrine dating back to 18th century built out of human bones and skulls. I wouldn’t suggest kids under 10 entering unless they are not phased by skeletons.

Arco da Vila

The Arco da vila is a medieval neo-classical archway and city monument that leads to the old town. It was established in 1812 and was built by order of Bishop Francisco Gomes. Apart from the impeccable design there isn’t much to the archway but makes for a nice tourist attraction.

The Museum Municipal 

The museum municipal is also known as Museu Arqueologico and is home to Faro’s history from Roman era to recent years. It is housed in a 16th century convent with arched cloisters and a garden.

Faro Old Town

The old town is an unsuspecting part of the city, encircled by an ancient city wall within it are shops and restaurants. I was able to see both the old town during the day and at night and its a sight to behold. During the day you will see many an old man playing dominos and various pop-up shops selling all manner of items. At night the old town is more charm, minimal Christmas decorations about, a few restaurants old and a lot of pubs in operation.

Faro Marina

Regardless of how you arrive into Faro, you will find yourself near the Marina. It is not large compared Marseille but it does have restaurants lining the Marina. If you are ever unsure of what to do in Faro, I would suggest you head to the Marina for some inspiration.

Culatra Island

A fishing Island off of Faro and can only be accessed by ferry and home to the fishermen. It is located south of the resort towns of Olhão and Faro and there are no paved roads on Culatra.

Ilha do Farol

Another fisherman’s island with a light house and an impressive beach plus a nice restaurant with great views. It forms part of the sandy barrier between the sea and the Ria Formosa estuary.

Illha Deserta (Deserted Island)

10kilometres of Algarve coastline and the quietest beach in the region with only one restaurant on the island. What we loved about the island is just how relaxed it was and in December rarely anyone is around.

Day Trip to Tavira

Tavira is one of the finest resort towns in the Algarve region and is an ancient Moorish town. The town is much more relaxed than Faro and takes about 45 minutes on the train from Faro.

Day Trip to Lagos, Portugal

Situated on the Western Algarve coastline, Lagos is a historical city with an abundance of varied sights and activities. Our favourite thing about Lagos was the city centre and exploring the various beaches along the coastline.

I had such a lovely time in Faro and can not wait to share some day trips to Tavira and Lagos. The Algarve is a very popular destination in Portugal but Faro is mostly ignored for resort destinations. Next time you fly into Faro, make sure to spend at least a day exploring this historical city.