Holidays to Faro

Faro is steeped in history with museums, palaces and cathedrals. A wander around Faro must include a family visit to the Museum of Living Science, with its interesting range of activities especially for younger visitors. The sandy beach is about 7km from the city. The harbour front offers relaxing cafes and bars where you can dream of sailing off in one of the many expensive yachts. During the summer months Faro is a party town but in winter it is a gorgeous peaceful seaside town with lots of sun.

The provincial capital of the Algarve, Faro is a modern, lively city with attractive shopping precincts, good restaurants and a frenetic nightlife, an exciting holiday destination. Thousands of travellers pass through the city en route to and from the resorts of the Algarve. Those who choose to linger awhile will find a town full of charm and colour with an interesting history and the feel of a true Portuguese fishing port.

There are some sightseeing opportunities while on holiday in Faro, mostly centred in the Old Town or Cidade Velha, which is entered through an 18th century gate and enclosed by the remnants of medieval walls. Faro's most famous attraction is a macabre one at the Igreja do Carmo, which features a chapel whose walls are decorated with the bones of more than 1,200 monks disinterred from the neighbouring cemetery.

Another worthwhile attraction near the city is the Ria Formosa Natural Park, and a short distance to the north is the peaceful village of Estoi, boasting a pink Roccoco palace and Roman ruins dating from the 1st century. To enjoy the beach while on holiday in Faro, one has to travel a few miles; a long sandy spit lies across a bridge near the International Airport.

Information & Facts

Language

Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.

Money

Portugal is a member of the European Union and its official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. There are numerous banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available in main cities and tourist destinations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and automatic currency exchange machines. Banking hours are generally 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques.

Time

Local time is GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).