Faro, the easiest way to take advantage from the sun and the sea
Faro is one of the main councils of Algarve, within the capital of the district of Faro is located the only international airport of Algarve and the second largest of the country that links Portugal to several european countries, making possible the entrance in Algarve of thousands of tourists a year.
Faro is also the capital of the sun, it is in the coast of Faro that most of the visitors pass the summer time, taking advantage from the beautiful landscapes of the city.
In the summer, the streets of Faro become full of visitors who wants to live unforgettable moments, so the beach of Faro is one of the most visited places of the council, but the attention is also divided among the islands of the Culatra, Deserta e Farol.
Our trip starts in Culatra, called the house of the sea devoted, so once we arrive in the Culatra we realize that there is a place of fishermen. The beach is a natural refuge of fishing embarkations, colored on the calm waters.
The island Deserta is one of the better conserved and fewer frequented beaches of Algarve, which attracts the visitors attention who are looking for peace.
The famous island of Santa Marias Cable or island Farol is the one that is located more to south of Portugal. Their limpid waters invite you to discovery a world of new experiences of the sea life.
Beside the natural point, Faro still has a great variety of historical monuments that tell the history of the council, one of these more appellatives places is the historical centre of Faro, where you can find a little of the traditional and historical scenery of the city.
Composed by the freguesias of Conceicao de Faro, Estoi, Montenegro, Santa Barbara de Nexe, Sao Pedro and Se, these two in the city of Faro, the council lives intensely with the inherent landscapes of the sea, from the day by day of the fishermen to the landscape and the regional gastronomy.
In the council you can visit the Arch of the Town, Bank of Portugal, Barns of San Francisco, Cerca Seiscentista, Convent of San Francisco, Convent of Capuchos, Small chapel of Nossa Senhora da Boa Esperanca, Small chapel of Santo Antonio, Small chapel of Sao Luis and Small chapel of Sao Sebastiao.
Continuing the religious side, you can also visit the Small chapel of the Pe de Cruz, Church of the Cathedral, Church of Santa Barbara, Church of San Francisco, Church of Sao Pedro, Church of Carmo, Church of Estoi, Church of Mercy and Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceicao. Discovering the victories of the past, there are also the walls and the castle, not to forget also the Episcopal Paco, Palacete Belmarco, Episcopal Seminar and the Theatre.
The history is contemplated in the Municipal Museum of Faro, Museum Marine Admiral Ramalho Ortigao, Regional museum and the Science Centre.
The council maintains a dynamics life, with the presence of several alternatives for who intends to seize the night. During the year, Faro is the capital of several events, as parties, fairs and pilgrimages. In this place, we find the easiest way to take advantage from the sun and the sea.
The best of Faro’s kitchen
The ingredients used in the typical gastronomy of Faro are the fresh flavours of the sea and the aromas of the country. Some examples are the famous “Rice of Lingueirão” and the “Dom Rodrigos”.
But the specialities of the Faro’ menu has are also the “Carapaus Alimados”, sheep’ leg, pork with “amêijoas”, Xarém, Peas with eggs a la Algarvia, stewed partridge, fried rabbit, cooked of grain, squids filled Algarvia, Octopus in the oven with ribs of beef, tomatada tuna steaks, Broad beans, chicken soup with “conquilhas” and “Gaspacho” of garlic.
To sweet the palate, Faro has a selection of candies, as “colchão” of bride, “cheeses” of fig and almond, fruits of almond mass, fig stars and almond and “folares”.
Text: Igor Lopes
Copyright Algarve Real Estate Agency Villas Luz, Lda.
A few more informations about Faro...
Faro is not only an airport and gateway to the Eastern Algarve and the Central Algarve. The walled town is still intact and features architectural styles from many centuries. Within these old walls, you will find the Cathedral of Faro, an impressive square, the archaeological museum, an art gallery, an antiques shop, a few cafés and restaurants, and several families of nesting storks. Outside the walled town are the pleasant open spaces of the park and marina, often enlivened by free entertainment on summer evenings. The old town has many charming buildings and is home to a cobbled pedestrian shopping area complete with terrace cafés and restaurants. A ferry from outside the walled town takes you across the “Ria Formosa” to “Ilha Desserta” (=desert island).
Faro highlights
The walled town
Climbing the Cathedral tower
Wandering in the old town
The ferry trip to Ilha Deserta
History of Faro
The settlement of Faro pre-dates Roman times, when it was known by the name of Ossónoba. It fell in to the hands of the Moors in 713 AD, and remained so for over 500 years. It returned to Portuguese dominion in 1249, Liberated by King D. Afonso III. It received its charter as a city in 1540 and became capital of the Algarve in 1834.
Links
www.cm-faro.pt - the council site (unfortunately only available in Portuguese)
www.ilha-deserta.com - fantastic beach and southernmost point of Portugal
Back to Eastern Algarve Homepage
Properties in Eastern Algarve |