Faro

eastoffaro.com holidays in the Eastern Algarve, Portugal

Faro

Faro is more than just an airport and gateway to the Eastern Algarve. The walled town is still intact and features architectural styles from many centuries. Inside the walls, you will find the Cathedral, an impressive square, the archeological 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 Isla Desserta.

Faro highlights

The walled town
Climbing the Cathedral tower
Wandering in the old town
The ferry trip to Isla Deserta

History

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.com - the council site

www.ilha-deserta.com - fantastic beach and southernmost point of Portugal