Out on the weekend
Faro, Portugal
Looking for a weekend city break less than 3 hours flight time from the UK?
Mention Portugal and most people will quite rightly flag Porto and Lisbon (and I'll pay them a visit on this blog quite soon) but what about Faro?
The majority of the Algarve bound holiday makers fly into Faro and then head to the resorts of the Algarve. But a 10 minute taxi ride from the airport is the charming city, complete with old town, quirky churches, and a wonderful sea-water lagoon to explore.
You could, at a push, walk the main sights of the city in a day, but there's no need to rush. Part of the beauty of a short stop in Faro is buying in to the laid back, relaxed lifestyle of the locals. There are plenty of opportunities to grab an ice cream sat overlooking the marina or enjoy a wonderful pastel de nata with a coffee sat in the sunshine, as you navigate around the town.
The Catholic church of Igreja do Carmo is a stunning building in itself, but is famous for the small chapel at the rear of the main building, built from the bones and skulls of monks. It's a surreal, more than somber experience but is well worth a visit given the beautiful interior of the main church that you also get to enjoy.
On the Sunday morning we happened upon a fresh food market in front of the church.
The old town of Faro isn't the most dramatic old town we've visited recently, but is a nice, tranquil area of orange trees and white washed buildings. There are a good range of restaurants within the old town walls, and despite it being early March were able to bask in the sunshine tucking into a cheese board and a selection of Portuguese tapas, washed down with a few beers.
An absolute must on a long weekend to Faro is a boat tour of the sea water lagoon that surrounds the city. The protected area of the Ria Formosa is home to some beautiful islands and wildlife. The catamaran weaves its way through the the sea channels of the water lagoons and mud flats and is a delightful experience.
First up was Deserta Island, which as the name suggests was deserted apart from a solar powered restaurant and an eccentric drunken fisherman. This island is also known as Barreta Island and is home to the most southern point of Portugal - the Santa Maria Cape. We had half an hour to explore the small inland lights and the incredible beaches. A wooden gangway runs the length of the island should you want to explore the fauna and flora if you had a little more time.
The next stop was Farol Island (also called Ilha da Culatra), and whilst in summer is home to a small holiday community, in winter it is pretty deserted.
The fine white sand beach and lighthouse are fabulous. The Farol Santa Maria is a bona fide traditional lighthouse, and whilst we weren't allowed access, there are several great vantage points as you explore the island. You'll pass over the lighthouse and the beach as your plane comes into land at Faro airport, keep your eye out for it.
The main town area of Faro is compact and offers lots of options to eat and drink.
You can't go wrong with Portuguese tapas although the portion sizes can take a little getting used to - Some are huge, some aren't, so getting the balance right takes practice, which in itself is a good thing.
And we stuck to the local wines which were excellent.
We discovered the oldest bar in Faro, the Anchor bar. Which was a straight from the 1970s.
Great service, cheap beer and wine. The perfect place for a nightcap before you stroll back to your hotel through the marina.
And lastly, you can't miss the storks of Faro. Go at the right time of year and you'll catch them nesting in some pretty spectacular places. This fella was perched on the tower entrance to the old town. They bring good luck, and it isn't luck that Faro is a superb weekend break destination.
Looking for a weekend city break less than 3 hours flight time from the UK?
Mention Portugal and most people will quite rightly flag Porto and Lisbon (and I'll pay them a visit on this blog quite soon) but what about Faro?
The majority of the Algarve bound holiday makers fly into Faro and then head to the resorts of the Algarve. But a 10 minute taxi ride from the airport is the charming city, complete with old town, quirky churches, and a wonderful sea-water lagoon to explore.
 |
| Faro, Portugal. |
You could, at a push, walk the main sights of the city in a day, but there's no need to rush. Part of the beauty of a short stop in Faro is buying in to the laid back, relaxed lifestyle of the locals. There are plenty of opportunities to grab an ice cream sat overlooking the marina or enjoy a wonderful pastel de nata with a coffee sat in the sunshine, as you navigate around the town.
 |
| The Orange Trees of the Old Town, Faro. |
The Catholic church of Igreja do Carmo is a stunning building in itself, but is famous for the small chapel at the rear of the main building, built from the bones and skulls of monks. It's a surreal, more than somber experience but is well worth a visit given the beautiful interior of the main church that you also get to enjoy.
 |
| Catholic church of Igreja do Carmo, Faro. |
 |
| Catholic church of Igreja do Carmo, Faro. |
On the Sunday morning we happened upon a fresh food market in front of the church.
 |
| Catholic church of Igreja do Carmo, Faro. |
The old town of Faro isn't the most dramatic old town we've visited recently, but is a nice, tranquil area of orange trees and white washed buildings. There are a good range of restaurants within the old town walls, and despite it being early March were able to bask in the sunshine tucking into a cheese board and a selection of Portuguese tapas, washed down with a few beers.
 |
| The Old Town, Faro |
An absolute must on a long weekend to Faro is a boat tour of the sea water lagoon that surrounds the city. The protected area of the Ria Formosa is home to some beautiful islands and wildlife. The catamaran weaves its way through the the sea channels of the water lagoons and mud flats and is a delightful experience.
First up was Deserta Island, which as the name suggests was deserted apart from a solar powered restaurant and an eccentric drunken fisherman. This island is also known as Barreta Island and is home to the most southern point of Portugal - the Santa Maria Cape. We had half an hour to explore the small inland lights and the incredible beaches. A wooden gangway runs the length of the island should you want to explore the fauna and flora if you had a little more time.
 |
| Deserta Island, Ria Formosa |
The next stop was Farol Island (also called Ilha da Culatra), and whilst in summer is home to a small holiday community, in winter it is pretty deserted.
 |
| Farol Santa Maria, Faro, Portugal |
The fine white sand beach and lighthouse are fabulous. The Farol Santa Maria is a bona fide traditional lighthouse, and whilst we weren't allowed access, there are several great vantage points as you explore the island. You'll pass over the lighthouse and the beach as your plane comes into land at Faro airport, keep your eye out for it.
 | |
|
The main town area of Faro is compact and offers lots of options to eat and drink.
You can't go wrong with Portuguese tapas although the portion sizes can take a little getting used to - Some are huge, some aren't, so getting the balance right takes practice, which in itself is a good thing.
And we stuck to the local wines which were excellent.
 |
| Faro, Portugal |
Great service, cheap beer and wine. The perfect place for a nightcap before you stroll back to your hotel through the marina.
 |
| Faro Marina with the Old Town in the background. |
And lastly, you can't miss the storks of Faro. Go at the right time of year and you'll catch them nesting in some pretty spectacular places. This fella was perched on the tower entrance to the old town. They bring good luck, and it isn't luck that Faro is a superb weekend break destination.
 |
| Storks! Faro, Portugal |
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