European Destination of the Week - Faro
If you’re going to Portugal for a holiday you’ll most probably visit either Lisbon or the Algarve. Visitors to the Algarve normally head straight for the beach, but the provincial capital Faro is perfect for a minibreak, or a day trip from the resorts.
This quaint city has a population of just over forty thousand but it buzzes with life. See history on display in the old town of Cidade Velha, and experience the seamless mix of old and new which makes Faro so charming. Getting around the city is easy on foot, and taxis are reasonably cheap. The beaches are only three kilometres away over the bridge.
The climate in Faro is wonderful for much of the year but spring is the perfect time to visit - the weather is perfect and the city is thriving.
Start your discovery of Faro at the 18th century Arco da Vila – the gate to the old town. Inside this district, known as the Cidade Velha, you’ll find many historic buildings in a mix of Roman, Moorish, and Portuguese styles. This part of town is home to shops, cafes and eateries. Look out for remnants of the medieval city walls.
The eye-catching Capela de Ossos, or Chapel of Bones was built about two hundred years ago. The chapel’s exterior is lined with human skulls and bones and is part of an older Baroque church, Igreja do Carmo, which has two impressive bell towers.
Faro’s old cathedral, the Se, is another architectural gem, mixing Gothic and Renaissance styles. The Gothic tower can be seen from much of the city. The highlight of the cathedral has to be the 17th and 18th century tiles inside.
There are some excellent museums in Faro as well. The Museu Municipal, Museu Maritimo, and Museu Ethnografico Regional all show aspects of Faro’s rich history and culture. Many of the exhibits reflect the city’s fishing heritage, with replicas of historical boats and ships, and some great photographs.
Step outside the city for a rare glimpse of Roman Portugal. In the beautiful countryside of Milreu stand the ruins of an ornate villa. It dates from the first century AD and was built in the peristyle tradition - a gallery of columns surrounding a courtyard. Also worth a look is the is the the Palace of Estoi just north of Milreu. This 19th century rococo building is famous for its blue and white tiles and overgrown gardens.
When night falls, head to the Rua do Prior where most of Faro’s partying happens. The street in the heart of town is lined with night cafes, local bars and English pubs, as well as dance clubs that stay open until dawn. Rua do Prior is great during the day too.
Find the cheapest flights to Faro at FlightComparison.co.uk.