Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Portugal / Algarve / Faro
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| | | Sunshine and beaches |  | Why go on holiday to Faro?
If you travel to Faro expecting quintessential Portugal, you're going to the wrong place. The capital of the Algarve has been a package holiday mecca since the 1960s. The big attraction? Almost year-round sunshine, great beaches and low prices. More recently, luxury tourist developments and golf courses have sprung up.
But don't despair. If you want to escape, head eastwards for unspoilt towns and villages. There's also plenty of interesting excursions — provided you are prepared to make the effort. An all-round good destination for families, couples and dedicated sun-worshippers.
How much does it cost?
A week in an apartment starts from £270, a half-board hotel package from £700 in high season and villa accommodation ranges between £250 and £1,200. Return flights to Faro with low-cost airlines start from £110.
When should I go?
The Algarve boasts Portugal's best climate and you'll find agreeable weather all year. However temperatures can reach a sweltering 29C/83F in July and August. It's quieter during the winter.
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| | | Activities and action | | Where do I start?
Top up your tan at the town's beach, Praia de Faro, which has miles of sand, windsurfing possibilities and a smattering of cafes.
Culture vultures should amble around the old walled town, with its quiet, cobbled streets, cathedrals, an 18th-century bishop's palace, and the Archaeological Museum. There are also dazzling churches with gilded woodwork, including the spooky Nossa Senhora do Carmo which houses the skeletal remains of 1,245 monks.
The Algarve Regional Museum has ceramics and photos and the Maritime Museum is of moderate interest.
Anything else to see?
If you're in Faro in mid-July, you can enjoy the Our Lady of Carmel festival which is marked by a religious procession. The international summer music festival also takes place in July and August.
Trips to the offshore islands in the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa are worthwhile. Bird lovers can look out for many species of ducks, gulls and terns while beach bums can enjoy some of the quietest and biggest shores in the Algarve.
Are there activities and sports?
Choose horse-riding, golf, tennis, Jeep safaris into the interior, and excursions to the former Moorish capital Silves, dominated by an imposing red castle.
What's there to do at night?
The charming 19th-century Teatro Letes theatre on Rua Lete hosts drama, music and dance. For bars and clubs, check out the action on Rua do Prior which is particularly lively at weekends.
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| | | Go for grilled sardines | | Will children like it?
When the kids have become fed up with sun and surf, take a day trip to Guia's Zoomarine aquatic park which offers dolphin, seal and parrot shows plus two public swimming pools.
What's the food like?
It's excellent, cheap and served in large portions. Seafood such as grilled sardines is delicious. Carnivores have plenty of choice too and there's traditional Portuguese casserole. For dessert fans, try the local speciality — marzipan cakes.
What should I buy?
Popular souvenirs include ceramics, tiles and pottery. There are good handicraft shops in the Old Town. Excursions can also be arranged to the weekly markets at Loule and Quarteira.
More information
Portuguese National Tourist Office, Portuguese Embassy, 11 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PP. Tel: 0845 3551212.
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| | Fact File : Faro |
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| | | Faro | | Did you know?
A massive earthquake flattened Faro in 1755, except for its sturdy old medieval centre known as Cidade Velha.
Language
Portuguese.
Visas
None required.
Getting there
Numerous direct flights serve Faro from the UK.
Flying time from London
Two hours and 45 minutes.
Getting around
Car hire costs around £100 per week. Taxis fares can jump 20% between 10pm and 6am and on weekends and holidays. Bikes can be hired too.
Currency
Euro.
Costs
A three-course meal is around £8, a bottle of beer 50p, a 24-exposure film £4, a bottle of suntan lotion £3.50 and a three-mile taxi ride is around £3.
Weather
The Algarve enjoys an average of 12 hours of daily sunshine between June-August. Temperatures range from 20C/68F in April to 28C/83F at the end of August. November-March is the wettest period.
Time difference
Same as GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
00351.
Voltage
220V, with two-pin plugs as standard.
Opening hours
Generally between 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm weekdays and 9am-1pm Saturdays.
Health – before you go
No jabs necessary.
Health – when you are there
Portugal has a reciprocal health care arrangement with the UK and will provide free care in its clinics and hospitals if you show your passport or an EHIC. There is also a 24-hour emergency hospital in Faro.
Warnings
Petty theft and pickpocketing is rife in the Algarve and theft from cars is also increasingly common. Don't leave valuables in parked cars and be as security-conscious in villas and apartments as your own home. Be aware that many beaches have dangerous currents and take note of warning flags.
Emergency
Police – 112.
Customs
Locals in the Algarve are friendly and will make you feel welcome.
Pets
Portugal is part of the Passports for Pets scheme but it can take months to sort out the paperwork. Ask for advice from your vet.
Tipping
Customary. Add 10% to restaurant bills and taxi fares.
Tourist office
Portuguese Tourist Office, 22-25A Sackville Street, London, W1X 2LY. Tel: 090 6364 0610.
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| | Available rental properties in Faro |
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| |  | | Villa Theresa
Restored Farmhouse with Pool in tranquil setting, close to shops restaurants and bars, but away from the crowds,
A perfect place to relax and recouporate.
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Holiday Rentals in Faro |
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Why Rent With Us
