Faro is a city in the south of Portugal, forming part of the Algarve, is a highly popular holiday destination due to its sub tropical mediterranean climate, local attractions and activities. Faro is a place full of pride for its historical and cultural histort, local visitors will be entranced by the historical architecture in the form of old fortresses, cathedral, churches and the local high streets with their cafes, clothes shops and local produce. In the evenings there are a variety of events and activities to keep anyone entertained, ranging from local theatre, restuarants, rustic bars, high end clubs and local festivals depending on the time of year. Many tourists now choose when visiting Europe to rent a car to allow them to get about a city that they don’t know very well but also to visit local towns and cities for day trips. Car hire in Faro is available for pickup directly from the airport when you get off your flight, such companies catering for these type of requirement include: Argus Car Hire, Any Car Hire, Auto Europe and Europ car.
Faro Airport information
Faro Airport (FAO) is located just under 3km west of the city center and handles approximately 5.5 million passengers every year. It’s composed of one terminal and is especially busy during the months of March to October. ATMs are available in both arrivals and departures, and Bureau de change in arrivals only. There are a number of food outlets available, including bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as duty-free shopping. If you lose any property, there’s a help desk available near the meeting point. Disabled facilities are available, and include toilets, elevators, parking spaces and wheelchairs when requested. cheap car hire in Faro is possible from the airport, with several companies from which to choose.
Places to visit around Faro
The Old Town is a fantastic place to start your exploration of the city. It’s easy to lose yourself in the cobblestoned alleys lined with brightly colored buildings dating back to the city’s Moorish occupation. The Cathedral is an important attraction in Faro and is located in the Old Town. Although it required major repairs after the earthquake in 1755, the building is still architecturally attractive and displays a blend of styles including Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic. Also situated in this area is the Arco da Vila, which contains an archway and bell tower as well as a statue of St. Thomas Aquinas, the city’s patron saint.
Faro has a number of beautiful churches worth visiting. Igreja do Carmo contains the intriguing Chapel of Bones, which is composed of over one thousand skulls and bones, taken from the surrounding graves. Igreja de Sao Francisco, although deceptively plain on the outside, contains stunning Baroque features inside. Nossa Senhorra do Carmo, the ‘golden’ church, is revered throughout southern Portugal for its stunning gold-leaf woodwork. Another impressive building is the 18th century Episcopal Palace, enclosed within crumbling Roman walls. Then, the Museu Arqheologico is located in the Convent of Our Lady of the Assumption and contains pieces dating back as far as the Romans.
With so much to absorb, a fantastic way to find respite from the city is at one of the beaches nearby. These are one of Faro’s most popular attractions and are particularly busy during the summer months. The main beach is the Praia de Faro, which is situated in the southwest region of the city. Not only is it considered the best in Faro, but is the best in the eastern Algarve. Here you can laze on the sand and swim in the warm waters before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many cafes, restaurants and bars.
Those feeling a little more adventurous should take a cruise trip out to the Ria Formosa. This natural reserve runs from Portugal out to neighboring Spain. It’s a special treat for avid birdwatchers, as the lagoon is a resting place for hundreds of species of birds during spring and autumn. The spit is 7km from the city center and car hire in Faro is a convenient option for trips such as these.
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