Faro
A picturesque town with a beautiful old town
Categories: Faro Algarve Portugal
Faro is located in the south of Portugal, in the Algarve. A picturesque town with a beautiful old town. The old town lies within city walls. Before Faro there are sandbank islands and in Faro there are several beautiful old buildings. A marina invites you to stay. Bathing, sun and many excursion possibilities Faro has to offer.
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Faro - Places of interest
The Arco da Vila is one of two landmarks of the city. The building was commissioned by Bishop Francisco Gomes do Avelar and consecrated in 1812. It is an impressive sight. The cathedral of Faro is originally from the 13th and 14th century. It was destroyed and rebuilt twice. The interior of the cathedral is fascinating.
In the adjoining garden there is the Capela dos Ossos, the so-called bone or ossuary. A rather eerie attraction.
A climb up the bell tower offers a fantastic view. The Museu Municipal de Faro is located in a convent of the 16th century. Exhibits from the Middle Ages can be viewed here. The oldtown of Faro is accessible through an impressive archway. Numerous cafés and restaurants offer Portuguese specialities and invite to stay. At the edge of the city is the nature reserve Parque natural da Ria Formosa. A unique system of lagoons, which is protected from the sea by offshore islands. It offers an excellent habitat for fauna and flora. Many migratory birds use this area as a resting place.
Leisure activities
Boredom cannot arise in Faro. In Vilamoura there is a water sports centre. A speedboat trip, chartering a boat, jet skiing or water skiing or watching dolphins - everything is possible here. A visit to the miniature golf park Adventure Golf in Alvor is worthwhile. A slightly different miniature golf course, dinosaurs are the theme here between the golf courses.
Sun worshippers or bathing enthusiasts will find what they are looking for at Ilha de Tavira. Fantastic, fine sandy beaches invite you to relax at the emerald green sea. Numerous restaurants offer Portuguese specialities and spoil the visitors. The island can be reached by ferry from Faro within five minutes. Countless other beaches near Faro invite you to sunbathe, swim and enjoy water sports
Culinary specialities
One of the specialities in Faro is the Gaspacho. A cold soup made from tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, onions and garlic - a delight. Caldereida is a typical Portuguese fish speciality. Several kinds of fish with seafood are served as a stew.
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Clams with streaky bacon and sausages are cooked together in the dish Cataplana, in special pots. You should try it. Bife à Portuguesa is a beef steak covered with ham. It is served with fried potatoes and a fried egg according to taste. A meal in the 31 Bistro Vinho & Ca. should not be missed. Tapas and excellent wines with very friendly service in Faro.
