Faro Travel Guide

The capital of the Algarve has an old-world Portuguese feel that’s just not found in some of the region’s most resort-oriented towns. Many travellers simply pass through on their way to the beach, but those who stay find a city with a gorgeous harbour, winding cobbled streets and sunny plazas ringed by ancient city walls. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t explore elsewhere in the Algarve. If you’ve scored one of the Faro car rentals, you’ll have the freedom to drive down along the coast where you can visit remote beaches and white-washed Portuguese villages.

Dining in Faro

Faro’s proximity to the sea keeps many of the city’s restaurants stocked with freshly caught seafood. There’s no shortage of places to eat either, whether it’s one of the local bars or high-end eateries. Interestingly, Portugal’s most-loved fish – cod – isn’t found in its seas. That doesn’t stop bacalhau being featured on almost every restaurant menu. In fact, it’s said there are more than 365 ways of cooking the salted cod, one for every day of the year. If you’ve picked up a Faro car hire, you can head out the tourist centre to one of the pretty beachfront eateries along the coast where you can dine on simple grilled seafood served with cold white wines.

Attractions in Faro

It’s simply unthinkable for first timers in Faro to not spend at least a sunny morning exploring the Cidade Velha, the Old Town. Bring your camera, because you’re not going to want to miss catching snaps of the gorgeous architecture. Don’t skip the Sé de Faro, a Romanesque Gothic cathedral which serves as Faro’s most impressive building. There’s plenty to keep culture vultures happy too. Try the Municipal Museum of Faro which tells the story of the city and houses an impressive collection or artwork and artefacts. Then there is the Trem Municipal Gallery of Art which showcases works by local and national Portuguese artists.

Faro driving routes

If you’ve picked up a Faro car rental, you’ll have the freedom to explore further afield. You could drive town to the port to catch the ferry across to Ilha da Culatra which has one of the region’s most celebrated beaches or Ilha Deserta (sometimes referred to as Barreta Island), which makes up part of the Rio Formosa National Park. Alternatively, hop in your car and drive to the pretty town of Silves where you can ohh and ahh at the 12^th-century which looms over the town. From its hilltop position, you can score some of the best views in the Algarve which look out across the countryside and the ocean.

Faro car rental

The easiest place to pick up a car rental in Faro is at the international airport. Once you’ve arrived, make a beeline for the car rental booths to pick up your keys. Driving down into the city shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes. Try to nab one of the hotels which have free spots for your car as parking places in the city can be tricky to find. The Portuguese drive on the right-hand side, the use of seat belts are mandatory and the laws on drink driving are particularly strict with just 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood, less than the UK.