Faro is the administrative capital of the Algarve region, and like so many Portuguese towns it was occupied by both Romans and Moors and the ruins of these two civilisations can still be seen in the town today. Much of the present town property was built after the 1755 earthquake which damaged so many towns and cities in Portugal. The Moorish Occupation lasted until the middle of the 13th century, and they were responsible for the development of Faro, or Ossónoba as it was known by the Moors, as a major trading port for Southern Iberia.
Despite 500 hundred years of Muslim rule, the town also supported an active Jewish population and within the old quarter there is a Jewish Heritage Centre which recalls this colourful period in the city’s history.
The Old Quarter of Faro, still partially enclosed within 9th century Roman walls, is a most interesting area to explore. A 13th century cathedral now stands on the site of the old Roman forum, whilst opposite is the 18th century Episcopal Palace.
Within the same area is a 16th century convent which now houses Faro’s archeological museum, where extensive Roman and Islamic artifacts are on display. However, the best part of the museum must be the magnificent Renaissance cloister, around which the convent was built.
Not to be missed is the church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo which has one of the best examples of gilded woodwork in Southern Portugal.
Adjacent to the old town is the charming harbour, which is really the focal point of Faro, with two good hotels and plenty of restaurants and bars. Close by is a busy pedestrianised shopping area, and the ever- useful tourist office.
Faro, being on the coast, has a beach- a long narrow spit of land situated beyond the Formosa River and the city’s airport. There are regular buses to and from the airport which also can be used to access the beach, although the beach has good parking for private cars. The northwest end of the beach is delightfully free of crowds.
The airport is at the hub of Algarve tourism. Nineteen UK airports serve Faro, so as a result there is fierce competition for ticket sales from the numerous airlines which regularly fly in. This makes Southern Portugal a bargain area for economic travel, and has resulted in an upsurge of property seekers. With an average flying time of two and a half hours, and a ten minute taxi drive to the centre of the city, it’s possible to spend a long weekend soaking up some sunshine in the midst of a northern winter – another good reason for seriously considering investment in a town property.
The coastline around the city is sheltered by a lagoon, part of the the Formosa Natural Park. Within the park are several islands – all accessible by boats or ferries which depart from the jetty, situated just to the south of the marina. The marina itself is a great place to chill-out after a long day of sightseeing, before moving on to one of the many harbour-side restaurants to try an great Algarve specialitiy –cataplana – a mixture of shellfish, meat and vegetables .
Faro makes a great base for a second home in the Algarve. Town property is affordable, and the city has just about everything you need for a carefree holiday, as well as providing good letting potential to maximise your investment.
Things to see in and around Faro:
Museu Maritimo. Of particular interest are replicas of boats used in Vasco da Gama’s expedition to India, as well as crafts used in an the explorers journey along the Congo River in the 15th century.
For the nature enthusiast, a visit to Sao Bras de Alportal is a must. This region, just outside of Faro, with its open fields and almond groves, is famed for its beautiful landscape and tranquility.
The Ria Formosa Nature Reserve is one of the area’s most popular tourist destinations and a mecca for naturalists. The park covers 60km of coastline from Tavira to Ancao. There are labyrinths of lagoons, interspersed with sand islands, mud flats, and canals. The area is a breeding ground for little bittern, purple heron, egrets, white stork and the stone-curlew. It is also on an important migratory route, making the park of special appeal to birdwatchers. Even if bird watching is not a passion, this is a great place for walking, or enjoying a picnic.
