Faro is the capital city of the Algarve and has a population of over 55,000. This historical city lost much of its architecture in the two disastrous earthquakes of 1532 and 1755. Fortunately its Arab and Roman remains survived, as did the old walled city with its 13th century cathedral and roman walls that date back to the 9th century.

The city of Faro offers an eclectic mix of ways for the visitor to spend his or her time. Culturally, aside from the old walled city, there are many museums and churches to visit, including the church of Nossa Senhora do Carmois which houses the macabre spectacle of the chapel lined with the bones of over 1,200 monks.

Faro is the home of the Ria Formosa lagoon, a nature reserve of over 17,000 hectares that is home to myriad birds and the Portuguese Waterdog sanctuary. A visit to this reserve provides the opportunity to witness pink flamingos taking to the air, griffins that rest in the reserve during their migratory journeys and the amazing Portuguese waterdog with its webbed feet and incredible sea diving abilities.

Faro also has its share of beaches. ‘Faro Island’ – a long sandy spit reached by crossing a causeway - is approximately 7 kms from the city. Three other island beaches in the vicinity – Armona, Culatra, and Farol - can be accessed by water taxi or ferry.

This lively bustling city is home to a university, an international airport, a seaport, a marina, a railway station, and complete interregional bus services. Nightlife in Faro is varied. Being a university town, there are countless bars to enjoy a drink in, and the city boasts a large new stadium just outside town that hosts major football matches and music concerts of all genre.

Most tourists only experience Faro by taking in the spectacular sight of the Ria Formosa from the window of the aeroplane; however, it is well worth allocating some of your holiday time to explore this wonderful capital city and all it has to offer.