Located on one of the most beautiful coasts of Europe, the district of Faro (composed of 16 cities) is a flagship destination for holiday lovers under the sun. From Loulé to Tavira via Silves and Albufeira, these are so many sumptuous coastal villages which will offer you moments of idleness and calm under the Portuguese sun. For a perfect visit of this beautiful corner of Portugal, the ideal is to settle your suitcases in Faro : capital of the Algarve, is one of the most charming seaside resorts of the country. Its marina, its beautiful squares, its medieval heart, its beaches and its lagoons are the starting point of many excursions in the province, for holidays under the sign of discovery and rest.
A typical Portuguese village, Faro is undeniably welcoming, just like the towns that make up the district of the same name. Its pretty squares full of comfortable cafés, its restaurants of traditional cuisine where you can taste delicious seafood and its parks with abundant nature call for moments of calm and serenity. If you spend your holidays in Faro, you will not be able to miss the magnificent Ria Formosa Natural Park. Made up of sumptuous salt water lagoons, it is a real oasis of freshness. This haven of peace rich in a surprising biodiversity shelters many species of multicoloured birds, but also storks, pink flamingos and herons during their migration period.
If the district of Faro is visited during the day, it is also visited at night : the large student population present in this region gives it a certain dynamism, and if you like the festival, know that the nights of Albufeira and Faro can sometimes be rather lively! In addition to the undeniable festive side of these villages, you will also appreciate their numerous cultural activities. The majestic churches of this Portuguese region will seduce history lovers and the curious : Faro Cathedral, small and low, is a clever mix of Baroque and Renaissance style. Push his door to discover the magnificent organ of the XVIIIth century which alone is worth the detour. The most popular church in Faro district remains the "Igreja do Carmo" : strange and fascinating, this baroque church has a luxurious interior decoration, decorated with gold leaves... But its popularity comes from its "Capela dos Ossos", understand its "bone chapel", made up of skeletons and skulls of monks. If this evocation may seem surprising, we guarantee you that the visit is worth it. The medieval old town of Lagos and the Nossa Senhora de Conceiçao church are also some of the places to visit during your stay, as are the Azulejos Gardens of the Estoi Palace located 10 kilometres from the centre of Faro. With a superb pink façade, the Palais d'Estoi has sumptuous gardens, which attract many visitors every year. Stroll through its orange trees, fountains, lemon trees, waterfall and palm trees for a true escapade of freshness.
In addition to its lush parks, cobbled streets and historic cities, the district of Faro is the ideal place for idleness. The beach "Praia de Barrinha", on the Ancao peninsula, is a famous surf spot in the area ; it is also lined with many restaurants perfect for discovering local dishes. Ilha Deserta" is a must see : as its name suggests, it is a deserted sandy island, perfect for long afternoons of relaxation in a dream setting. Very little visited even in summer, it nevertheless offers magnificent landscapes to its visitors, and has superb immaculate beaches. Our advice : think about taking a picnic, there is only one restaurant on the island. Faro's lagoon is also home to Armona Island, which is also worth a visit : 9 kilometres long, this island of pretty colourful houses is the perfect place for a holiday away from the crowd, in a postcard setting. As for swimming, you will be spoilt for choice as the beaches of this district are beautiful and its waters... pa-ra-di-siaques ! Its long beaches stretching between its imposing cliffs are irresistible. Dona Ana beach (in Lagos), the lively "Praia do Tunel" (in Albufeira), the very popular "Praia de Tavira" (in Tavira) and the "Praia da Rocha" (in Portimao) are among the most popular beaches in the Faro district.
Finally, as far as activities are concerned, you won't know what to start with, as there are so many suggestions : boat trips to discover the caves along the coast, scuba diving, kitesurfing, cycling, sea excursions to observe dolphins, surfing, jet-skiing or golf... What will you start with ?
