Faro

Faro District - Nestled among lush fields of fruit, olive, and almond trees for which the Algarve is renowned, Faro is a bustling town with over 50,000 residents. As the administrative capital of the province, it is situated at the heart of the Formosa Estuary. Historically significant under Moorish rule, Faro’s port was once vital, but today, its airport serves as the gateway for millions of tourists visiting southern Portugal each year. While many travelers quickly pass through on their way to other holiday destinations, Faro itself is worth exploring or even staying longer. The town retains much of its historical charm, offers excellent beaches, and provides the amenities and attractions typical of a larger town.

Sé de Faro
Sé de Faro
António Sacchetti
Both the Moors and the Romans have left their marks here: the 9th-century city walls that encircle the old town center are of Roman origin and feature ornate Moorish archways. These walls now enclose several Catholic churches and a cathedral. As the last Portuguese province under Muslim rule, the expulsion of the Moors from Faro in 1249 marked the end of their reign in the entire country.

Adjacent to a tranquil square lined with orange trees and facing the still-functioning Bishop’s Palace, the cathedral, The Se, is built on the site of an ancient mosque and, before that, a Roman forum. Its interior boasts a beautiful tiled chapel. If you find storytelling tiles particularly captivating, the Church of Sao Francisco with its glazed friezes depicting the life of St. Francis is also worth a visit. Similar to Evora, Faro features the rather macabre attraction of a chapel lined with the bones and skulls of over 1,000 monks (Capela de Ossos). However, this isn’t the only intriguing aspect of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, sometimes referred to as the golden church due to its extensive gold and gilded decor and artifacts. The archaeological museum, housed in a 16th-century convent, also offers an interesting section devoted to the area’s Arab rule.

Benagil - A boat tour remains the most popular way to visit the Benagil cave.

Lagos - Discover the underwater caves in Algarve.

Lagos

Lagos - One of the Algarve’s most popular tourist destinations and certainly one of my favorites, Lagos is a vibrant town brimming with activity, nightlife, and modern attractions. It is also steeped in history, with monuments and architecture that reflect the various peoples who have settled here and the many maritime adventures that began in Lagos’ impressive natural harbor. The nearby beaches are among the best in the region, and the rocky headland of Ponta da Piedade is exceptionally beautiful.

Ponta da Piedade - Lagos
Ponta da Piedade
Over its two and a half millennia of existence, Lagos has been home to the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors, all drawn by the harbor’s strategic importance. Henry the Navigator famously launched expeditions from here, and it was from Lagos that Vasco da Gama set sail on his voyage to discover Brazil. Statues around the town commemorate past sea adventurers, including Dom Sebastião, whose ill-fated attempt to capture areas in North Africa ended disastrously in 1578. Even British sailors under Nelson made Lagos a renowned stopover, sharing tales of the local drinking and beautiful women with their countrymen back home.

Igreja de Santo António - Lagos
Igreja de Santo António - Lagos
LacobrigoCC BY-SA 3.0
Drinking and revelry remain central to a visit to Lagos, with a fine array of restaurants, bars, and local festas. The bustling flea market fills the narrow streets of the center, which also hosts a Cultural Centre with various exhibitions and events throughout the year. For those interested in maritime activities, boat trips, deep-sea fishing, and yacht hire are available at the marina.

For sightseers, the ancient city walls are well-preserved despite the devastation caused by the 1755 earthquake, which destroyed much of the town and led to Faro becoming the capital of the Algarve. One church that remains is the Igreja de Santo António, where Dom Sebastião is said to have attended his last mass before his tragic expedition. Known as the golden church due to its impressive baroque gilt work, it features intricate carvings of cherubs and animals, often made from Brazilian gold. The local museum, also located here, houses artifacts from the Iron and Bronze Ages alongside sacred treasures. Lagos also holds the somber distinction of hosting Europe’s first slave market, dating back to 1441, now an art gallery in Rossio da Trindade.

Ponta da Piedade - Ponta da Piedade is one of the most extraordinary settings in the Algarve.

Olhao - Admire the local markets.

Faro - Visit Faro, the largest town and capital of the Algarve region.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Private tour
• All taxes, fees and handling charges included
• Wine tasting experience
• Professional driver/guide
• Includes lunch
• Dinner provided
• Breakfast included
• Overnight accommodation
• Travel in an air-conditioned minivan

• Gratuities