The provincial capital of the Algarve, Faro is a modern, lively
city with attractive shopping precincts, good restaurants and a
frenetic nightlife. Thousands of travellers pass through the city
en route to and from the resorts of the Algarve. Those who choose
to linger awhile will find a town full of charm and colour with an
interesting history and the feel of a true Portuguese fishing port.
There are some sightseeing opportunities, mostly centred in the Old
Town or Cidade Velha, which is entered through an 18th century gate
and enclosed by the remnants of medieval walls. Faro's most famous
attraction is a macabre one at the Igreja do Carmo, which features
a chapel whose walls are decorated with the bones of more than
1,200 monks disinterred from the neighbouring cemetery. Another
worthwhile attraction near the city is the Ria Formosa Natural
Park, and a short distance to the north is the peaceful village of
Estoi, boasting a pink Roccoco palace and Roman ruins dating from
the 1st century. For the beach, one has to travel a few miles. A
long sandy spit lies across a bridge near the International
Airport.
Faro's main shopping area is in the heart of town along the Rua
Santo Antonio and the Rua Francisco Gomes. There is also an
interesting, colourful produce market on the Largo do Mercado open
every day where visitors can mingle with the locals. Good buys in
Faro are the local handcrafts, like basketware and embroidered
goods, local wines and traditional clothing. Also sought after are
locally made ceramic tiles decorated with traditional motifs.
A huge variety of restaurants and food stores line the
pedestrianised Rua de Santo Antonio, catering for all tastes and
budgets. A must is to sample the local cakes and desserts,
deliciously made of juicy figs and almonds. For a view try the
Ginasio Clube Naval's terrace overlooking the harbour, and for a
fishy feast there is Adega Dois Irmaos, the city's oldest seafood
eatery, where the fresh catch of the day is on display. For
well-priced Algarve specialities Tasca on the Rua del Alportel is a
good bet.
Being a university city, Faro has a vibrant student population
who ensure that nightlife keeps pumping. It all happens along the
Rua do Prior and in the narrow alleys off of Rua Conselheiro Bivar
and Rua Infante Dom Henrique. Dance clubs get going around 11pm or
midnight, while bars are open for business any time from noon until
the early hours. The Upa Upa Café and Bar at 51 Rua
Conselheiro Bivar draws locals and tourists. The nightclub, Dux, is
the place to party until the early hours and the trendsetters
should head for the Fashion Kaffe.
