The wonderful Portuguese culture
"Passion, culture, food and history"
Faro
"The capital of the Algarve at the Atlantic Ocean"
"A capital do Algarve no Oceano Atlântico"
Faro as the capital of the Algarve at the Atlantic Ocean
In the south of Portugal, you find the vibrant city of Faro. Faro, as the capital of the Algarve at the Atlantic Ocean, is a city rich in history and natural beauty. This charming destination at the Portuguese coastline offers stunning beaches and a picturesque old town. It is also known as the gateway to the most southern part of Portugal. Whether you plan to explore the cultural heritage or want to enjoy the seaside atmosphere, Faro is your perfect hub to start capturing the spirit of the Algarve.
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Faro: more than a gateway to the Algarve
Welcome to Faro as the charming capital of the Algarve. This lovely city in the sunny south of Portugal is situated by the Atlantic Ocean, where the mainland meets the ocean. Many travellers pass Faro very quickly on their way to other places in the Algarve. But I can suggest: Stay a little bit longer and take your time to discover the charm and history of this city. Because Faro is a quiet and magical city, with calm streets, a rich history and an ocean wind that makes you breath deeper and feel more alive. Like many other places in Portugal, Faro is a kind of place that welcomes you warmly and stays in your heart long after you've left.
Literally at the end of the road
When you travel to the south of Portugal, arriving in Faro means that you are at the end of continental Portugal. At the end of the road, you will arrive at the Atlantic Ocean. Faro is located at the end of the most famous road through continental Portugal, which highlights this fact even more. The route EN2 starts in Chaves, in the north of Portugal, runs through the whole country to arrive 738 km to the south in Faro. When you arrive here by crossing the whole inland of Portugal, it feels like reaching the end of a beautiful journey. A journey where the breathtaking sights and the sound of the ocean are finally waiting for you. Read more about this unique route through Portugal in our post about Rota EN2.
Faro as a historic city full of stories
"The capital of the Algarve has a picturesque and heroic history"
Faro has a long and fascinating history. It was already an important city during the Moorish period. You still see signs of this period in the old town. From archways and streets with cobblestones to patterns in the tiles, you can find the marks everywhere. Later, Faro had a great fishing culture and was a very busy port in the Age of Discoveries. The period in history when Portuguese navigators travelled the world. You still feel those historical facts today in Faro, when you walk through the quiet streets, behind the old city walls and in the traditional crafts made by local hands.
"Moorish influence in the Algarve"
Like in Spain, also Portugal has a Moorish influence. You find it deep in the country. As told also the entrance gate of Faro has a Moorish influence. Even the name of the city dates from the Moorish period. Faro would come from Fahar or Harun. "Fahar" is Arabic for "pride, honor, glory", while "Harun" means something like "exalted, mountain of strength".
"Enter the old town through the arch"
The Arco da Vila which is the impressive entrance gate of the old town. It was built on top of an ancient Moorish gate. It is a peaceful and beautiful sight when you enter the city centre of Faro.
"The chapel of Bones"
You find the Chapel of Bones a little bit hidden behind the Carmo Church. This chapel is made with the bones of more than 1000 monks. Yes, it sounds very strange. But it's a very peaceful place, ideal to reflect and connect with yourself. It's similar to the Chapel of Bones in Évora. Here in Faro, the entrance of the chapel has the following inscription above the door
"Pára aqui a considerar que a este estado hás-de chegar"
(English: "Stop here to consider that you will come to this state").
While in Évora the bones of the chapel welcomes you with the message
"Nós ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos"
(English: "We, our bones that are here, we are waiting for yours").
A earthquake that changed everything
Like much places in Portugal, also Faro was hit by the great earthquake of 1st November 1755, which was followed by a tsunami that destroyed much of the cities along the Portuguese coastline. Faro was rebuilt with care, while other Portuguese cities got a total new look. Today, many of the churches, palaces and houses you see in Faro, were created after this earthquake. So, they mix old memories with new beginnings. Like Lisboa, Faro is a city that rose again, stronger, more beautiful and with a reference to the grandeur of glory of the Portuguese golden period.
A mix of a local soul with an international vibe
"A mix of cultures at the capital of the Atlantic ocean"
Faro is not the largest city in Portugal. This means that the city centre of Faro is small and compact, while it also feels lively, picturesque and open. At the other hand, it is also a city with an international atmosphere. This is due to the university, the international airport and the location of Faro as the capital of the Algarve central at the Atlantic ocean. This city attracts also a lot of artists, musicians and international travellers.
The beaches of Faro at the Atlantic Ocean
Finally, maybe for some people a minor point about Faro is that this city doesn't have a beach right in the city centre. Faro is not a city like Albufeira, Lagos or Portimão where you find many beaches in the city at the Atlantic ocean.
"Islands with beaches in front of the city"
But their are some great beaches a short drive or boat trip away. The most popular beach is located on Ilha de Farol. This is a long sandy island across the lagoon. Which is calm, natural and perfect for swimming and relaxing. For even more peace, you go better to Ilha da Culatra or Ilha Deserta. Here are the waves, birds and a passing fisherman's boat the only sounds you hear. So these beaches are not as popular as other beaches in the Algarve, but they are maybe more attractive. Because they are less crowded, sill more natural and full of the quiet Algarve beauty.
Visit the Faro as the capital of the Algarve at the Atlantic Ocean
By reading this post, you discovered that Faro is not only a city to arrive at the Algarve. Faro is also interesting to pass your time for a few days. As a start for a trip through the Algarve, at the end of your Portugal road trip or maybe as a city trip. Find the perfect flights and stay to plan your trip to Faro now. Press the buttons below to find and book the options that suit your needs.
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