Fun In Faro: Our Itinerary For A Weekend Trip
As the capital of the Algarve, it is easy to overlook Faro as simply the gateway to some of Europe’s most stunning beaches. However, as a weekend city break, it can provide the perfect combination of sunshine and historical sites to pique your interest, with some unbeatable oceanside cuisine thrown in for good measure. As with any city break, a great itinerary makes all the difference.
Day one: Historical Meanderings, Culinary Delights
What better way to begin your weekend in Faro than with a stroll through the delightful cobbled streets of the old town? Channel your inner flâneur by starting at the Mercado Municipal, then head down Rua General Teofilo da Trindade towards the 18th-century Carmo church. For just one euro you can visit the Chapel of Bones, lined with human skulls. If this is all a bit macabre, find light relief among the fashion boutiques and ceramic shops of Rua de Santo Antonio.
After a couple of hours of this you will undoubtedly have worked up an appetite. For the best grilled sardines in the city, head to Fim do Mundo on Rua Vasco da Gama. Here you will also find traditional Algarve cakes that go perfectly with a bica: Portugal’s answer to espresso. For dinner, try Faro e Benfica for the freshest seafood in town, with stunning views over the old town.
Day 2: Cycling in Nature, Boating in the Lagoons
Get your second day off to an active start with an early cycle to the beach - just a 45 minute ride away. For the less athletically inclined, you can also catch the 14 or 16 buses from the local station. A well-earned brunch is in order after all this exercise, and Adega Dois Irmaos offers some tasty options. It is one of Faro’s oldest and most atmospheric restaurants, where you can enjoy a delicious Chicken Cataplana, a traditional one-pot dish that will replenish your energy for the afternoon.
After brunch, take a look around the Municipal Museum, located a ten minute walk away from the restaurant. Established in 1894, it resides in a former convent, now home to fascinating artefacts like the 3rd-century Mosaic of the Ocean. Following a tour of the museum, sample more natural delights with a trip to the Ria Formosa Natural Park. You can set off on a tour in one of the painted wooden fishing boats that depart from the marina throughout the day, taking visitors close to the lagoons and islands that attract many species of birds, including flamingos.
How To Get There
Even after years of experience of landing in foreign cities, somehow finding an efficient way into the centre never seems to get any easier. Faro is no different, but you can avoid the confusion by booking one of the Faro airport transfers on offer. I recommend considering private Faro airport transfers as you will be met at the Arrivals terminal; your luggage is taken care of; and you will arrive exactly where you need to be, all of which makes for a relaxing start to the holiday. So what are you waiting for? For a charming weekend break, give Faro a go.
Author Plate
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for the most convenient and affordable Faro airport transfers, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
