Children in Algarve, Portugal by Carlos Baquero / License: Creative Commons

Children will also get much more out of any holiday if you involve them in some of the planning stages – sit them down with a map of the region and explain where you’re going and what you’re likely to see and do. You can be sure that will start a debate! Building up excitement prior to the trip is not only all part of the experience, but will also keep them going should you encounter any hitches such as flight delays. Take their interests into account too – if one child loves the outdoors while the other has more fun exploring castles and playing king over ramparts, make sure you’ve built in both options for the trip. Ultimately, whether your child wants to be a pirate or a princess, some fun preparation will help you get more out of your adventure.

The Region in Brief

If you haven’t yet visited the Algarve – and even if you have – you may think that this southernmost stretch of sandy shore is no more than a gaggle of golf courses, villa complexes and cheap and cheerful beach resorts. Up to a point, you’d be right, but Faro airport is the gateway to so much more than just the manicured greens and spotless sands of resorts such as Vilamoura, Albufeira, Quarteira and Portimão.

Head all the way west, and in a surprisingly short space of time (less than a 90-minute drive from Faro) you’re on the wild west coast, a region of endless sands, spectacular coastlines and Atlantic surf.

Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal by Klugschnacker

Take off in the opposite direction, and in only half an hour you’re in Tavira or Vila Real de Santo António, gorgeous historic towns that haven’t turned into booming tourism resorts because they’re not right on the coast – but both of which have splendid sandy beaches just minutes away.

Push on a little further east and you can be across the border into Spain’s ‘sherry triangle’ and the stunning historic cities of Seville, Jerez and Cádiz, and a whole different culture of gypsy violinists, flamenco dancers and prancing stallions – and of cutting edge adrenaline water sports.

Or go inland, across the rolling plains and winding river valleys of the Baixa Alentejo. Spattered with scarlet, purple and yellow wildflowers in spring and early summer, the Alentejo’s prairies bake under endless sun in summer, but the region is dotted with dozens of freshwater reservoirs, including Europe’s newest and largest artificial lake, that are super, uncrowded family picnic spots. If you go a little further to north, you can visit the capital of Portugal, the beautiful Lisbon.

Lisbon, Portugal by Miguel Vieira

This is a region that seems a world away from the busy coast, but that is very easy to get to. And all of the holiday honeypots of the Algarve, the Alentejo and Andalusia’s western corner are packed into a remarkably compact space: none of the attractions and destinations that we have highlighted in this book is more than two hours from Faro airport, at maximum. With buses and trains linking everywhere along the coast and inland, you don’t even need a car to explore.

Further south, Monchique, around an hour’s drive from Sagres and about half an hour from Lagos or Portimão, is a pleasant enough little town for a break to let the family stretch their legs and grab a cold drink if you’re tempted to take a drive through the hills inland from the coast – but from the point of view of parents with children it isn’t really a destination worth making a special trip to.

Yes, go to the Algarve for some of the most spectacular beaches in Europe, for lovely villas and excellent family resorts – but go too to explore wild Atlantic beaches, flamingo haunted wetlands, traffic-free historic town centers, cool river valleys and the big skies of the back country. There is much more to the Algarve than the world of the holiday brochures.

Bispo is a Portuguese young man that lives in Algarve and loves to travel.

The post Traveling With Children To Algarve In Portugal appeared first on Europe Explored.

• Flights
• Transfers
• Transport of Golf Equipment
• Hotels
• Transport
• Reduced Green Fees at a wide range of courses

In fact, when you look at it more closely, there really isn’t a good enough reason not to take your father away for Father’s Day! Just because Father’s Day is still in June, it does not mean you have to travel then either. You can book something for the off season when it is quieter and cheaper. Booking a year before the day itself really helps, trust me on that. The day that you go away is not important, what is important though is the person that you are with and where you go.

Algarve west coast, Portugal by michael clarke stuff

The Algarve

The Algarve is a great location for a golfing holiday and has a wide variety of gold courses on offer, which caters for a wide selection of skill levels. With also having a great climate all year round, you do not only have to limit yourself to coming for Father’s day. You can quite often get some great short break deals to the Algarve, which is perfect for a golfing holiday. As well as some great courses on offer, you also have a wide selection of accommodations available. You can find something for all standards, and bank accounts, in this exquisite part of Portugal. As well as golf, there are lots of other activities on offer:

• Amusement Parks
• Water Sports
• Water Parks
• Sight Seeing
• Relaxing on the Beach or by the Pool

Those are definitely reasons enough for me and my brother to bring father to Algarve. Azazel can go with dad golfing while me and Aaron will surely hit the waterparks as soon as we get those two comfortable.

Accommodation

You will find a wide variety of choice with the accommodation on offer, and it is best to do some research before you commit to staying somewhere. I drew up a short list of hotels that appealed to me due to the location and amenities on offer, and then I got some user reviews of these hotels and resorts from the internet. You will find lots of reviews online which could help influence your final choice.  After looking for  cheap holidays to algarve online, you can find out everything from how close to the nightlife you are *wink* up to the local golf course and other amenities by checking some blogs or even vlogs of first hand experiences. Especially if you are only going for a long weekend, you want to make sure that you are in the most convenient location so that you do not spend a lot of time travelling and figuring things out when you’re around there.

Algarve resort, Portugal by Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts

Food and Drink

When you have finished your round of golf and had your fill at the 19th green, there is plenty on offer in the Algarve by way of food and drink. Of course, you will be able to find lots of international cuisine if that is your preference. But there is also a lot of delicious local food on offer. There is of course an abundance of sea food on offer with the mixture or herbs and spices used in Portuguese food. There is plenty to get the taste buds watering. There are plenty of Tapas bars around as well so you can enjoy some of the local food whilst you also drink a cool beer or a nice glass of wine. Why not a sherry? You are in Portugal after all! Whatever your tastes are, you will be able to find plenty of delicious food and drink while you enjoy your visit to Portugal for Father’s day. You can sip away in the warm evening whilst the sun sets out at sea and soak up some of the atmosphere that is generated by all of the friendly locals.

The Algarve is a perfect destination to take your father on his special day, and it is also a great place to visit all year round! You won’t regret making your plans earlier than usual.

Author Bio – Ariana Louis is an Englishwoman born of a Spanish father and a French mother. (it doesn’t get more mixed up than that). She finished her studies in anthropology and has been travelling around Europe looking for interesting adventures to write about for a local travel magazine which is also helping her pay for her future travels. She now spends a lot of time travelling with her brothers or her family.

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There are quite a few restaurants, cafés and shops along the promenade overlooking the beach. You will also find several mini supermarkets and a larger one (called Baptista) in Luz.

There are many good water sports facilities on the beach of Luz. You will be able to try out scuba diving, waterskiing, boat trips and much more. If you prefer to stay on the mainland you will be happy to know that there are a two great and well known golf resorts within a ten minute drive from Luz. The Boavista and Palmares courses make Praia da Luz an ideal base for golfers in Portugal.

Praia da Luz beach, Algarve, Portugal by MamaPyjama

It is really easy to see why Luz is so popular among tourists. The town has practically everything you need. Everything is very close at hand when staying in Luz. Therefore it is also a great family resort as you don’t really need to travel very far.

If you choose to explore other areas of the Algarve coast you will have an excellent starting point in Luz. Luz is only a very short drive (10 minutes) from the larger city Lagos. In Lagos you will find numerous dining opportunities (including a Michelin starred restaurant!) and also a weekly market as well as a large selection of shops.

Other points of interest near Luz are the two large shopping centers in the area (one of them is one of the largest shopping centers in Europe). You will also find that the ZOO near Lagos is a great idea if you have children. The ZOO is only a short drive away from Luz.

The holiday resorts on the Algarve coast normally close up at the end of the season but on Praia da Luz they will remain open all the year round because of the large amount of English people staying there year round. Note that you probably will find the opening hours are much reduced if you visit Luz during the off season.

If you want to experience Portugal it would be a great idea to rent a holiday villa. There are many holiday villas in Portugal in Portugal and you can find many online.

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The Algarve is generally a safe travel destination and it is very unlikely that you will be in danger during your visit. However, before visiting any foreign country it is always a good idea to educate yourself about the specific safety advice for that region. Knowing what to watch out for will help you to protect yourself and ensure that your holiday goes safely and smoothly.

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal by Lacobrigo

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind while enjoying your holiday in the Algarve.

Watch Out for Crazy Drivers

If you will be renting a car to explore this region of Portugal, watch out for locals who tend to not stick to the speed limit and attempt to overtake at impossible places. Perhaps this is why Portugal has the highest accident rate in Europe! Driving along the rugged rural roads can be quite challenging as there will be plenty of potholes and perhaps even a goat wandering into your path.

Even though the locals can be crazy drivers, it doesn’t mean that you won’t get in big trouble if you are caught breaking the local driving laws. The fines for traffic offences such as using your mobile while driving or driving under the influence are very heavy. When driving in the Algarve, always follow the road rules and be vigilant of other drivers.

Beware of Pickpockets

Petty theft is a problem which affects tourists to the Algarve, especially when congregated in large crowds at the main tourist attractions. The skilled thieves blend into the crowd and can sneak your valuables right out of your pockets.

However, avoiding pickpocket theft is very easy. First of all, try not to dress in a manner which shows off your wealth, such as wearing expensive jewellery or designer brands. It advertises that you are likely to have a healthy wad of cash in your wallet, so go for an understated look instead. Keep your cash and valuables in your front trouser pocket and never in your back pocket. If you have a zippered or a buttoned pocket this is also ideal. Get out of the habit of “patting” your pocket to check if your wallet is still there, as it gives a watching criminal a clue to where you keep your valuables.

Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal by Had01

Sun-Related Hazards

One of the dangers that might not have crossed your mind is the effects of the sun. Of course, the warm sunshine is what makes a holiday to the Algarve so enjoyable, but too much of it can be a very bad thing. Because of the cooling breezes from the ocean, many people will not realize how hot the sun is until they have a severe sunburn or start showing symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. These conditions can be dangerous and can require hospitalization, so make sure that you keep an eye on each other while out in the sunshine.

Wear an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen and some sunglasses to protect your eyes from the UVA rays. You might also want to wear a wide brimmed hat which will keep your head cool and shield your face from the sun. Avoid sitting out for extended periods of time in the hottest part of the day, which is during the early afternoon.

The Algarve is generally a safe place, but these are just a few of the tips you should keep in mind to make sure that you don’t run into trouble on your trip. Enjoy your holiday!

Here are some helpful safety tips to remember while on a holiday to Vale do Lobo resort in the Algarve, Portugal.

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Restaurant in Algarve, Portugal by Tom Godber

You may or may not leave tips as a habit in your home country, but if you visit somewhere and a tip is expected and you don’t provide it, your behaviour can be insulting to your server and make them think that they have done a poor job waiting on you. Conversely, if you do tip in a culture where it is not expected, this can also seem insulting, condescending and ignorant. Before you go anywhere on holiday it is always a good idea to do some research on the accepted behaviour and act accordingly.

To prepare you for your holiday in the Algarve, or anywhere else in Portugal for that matter, here are some guidelines to remember about tipping in this culture:

To Tip or Not to Tip

Make sure that you always have some small change on you, because Portugal is indeed a tipping culture.

Most of the wait staff, clerks and attendants earn a very low wage and they rely on tips from visitors to supplement their income. Also, many of these tourism industry workers experience unemployment in the off season when the demand is low, and then have to work very long hours in the summer. Tipping them for their service will be greatly appreciated.

In some parts of Europe, a service charge is usually automatically added to the hotel or restaurant bill which makes tipping easier. However, this does not usually happen in Portugal so take a look at your bill and add an extra 10% if you have received good service. If you have been especially pleased with your experience you could possibly leave a little bit more.

Hotel pool, Algarve, Portugal by Dan Taylor

When you arrive at the hotel and the bellhop brings your luggage to the room, it is customary to give them one or two Euros for their help. You can also leave a couple of Euros per day for the maid, especially if they provide you with extra services such as bringing breakfast to the room.

Keep it Private

In Portugal, tipping is sometimes considered an inappropriate thing to do if it is done blatantly in public with people watching. It is much preferred if you give your tip in private, such as leaving it on the table as you exit the restaurant.

Taxi Rides

If you take a taxi somewhere in the Algarve, do you need to tip the driver? Keep in mind that the driver will likely have already added in a fee when they calculate your taxi fare. However, if the driver has been especially nice to you it does not hurt to add one Euro. Some people also round the taxi fare up to the nearest multiple of five. For example, if the fare was 8 euro you could give the driver 10 euro.

When is it not Necessary?

There are some situations in Portugal where tipping would not be considered necessary. For example, when getting a haircut you do not need to tip your stylist. If you use a washroom with an attendant you don’t need to tip them, unless they have given you some sort of extra service.

Tipping can be confusing, so knowing in advance what to expect goes a long way to making sure that you are acting appropriately in a different culture. These are just a few etiquette guidelines to keep in mind when you are visiting the Algarve on your next holiday.

Are you wondering whether or not you should tip while you are in the Algarve? Here are some guidelines to remember during your holiday at Monte da Quinta Suites.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Alquiler de Coches

Sand and Sea

Albufeira features over 25 of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe.  The gorgeous sands and sea are set against a backdrop of beautiful, dramatic cliffs.  In addition to sunbathing and swimming, there is parasailing, kayaking, plenty of jet ski and boat rentals, boat tours to go out and enjoy the scenery and maybe even watch dolphins play, and several wonderful diving schools.  If you fancy, you can even book a trip on the “pirate ship” Leaozhino and enjoy a sailing experience like no other.

Cycling and Hiking

With challenging courses and trails, Albufeira is a great place for cyclists and hikers alike.  Nowhere else on Earth will you find trails like these combine with such beautiful scenery as your backdrop.  Enjoy mountain biking through the rocky terrain of the cliffs surrounding Albufeira, or take one of the guided bike tours throughout the old town for a unique sightseeing experience.

Golfing

Albufeira features six world class golf courses to choose from, making it an excellent destination for a golf getaway.  Perfect your shot with the blue sea and old town villages as your backdrop.  If you are a less experienced golfer, lessons are offered by skilled and friendly pros.

Nightlife and Dining

Whether you are a young adult or just young at heart, Albufeira has an active and vibrant night life.  The strip is the main party street in Albufeira.  Lined with a multitude of bars, dance clubs, and restaurants, it is where you should seek out if you are looking for a lively and entertaining night out on the town.  It can actually be quite economical if you are looking to have drinks on a budget, as the proximity of one bar to the other allows you to bounce from happy hour to happy hour.

Whether on the strip or in Old Town, the dining in Albufeira is both delicious and affordable.  Don’t make the mistake of shying away from the street grills.  You will them to have delicious chicken and absolutely fabulous fresh fish.  If that just isn’t your cup of tea, there are a multitude of restaurants featuring everything from Chinese to Indian food, as well as some higher scale steak houses and some “posh” dining experiences as well.

Historic Sightseeing

Visit the winding cobblestone streets of Old Town and admire the Arabic style buildings and friendly people of the original town center, which still retains the essence of the village it has always been.  Visit museums, galleries, and castles as well.    One of Albufeira’s landmarks is the castle wall, the remains of one of the towers of the castle that crumbled to dust in the 1755 earthquake.  Another beautiful landmark to behold is the famous Clock Tower of Albufeira.  Adorned with an iron crown, the tower was built in the 19th century and rings out the hours dutifully.  It’s a must see for sightseers.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Albufeira regardless of your age and interests.  I strongly encourage you to give it a visit the next time you go on holiday.

Albufeira is an amazing holiday destination and what better place to stay than in Albufeira apartments?  Visit the Owner’s Direct website and take a look at some of the best the region has to offer.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by amaianos

Lagos

Known for its abundant nightlife and young crowd, Lagos has a reputation as a bit of a party town, but there is more to it than just the vibrant party atmosphere.  The stunning coves and beautiful, sweeping beaches attract surfers in to catch the amazing waves and then hit the clubs and bars when the sun goes down.  Picturesque homes and cobblestone streets, along with a rich history, are a must for sightseers, and Lagos is known for being an excellent destination for backpackers as well.

Tavira

Tavira is referred to as the Venice of Portugal, thanks to the Rio Gilao running through its center and the elegance of the homes and buildings within.  That’s not all that Tavira has to offer for those seeking beauty and history in architecture, there are castle ruins, 37 churches, and a multitude of 16th-18th century buildings to be seen.  Finally, the Igreja da Misericordia, a renaissance monument built in the 1540s, is a must see with its striking arched, carved doorway that is topped with magnificent statues.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Cayetano

Monchique

This gorgeous town is centered in Serra de Monchique, Algarve’s forested mountain range.  It’s a nice contrast to the coastal regions that the Algarve is known for.  It is known to be a great region for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling, but it also features lesser known but no less rewarding experiences in hidden spas and a private zoo for endangered species.  It really is a great region to visit if you are looking for a more laid back and relaxing experience in the Algarve.

Silves

Silves’ two biggest attractions are the Castle and the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia.  The Castle, restored in 1835, has a fantastic view over the town and nearby countryside.  As you walk around its sandstone walls, you can see the site’s Roman past in the unfinished archaeological digs throughout.  The Castle is believed to have been built in the 11th century, and shows evidence of its Moorish occupation with its deep well and water cistern.

The Museu Municipal de Arqueologia was founded after a Moorish well, over three times as deep as the one in the Castle, was discovered, along with numerous archaeological sites in the area.  The museum displays pieces from prehistoric, Roman, and Moorish times, and has one glass wall that displays a supporting fort wall of the building.

Faro

Located on the southernmost end of the Algarve, the Faro is a great place to visit if you are looking for entertainment and nightlife, with a little sightseeing and history thrown in.  If you are a younger traveler, the Rua do Prior features multiple bars and clubs with students from the area keeping them going every night, especially on weekends.  The Taverna da Se is an in-crowd bar that you will also find to be going strong every night of the week.  If you are looking for a more low key bar, A Capelinha is a beautiful outdoor bar centered around a fountain where you can enjoy excellent sangria while browsing the internet on the computers they have supplied.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Greg Pye

As to the entertainment aspect, you can find drama, music, and dance at the Teatro Lethes, a building that was built in 1603 and adapted into a theater in 1874.  If football is your thing, Faro has its own team, the SC Farense, and you can catch one of their games at the 30,000 seat Estadio Intermunicipal do Algarve.

Finally, if you want to do some sightseeing, be sure and check out the Se.  The Se was finished in 1251 on the site of a former Roman temple and Visigoth cathedral.  It features several of the old chapels and gate, as well as beautiful tile work, a baroque organ, and beautiful carvings.  You also can climb on to the rooftop and get a magnificent view of the surrounding town and countryside.

As you can see, no matter what kind of holiday you have planned, the Algarve has something to accommodate you.  The Algarve villas are amongst the best type of holiday accommodation available in the region and the Owner’s Direct website has a lot for you to choose from.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Sue

Some people are intimidated by Internet resources. However, anyone who’s had basic computer classes will find booking online to be simple and painless. Take a look at some information that may be helpful during your quest.

Tips for Booking a Vacation to Algarve Online

1. Identify a Specific Location

Before you can secure a trip to Algarve online, it’s crucial to make sure you have a particular destination in mind. Algarve is comprised of several exhilerating cities, such as Albufeira, Lagos, Silves, and Monte Gordo, that attract swarms of tourists every year. Find out what makes each region unique so you know what area will best suit you.

2. Check Out Online Tourist Guides and Translator Services

Consulting with a virtual tourist guide or a representative of an online translation services can work wonders when it comes to expanding your knowledge of online resources regarding Algarve. A qualified tourist guide can provide their expertise on the region’s most popular attractions, weather conditions, recommended tours and excursions, cheap hotels, nightlife options, beach locations, restaurants, and much more.

In addition, finding a reputable translator is also valuable. If you’re not familiar with speaking Portuguese, a representative that speaks the language fluently can be extremely beneficial. Don’t let a language barrier put a damper on your vacation abroad.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Tony Bowden

3. Skim Websites with Affordable Packages

Bargain shopping online is just as essential as it is in retail outlets and grocery stores. As you’re looking to book your vacation to Algarve, review Money Saving Blogs that’ll provide essential cost-effective ways to have a good time even while on your dream getaway. Afterwards, it’s feasible to search websites with the most economical offers. Many sites enable viewers to purchase packages which is inevitably cheaper than securing flights, lodging accomodations, transportation, and additional items separately. Narrowing down your booking options by comparing the prices of several sites will ultimately save dividends in the longrun.

4.  Research Security Measures

Along with the positives of the dominant information age, there’s also several negatives that come along with it. One happens to includes nasty online scams that can sour users’ experience, or worse, their financial situation. Beware of identity theft and websites that don’t place a priority on protecting the personal information of its users. You need to ensure that all the details you provide over the internet are kept confidential and that the site doesn’t release your account specifics to a third party, but stores them in a hidden, secure database.

5. Know the Terms and Conditions

Another significant element of booking your trip online is to read the site’s terms and conditions in its entirety. Merely skimming the information can result in failure to read crucial details involving your arrangements and could make it impossible to recover from damages. For example, many of the more economical packages on some sites are non-refundable. You need to be aware of this in the event something comes up and you need to request cancellation.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by amaianos

6. Save Your Itinerary

Once you’ve confirmed the information on your travel arrangements and secured an itinerary, be sure to save it for your records. Many websites also store a copy in their system, but it’s always good to have a back-up option in your care in case of emergencies.

7. Relax

There’s no need to fret after your arrangements are in place. Sit back and take pride in your future vacation in Algarve. Safe travels!

Useful links:
Algarve.org (2012).
Algarve Online Services (2012).

Joy Martin is a travel writer with Article Writing Services who has developed quality travel content for sites like Computer Classes. For more information on booking cheap travel, check out Money Saving Blogs.

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Barcelona

To start off experiencing the Mediterranean in a major city filled with action, fantastic shopping and dining, and a nightlife that is second to none, Barcelona is an ideal place.  During the day, there are many museums to experience filled with the rich history of Barcelona.  One of the most popular is the Barcelona FC Museum, dedicated to the incredibly popular football team – it is the second most visited museum in all of Spain!  At night, you can visit one of Barcelona’s many nightclubs and dance your cares away.

Carassonne

Carassonne in southern France should be on everyone’s list of places to visit when exploring the Mediterranean.  It is a thriving medieval Castle that is filled with Renaissance history.  As soon as you enter through the drawbridge, you will feel like you have stepped into a history book.  The best way to get the full Carassonne experience is to stay overnight so you can have the city essentially to yourself after the many tour groups have left.  Halloween is an especially great night to visit thanks to the house of terror they put on as well as other decorations.

The Algarve

The Algarve is the most popular holiday destination in Portugal and with good reason.  It is very safe, very welcoming, and is relatively cheap.  The beaches are also stunning and clean, which is made even more impressive by the fact that there are over 200km of beaches to enjoy.  English is widely spoken at most of the resorts as well.  If you love playing golf, then The Algarve is a perfect holiday destination as it is home to over 30 courses.  It may shock you to learn that the total population of The Algarve is under 500,000, yet the region receives over ten times that amount of tourists per year.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Hugo Cadavez

Crete

Crete is the largest Greek island by area and is an extremely popular holiday destination for tourists.  Every year, over 2 million visitors travel to Crete, the majority of them staying in the capital, Heraklion.  One of the biggest draws is of course the magnificent beaches, but also the tremendous nightlife which will give you plenty to do to fill your days as well as your nights.  If beaches and nightclubs aren’t really your thing, Crete also has some magnificent mountains that are ideal for hiking in.

Cefalu

Cefalu located in Sicily is a beachside village that has a very strong feeling of history.  The streets are all narrow and cobbled and barely provide enough room for a Smart Car to navigate.  Lining the streets are antique shops, craft shops and fruit and veg markets, all of which are worth a visit.  Relatively quiet compared to other destinations, you will be able to enjoy the water in Cefalu without the frantic pace of life in other destinations.  There are a lot of ancient buildings, such as the Cathedral of Cefalu that provide a great experience for tourists too.  Cefalu is also home to numerous bars and restaurants so you will never run out of things to see and do.

Photo by admin

If you are planning on visiting the Med for the first time, look into staying at the La Manga Club.  A stay here is guaranteed to make you want to return time and time again.

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Faro was originally just a fishing village built by the Romans, who called it Ossonoba. In 1249, thanks to Alfonso III. was freed from the power of the Moors and became to prosper as a city. But in 1596 a city suffered a damaging blow, it was burned by the Earl of Essex, who was a great favorite of Queen Elizabeth I. And later, in 1755, it was damaged again during the massive earthquake. Although the remnants of ancient city walls managed to preserve until today, most of the beautiful buildings either did not outlast the destruction or have been largely damaged. So the buildings that you can see today in Faro, come mainly from the late 18th and 19th century.

Faro is now a beautiful coastal city protected by a low sandy islands Ilha de Culatra, Ilha da Barreta and Ilha da Faro. Unfortunately, many tourists pass Faro without stopping here, even though it has the largest number of cultural and historical monuments from all the towns in the Algarve region. Preserved old town center around the cathedral and behind the old city walls, definitely worth a visit.

The historical center of Faro can easily be explored on foot. It lies in a small bay and is partly surrounded by medieval walls. The old harbor area has arched entrance gate with a bell tower called Arco da Vila. This arch was built in the 19th century for Bishop Dom Francisco Gomes do Avelar, who has decided to rebuild the dilapidated city. Street behind it, paved with cobblestones, leads to a beautiful Largo da Sé Square, where you can see the cathedral. From the original Gothic cathedral from the 13th century, which was destroyed in 1596 by English forces led by the Earl of Essex, are preserved only unusual tower, covered porches and two inner chapels. The reconstruction of the cathedral took a long time, so it is now built both in Renaissance, and Baroque style.

Inside the cathedral you can see a huge pipe organ decorated with spectacular Chinese motifs. During festive occasions, there are playing Europe’s leading organists. The cathedral also houses one of the most important Algarve’s collections of sacred art from the 17th and 18th century. And its tower offers a beautiful view of the city.

On the square Largo da Sé is also a Bishop’s Palace Paço Episcopal. If you go through another stone arch in Arco Repouso, walk up to the church of São Francisco, which was built in the 18th century. It is decorated with tiles and scenes from the life of St. Francis. Further north, another church rises in Pé Nossa Senhora da Cruz, who is an exceptional oil paintings depicting episodes from Genesis.

In the monastery Convento de Nossa Senhora da Assunção (Monastery of Our Lady of the Assumption), which is the oldest Renaissance building in the Algarve, is probably the most beautiful cloister in southern Portugal, which was built in 1540 by Afonso Pires. The monastery was founded by Leonor, sister of Manuel I (king of Portugal). The monastery has been carefully restored and since 1973 houses a museum devoted to archeology where you can see the local archaeological finds. The collection includes also Roman, medieval and Manueline stone reliefs and sculptures. The main exhibit is a 2,000 year old Roman mosaic floor measuring 9 x 3 meters, showing a head of the god Neptune.

The most interesting church in Faro is Igreja do Carmo (Carmelite Church). It has an imposing facade with two towers and a beautiful gilded interior, but its biggest attraction is haunted Bone Chapel. Besides the Carmelite church from the 18th century is located another museum – Museo Marítimo exhibiting a small collection of marine exhibits, including model ships. You will see a flagship example of Vasco de Gama, which he used during his voyage to India. Plus you can learn here about the traditional methods of fishing on the coast of the Algarve.

The main artery of Faro is the elegant pedestrian street Rua de Santo António, which is full of shops, bars and restaurants. On the northeast of the city lies the Jewish cemetery, founded for the community, which was brought here by Marquis de Pombal in the 18th century.

About 7 kilometers from the town is a beach. The local coastline is attractive because it includes a number of small sandy islands with a unique nature reserve. In the vicinity of the bay is the Ria Formosa Natural Park, which is a favorite resting place for many species of migratory birds.

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