Faro : The attractive old part of the city is still surrounded by the Roman walls. Inside there is a spacious open square that once was the site of the Roman Forum, there is also a 13th Century Cathedral that faces an 18th Century episcopal palace.
An interesting building is the neighbouring 16th Century Convent that is now turned into the home of the city's archaeological museum.
Don't miss the best examples of gold-leaf woodwork in southern Portugal, in the golden church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo whose chapel houses the macabre collection of bones of over 1,200 monks!

Much of the city is now composed of apartments and there are many attractive shops and a particularly artistic theatre. Faro is also the home of the Ria Formosa lagoon, a nature reserve of over 17.000 hectares and a stopping place for hundreds of different birds during the spring and autumn migratory periods.

The long sandy beach is almost 7 kms distant from the city and is reached by crossing a bridge not far from the International Airport. It is possible to find cheap car hire in Faro to be able to get around the area. The municipal council has an active cultural department organising different and various events during the year.

As well as its architectural beauty, Faro offers a wealth of restaurants and cafes, fine beaches, and a beautiful theatre, hosting a good programme of drama, music and dance.
And the area is paradise for golfers with around 19 courses on the coastal stretch between Faro and Albufeira.

Enter the town through the Renaissance Arco da Vila, which cuts through the ramparts of the old city . Note the jumble of architectural styles, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, the fine azulejos and gilded woodwork and the red chinoiserie organ to one side of the nave.