Faro

Faro is the capital of Algarve region, and its population exceeds 40.000 people. The city has both Roman and Arab ruins, but most of the attractive older buildings have been built after the catastrophic earthquake of 1755. During the 500 years of Moorish occupation, the city, then named Ossónoba, became an important trading port. With the decline of the former capital Silves, Faro took over the role of the administration for the whole Algarve.

The old part of Faro, still surrounded by Roman walls, is enticing tourists from all over the world. You can even see the open square that once used to be the Roman Forum. Exciting buildings are the 13th Century Cathedral, the Episcopal palace and the 16th Century Convent, now turned into an archaeological museum. The church of Nosso Senhora do Carmo is an excellent example of the gold-leaf woodwork and contains a chapel lined with the bones of more than 1.200 monks.
The Naval Museum next to the small boat basin presents the maritime history of the region with an exciting selection of boat and ship models. Faro hosts many charming shops and restaurants, and in the old part of the town, the visitor can find all kind of traditional hand-painted tiles.

At the seaside, Faro is surrounded by the Ria Formosa, a nature reserve of 17.00 hectares and stopping place for migrating birds. The airport of Faro is connecting the Algarve with most European capitals by direct flights and handles several million passengers a year.