subject: Places Of Interest In And Around Faro In The Algarve [print this page] The town of Faro is often overlooked by tourists, but is a great destination for a few days in the colder months. There are many low cost winter flights to Faro Airport in the Algarve, so Faro is an attractive destination for a long weekend break.
The region is popular in winter with golfers, bird-watchers, walkers, and anglers. Many pensioners also visit the region to escape the cold winter months in Northern Europe. The region also has lots of shopping complexes, and local markets which provide an amazing range of fresh local produce.
If you are considering a winter break in Faro, below are a few ideas of things to do in and around the Faro region.
Visitors to Faro could easily miss the Faro Old Town with its narrow streets, cafes and bars. Look out for the storks that nest on the rooftops. The old town entrance is located close to the marina.
Faro Marina is a typical Portuguese marina surrounded by restaurants and cafes. Perfect for taking in some winter sun while having a coffee or beer in one of the cafes and bars which surround the waterfront. Faro old Town is a 5 minute walk from the marina, so a trip to both can easily be combined.
The road to Faro Beach is located off the roundabout at Faro Airport. The beach is popular with locals, and parking can be a problem in high season. In winter the area is very quiet, and is a good place to walk for miles along the sandy beach towards Quinta da Lago. Be careful swimming here though, the water gets deep very quickly and is not ideal for children.
Forum Algarve also known as the JUMBO shopping centre, is located a short bus ride from Faro town centre. Forum algarve is a large covered shopping complex with an attractive uncovered plaza and plenty of eating places. There are also a lot of clothes shops, but Portuguese clothing prices are generally higher than in the UK.
The Rio Formosa Nature Reserve (Parque Nacional do Ria Formosa) is a wetland area which stretches along the coast from Faro to Tavira in the east. The area is ideal for nature lovers, especially birdwatchers. Flamingos can be seen in the salt water lakes in the cooler months. Boat trips around the park are available for those wishing to reach the less accessible parts of the park.
