This warm capital of the Algarve still boasts temperatures of 25C in September, and has been ranked as one of the best places to go for some winter sun.
It was given this accolade by the Telegraph’s 30 Best Winter Sun Destinations. Visiting Faro away from peak season is a great way to beat the crowds, as the popular destination is abuzz with tourists in summer.
Faro’s generous temperatures match the nine hours of daylight it gets as the nights draw in in Britain. And what’s more, there’s a tonne of things to explore.
The city has a rich history dating back to 418 AD, although much of the ancient buildings were destroyed when a huge earthquake hit the region in 1755.
There are many idyllic beaches within reach from the city, just a short ferry or bus away, and paired with the hot climate these are perfect spots for sunbathing. They are warm enough to sunbathe until October, as this is one of the driest regions in Europe that gives the most sunshine hours.
The most accessible is Ilha de Faro, which you can visit by bus from the city centre. This coastline consists of a long stretch of sand of around 5km (3.1 miles), with gorgeous warm blue water that’s perfect for swimming or playing in.
Even without the beaches, Faro is a charming city all by itself, with many traditional buildings. Its historical landmarks include the Bishop’s place and city hall, but by far the most intriguing is the Faro Bone Chapel.
The chapel has an obvious morbid aspect so perhaps isn’t for the faint of heart. It was built in the 17th century from the bones of Carmelite monks and features more than 1,000 skulls.
If that doesn’t take your fancy, then what about Faro Cathedral? This ancient monument was built back in the 13th century. It was almost destroyed in the 1755 earthquake but thankfully it managed to stay intact.
Or why not visit the city’s popular museum, the Municipal Museum of Faro, a 16th-century convent which is now Faro’s main museum?
The 10 best beaches in Faro
Cabo de Santa Maria.
Praia da Ilha de Faro.
Ilha Deserta.
Praia do Garrao.
Ancao Beach.
Vale do Lobo.
Praia de Quarteira.
Praia da Quinta do Lago.
Culatra Beach
Faro Este
There are plenty of Roman artefacts here, and the museum’s most impressive treasures include busts of Roman emperors and a fantastic Roman mosaic discovered in 1926 by Faro’s train station. It was removed for protection in 1976.
In between the city’s narrow streets and pavements down in the Old Town, you’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars to stop by for an afternoon and sample the region’s culinary delights.
Much of the food in Faro is traditionally seafood – think tasty fresh fish, shellfish and molluscs. The Algarve region is especially known for something called Dom Rodrigos. This delicious sweet treat is made using fios de ovos (egg yolks finished in syrup, or ‘angel hair’), egg yolk, cinnamon and almonds.
If you’re looking for a fascinating and warm getaway in the next couple of months, look no further than the Argaves city of Faro.
