The administrative capital of the Algarve, Faro has been welcoming hordes of tourists for many decades.  Most however, simply pass through its airport and head off down the coast to one of the resorts.

They don't know what they're missing!  The city has a historic centre, a good beach and plenty of interesting nooks and crannies to explore during a short break.

Best time to go

With a mild, almost sub-tropical climate, Faro is pleasant at any time of year.  The months of January, March, November and December experience the most rain; April, May, September and October will see temperatures in the high-teens / low-twenties.  June, July and August are the hottest months, when midday temperatures can reach the very high thirties.

Getting there

A wide variety of airlines fly between the UK and Faro, with flights available from most regional airports.  The national carrier is TAP, which has direct flights from London Heathrow and London Gatwick.  There is no train from Faro airport.  Frequent buses run into the city, and a taxi will cost between €7 and €15.  Visitors staying at Monte do Casal can avail themselves of the limousine service offered by the hotel.

Where to stay

Our recommendation for the ultimate luxury escape is the four-star country house hotel, Monte do Casal, which is located about fifteen minutes drive from the airport.  See our review for more details.  If you prefer to stay in the city centre, try the Hotel Eva, a four-star hotel with a roof-top swimming pool.