Faro

Faro (Portuguese pronunciation: “fah-roo”) is the administrative centre for the whole of the Algarve region with a population of approximately 60,000 inhabitants spread over 210 km², of which 30% are integrated in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve.

The city

The city of Faro is bordered to the south by the Ria Formosa lagoon, a 19 km long system of barrier islands that communicates with the sea through six inlets, five of which are natural and have mobility characteristics, and one is an artificial inlet that was opened with the purpose of allowing easier access to the port of Faro. This system forms three main islands, which can be reached by boat, and are excellent places to enjoy pleasant days in contact with nature, enjoying boating, biking or walking.

The local cuisine, typically Mediterranean, the white sand beaches and balmy waters awarded with the “blue flag”, in some places inhabited only by migratory birds, are aspects to discover on the islands of the Ria Formosa, with a high potential for nature tourism.

As an ancient city, Faro is to be (re) discovered. From pre-Roman origin, known at that time as Ossónoba, Faro was one of the most important urban centres of the southern peninsula.

The city has both Arab and Roman ruins but most of the present attractive older buildings were constructed after the disastrous earthquake of 1755. Particularly attractive is the old part of the city surrounded still by the Moors walls, which date back to the 9^th century.

Currently, due to its central role and as the regional capital, Faro has significant infrastructures and public services in the region. The airport handles more than five million passengers a year, the University is internationally known in the fields of marine sciences, tourism management, biotechnology and arts apart from the Central Hospital and six secondary schools, all showing the central role of Faro in the whole region.

The city also has an attractive marina, well-maintained parks and plazas and an old town full of outdoor cafés and pedestrian lanes. Besides its museums and beautiful churches and chapels, Faro also boasts a vibrant nightlife.

The  city center

To discover the city and its essence, a walk through the streets of Faro is recommended. The garden Jardim Manuel Bívar, an ex-libris of the city, is a mandatory passage point for anyone wishing to know the city, with a pleasant sidewalk and several esplanades where you can enjoy the mild climate of the Region.

The garden is surrounded by a remarkable set of buildings with emphasis on the building of the Banco de Portugal (the National Bank), the Igreja da Misericórdia (Church of Mercy), the former Hospital da Misericórdia (Mercy Hospital) and the Arco da Vila (the Arch of the village), the main entrance to Vila Adentro, the administrative and ecclesiastic centre of Faro. It is here that the main cultural events occur in the county, especially in summer.

The Rua de Santo António is the main pedestrian street and the best choice for shopping for traditional handicraft, and to taste the traditional regional sweets, as well as a wide variety of fashion shops, perfume and cosmetic shops, all within a very comfortable walking distance.

Vila Adentro

This is the primitive nucleus of the city of Faro, formerly called Ossónoba and fully enclosed by walls. The oldest building in the city, the Igreja da Sé (the Cathedral) is located here, built in 1251, with its marvellous altarpieces and the impressive 18th century organ with chinoiserie motifs. From its bell tower, you can enjoy a breath-taking view over the city and the Ria Formosa. Adjacent to the building is the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones).

The Paço Episcopal and the Seminário Episcopal, respectively the residence and place of training for the Clergy, surround the stately Largo da Sé. Their “scissor roofs” (shaped like open scissors) and whitewashed façades, associated with the orange trees that adorn the public space, transport us to the urban landscapes of a Mediterranean paradise.

By walking through the irregular streets of Vila Adentro you will find the Faro Municipal Museum in the old convent of Nossa Senhora da Assunção (Lady of Assumption), one of the first examples of a type of Portuguese protoRenaissance cloisters. Right in the centre of Vila Adentro is the Câmara Municipal de Faro building (the City Hall), housing the administrative power of the city.

Faro has a diversified architectural heritage with a natural backdrop for providing excellence, and the necessary requirements for the practice of nautical tourism and for nature-lovers. The unique characteristics of the Ria Formosa, one of the national Seven Wonders, allow for the practice of several activities, such as kite-surfing, canoeing, windsurfing, rowing, boating and bird-watching, granting the visitor unique moments in contact with nature.

Faro alive

The municipality of Faro promotes a number of initiatives and events throughout the year, thus providing pleasant leisure moments. Summer is undeniably the period with most activities on offer, ranging from thematic fairs, concerts, sports activities, shows, and festivals to other initiatives.

January: Grande Prémio dos Reis (Grand Prix of the Three Wise Men)
February: Carnival Parades and dances (sometimes falling in March)
March: Walk Race of the Ria Formosa
April: Easter processions (in some years in March)
May: University Academic Week; Festa da Pinha (Pine Cone Festival); Festa dos Maios (Feast of Maios)
June: Popular Saints Festivals
July: Motard (motorbike) Concentration; summer programme (music, theatre, dance, food, outdoor cinema, fairs, folk festivals, etc.)
August: Folkfaro
September: Festival Adentro; Day of the City; Night Walk
October: Feira de Santa Iria (Fair of Santa Iria)
November: Festival do Órgão (Organ Festival)
December: Winter Jazz Festival; New Year’s Eve

How to get to Faro

Due to its peripheral location, the Algarve enjoys good transport connections, both internally with other Portuguese cities and externally with the rest of the world. The city of Faro has a privileged location, enhanced by the proximity to Faro Airport, where various national and international airline regular flights connect Algarve to several main European cities. Faro Airport is 4 km from Faro city centre.

The Algarve can easily be reached from anywhere in continental Europe. A superb network of motorways and dual carriageways allow one to reach Faro across attractive regions of southern Portugal. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is about 2 hours and 30 minutes away by motorway (A2), and Andalusia, in Spain, less than an hour, via the A22.

Travelling by train is also an option, since Portugal is part of the European rail network and can easily be reached from most European capitals.

Alternatively, you may reach Faro by bus. A train or a bus from Lisbon to Faro takes between 3 to 4 hours.

Last, but not least, you can reach the Algarve through the many ports and marinas spread all along the south Portugal coast.

Useful links to get to Faro:
↘      By Air: www.ana.pt (Algarve)
↘      By Train: www.cp.pt
↘      By Bus: www.eva-bus.com
            www.renex.pt
↘      By Road: National Access Roads:  IC1, N2, N120, N122
          International Access Roads: N431 (Huelva, Spain) / A22
↘      By Sea: www.imarpor.pt

Cost of living

People have different needs and lifestyles, and therefore expenses vary from person to person. Some people might find cheaper accommodation; others might look for something more expensive. If you take your meals at the University canteens or cook at home you will spend less money than if you go to restaurants. If you purchase a monthly bus card it will be cheaper than buying tickets on a daily bases.

The table below gives you an idea of how much things cost in Faro. Still, at some places you are entitled to a student discount on presentation of your student card.

Useful contacts

Câmara Municipal de Faro (City Hall)
Rua do Município
8000-398 Faro – PORTUGAL
Tel.: + 351 289 870 870
Fax: +351 289 802 326
Email: geral@cm-faro.pt
Website: www.cm-faro.pt