Destination guides > Europe > Portugal > Algarve > Faro
Faro
Faro is the Algarve's capital and the main transport hub of Southern Portugal. The old walled city has plenty of quaint cobblestone streets and old buildings dating from the 16th to 18th century. Although the largest city on the Algarve it is one of the least touristy, but many people staying in nearby resorts make their way here for a taste of the real Portugal.
Practical information
Faro Tourist Information Centre
Rua da Misericórdia 8-12, Faro
Tel 289 803 604
Open 9.30am-5.30pm daily
Coming & going
Faro is the main transport hub of Southern Portugal and it boasts the best bus and train connections on the Algarve as well as a busy airport with lots of international flights.
Faro's airport is located only 6km outside the city centre and it is served by buses 14 and 16, which run every 15 minutes. The airport has a lot of cheap charter flights, particularly from the UK.
The train station is located on Largo da Estação at the northwestern edge of the city centre. Intercity trains from Lisbon depart from Estação Barreiro on the south shore of the Tagus.
The main bus terminal is located at Avenida da República 106. Eva Transportes (tel 89 89 97 60) operates buses to destinations throughout the Algarve and also operates a regular service to Lisbon (€19 one-way). Buses from Faro to Lagos cost €5.35.
Hostel accommodation
Faro Lounge Guesthouse
1ºandar, Avenida da República 72, 8000-Faro
Tel 289 108 203
Pousada de Juventude de Faro
Rua da PSP - Edifício do IPJ, 8000-408 Faro
Tel 289 826 521
Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions
Cidade Velha (old town)
Faro's small walled old town is a pleasant place to wander and includes some of the city's main attractions including the cathedral and Archaeology Museum.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo
This is the most visited and spookiest church in Faro. The church is lavishly decorated inside although the main attraction is the small Capela dos Ossos (chapel of bones) which was built in the 19th century with the bones of 1245 former monks.
Largo do Carmo, Faro
Tel 289 824 490
Admission €1
Open Jan-Apr Mon-Fri 10am-1pm & 3pm-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm; May-Sep 10am-1pm & 3pm-6pm daily; Oct-Dec Mon-Fri 10am-1pm & 3pm-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm
Museu Arqueológica
This museum archeology features exhibits of Roman, Phoenician and Carthaginian relics plus an excellent collection of azulejos (Portuguese tiles).
Rua do Castelo, Faro
Admission €2
Open Mon-Fri 9am-12.30pm & 2pm-5pm
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