Let’s head south! Portugal’s most southern region, its Faro District and the Algarve, is world-renowned for its pristine beaches, stunning old towns and cultural admiration. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin whilst playing 16 holes at acclaimed golf courses or party the night away on one of its famous strips.
The Algarve region plays host to some of the most sought after destinations for holidaying Brits. This is probably due to its year-round mild climate, short flight time and abundance of things to do. Arriving into the region via Faro Airport, many will depart from here to other towns and cities, but this city is something to explore. For the history buff, Roman ruins and its eye-catching Cathedral could quickly become a full day of exploration, with some of the most prominent evidence of Roman life within the Algarve. The Cathedral’s belltower also promotes breathtaking views of the city on high and makes for the perfect selfie spot, too!
Its old town is a portal to the traditional ways of the city and leads to tranquility mixed with tradition. Pull up a chair at one of local bars that line the streets and watch as the world passes you by. But life doesn’t just stop in Faro – for those looking for the thrill and adventure, excitment is never too far away. Its Ria Formosa Natural Park is a wealth of floral colour, where wildlife and natural beauty meet. Join one of the local boat tours and explore its vast array of islands and spend hours navigating through the natural maze. The sheer contrast from busy city life to openness on the water is enough to delight any visitor. As with any coastal area, you must keep your eyes and ears open. Dolphin play along Portugal’s coast often and is something to admire in itself.
The diversity of this area is as notable as its cultural intelligence. On one hand you have the beauty of its preserved ruins and white beaches. On the other hand you have its historical past which has left its mark on its architecture. From earthquakes, many takeovers and different cultural influences, Faro has become a melting pot of European uniqueness. Potentially the most fascinating thing to view in Faro (if you can think of it this way) is the Chapel of bones.
Named rightfully after its internal walls, the small chapel is lined with human bones and skulls and is a mystical wonder and a must-see. Over 5,000 corpses reside here but the story of how it came to be is not as morbid as it may seem. Back in the 16th Century, available land was scarce throughout this region, despite being an affluent area. In a bid to make use of land and without disturbing the many cemeteries surrounding the area, local monks placed the corpses into this small chapel as a place to worship and for families to visit their loved ones. The chapel is a well-kept historical marvel.
Despite being described as the capital of the Algarve region, Faro is still a treasure trove of interest and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
