Apartments, airbnb and villas in Faro

Visit Faro, the colourful mosaic kingdom!

Offering the very best of an urban hub which sits on the emerald fringe of the North Atlantic Ocean, there is no shortage of attractions in Faro, all of which is served up, of course, with endless pastel de natas, or custard tarts, as we know them. After an hour spent wandering the old town, it is easy to see why people try to keep this city a secret, as the unspoilt architecture tells the story of the country's history, while the tranquil beaches are some of the quietest along this southern coastline. There is a vast range of holiday lettings just waiting to be reserved so that you can find your perfect holiday rental in the Algarve.

When to go to Faro?

May and early June are a great time to visit Faro, as attractions will not be overly populated; however, the southern sun will still be shining above the city. Additionally, the autumnal months of September and October are the best time to visit Faro, when the climate is still reaching mid twenty degrees, but the summer rush of tourists have passed.

What types of holiday rentals are available in Faro?

Whether you want a mansion in the heart of the historic centre, an apartment which is bursting with the undeniable charm of the old town, or a holiday villa with a swimming pool on the waterfront, accommodation options in Faro are endless. For large groups of friends who want to enjoy the city's nightlife, choose a large villa in the western party district of Quinta do Lago to place you all in the heart of the bars and clubs. Couples and younger families should immerse themselves in the prestige of the historic old town, by securing a studio apartment or bed and breakfast in these ancient streets.

How to get to Faro?

Located on the south coast of Portugal, Faro is known as the gateway to The Algarve, allowing flights to the city's airport to be both widely accessible and affordable. It also means that visitors pass straight through Faro while travelling to their final destination, meaning it is the most overlooked treasure in the country. With direct flights from London, Bristol, Birmingham and Liverpool and an average flight duration of 2 hours and 40 minutes, visitors from across the UK are never too far away from Faro's sun-drenched streets. Faro airport is 6 kilometres west of the city centre, and the journey takes around 20 minutes, whether you hop into a taxi outside the terminal building or make use of the frequent number 16 bus service. Many Brits choose to visit Faro as part of a wider road trip across the Algarve, and why not? The whole of this Portuguese coastline is beautiful, and is just waiting to be explored. If you are visiting Faro from your holiday accommodation in Albufeira  then you can reach Faro in only half an hour, while Lagos is approximately a one hour drive.

Where to stay in Faro?

The Old Town

The captivating charm of Faro's old town is a magnet of attraction to all visitors, with its compact collection of restaurants, museums and beautiful pearl marble cathedral. These cobbles are the epitome of a Portuguese city, so waking up in a bed and breakfast or guesthouse in this area is guaranteed to give you an authentic taste of Faro and leave you in the best place to explore all day, and party all night long.

Olhão

Olhão is a cocktail of both vibrancy and serenity, as street artists have transformed this sleepy fishing town into a vivid canvas. With murals and impressive graffiti sprawled across every corner and shop front, the sun glazed colours have put this tiny town on the map, meaning it is unmissable for any art enthusiast. Choose an apartment rental which overlooks these rainbow-kissed structures and spend your day exploring the individual spirit of this creative neighbourhood.

The Praia de Faro

Faro beach is the closest shore to the city, and luckily for you, it is arguably one of the best seaside resorts in The Algarve. Choose a holiday villa with a private swimming pool somewhere along the golden 5k stretch to watch the sun come up in a room with a view over the water. With convenient connections to the city centre and its position on the border of the Ria Formosa national park, this is a seaside which offers a beach, city and hiking holiday in one.

Vilamoura

Just a short drive from Faro city centre, you can find the wealthy district of Vilamoura, a resort which has a reputation as one of the most stylish and sophisticated in the region. There is no better place to reserve a luxury holiday apartment in Vilamoura alongside the marina, where you just might be surprised at the saving compared to a hotel room in the most fashionable area in Portugal, leaving you with something extra to spend in Vilamoura's exclusive boutiques and elegant wine bars.

Quinta do Lago

Faro is recognised across Europe for its electric nightlife, from its nostalgic speakeasy bars in the old town to the clubs of Quinta do Lago. Choose a reasonably priced apartment rental for around the same price as a local youth hotel to delve into the intoxicating spirit of this neighbourhood's party scene.

Parish of Almancil

Faro may be renowned for its bustling medieval streets, shops and bars, but that does not mean it should be overlooked for a relaxing getaway. Choose a room in a townhouse to live like a local in the quaint Parish of Almancil, the tiny traditional Portuguese village which is built around the whitewashed church of Saint Lawrence of Rome.

What activities to do?

Get lost in Faro Old Town

Knitted tightly within the Moorish town walls, Faro Old Town is the answer to all of your Portuguese provincial town dreams. With its whitewashed houses, orange trees and cobbled streets, you would be forgiven for thinking that all this town can offer is its picturesque charm. However, as you will quickly discover, there is far more to the town than what meets the eye, as it is where shoppers and historians alike soak up the culture throughout the day, and where the city truly comes alive at night.

Gaze upon the Cathedral of Faro

Constructed in the 13th century, this medieval cathedral attracts visitors in their masses who admire the traditional Spanish Gothic architecture. A hotspot for the history buffs, this cathedral still stands impressively tall in the city after enduring years of the southern sun burning upon its crumbling bricks.

Cycle along the Ria Formosa

The emerald wonder of the Ria Formosa lagoon is one of the country's most naturally beautiful attractions, with its barrier islands, all separated by the beryl water which has mixed with the white sand to create a colourful marble effect. The islands can be accessed by either hiking or cycling, but however you choose to see them, this lagoon is unmissable.

Photograph the Arco da Vila

Perhaps the most recognised attraction in Faro, the Arco da Vila archway is a neo-classical monument which is a gateway between the old town which even includes some of the original Moorish wall which surrounded the city.

Sample a pastel de nata

Pastel de Nata's are the sweet staple of Portuguese cuisine, but despite these golden parcels of goodness now reaching worldwide fame, nowhere makes them quite like they do in Faro. Pastelaria Padaria Centeio is arguably the best place to pick up these tasty treats, but wherever you try them, they are guaranteed to be good!

Visit the Capela dos Ossos

The Capela dos Ossos is a landmark like no other, as this rare 18th-century ossuary is exclusive to the region. With the inside walls completely decorated with human skulls and bones, a visit to the ossuary is no less creepy as it is extraordinary and could surprise you on your visit.