The School
Studying and Living in Faro
There’s something curious about our city. The days pass calmly and unhurried, but at night Faro gains an amazing life. Here we bring together a handful of fascinating attractions for those who live and study in Faro.
Inspirations From the Past
Monuments and museums
The Igreja da Sé with a view worthy of appreciating from the top of its medieval tower.
Nature Therapies
The Islands, the beaches and the natural park
Faro Island
Faro Island has several kilometers of golden sands, known as Praia de Faro. It’s accessible by road, with a regular bus service. It’s exposed to the waves that come from the Atlantic Ocean, favorable to surfing and other water sports. In the center of the island there’s a small community with cafes, restaurants, shops and water equipment rentals.
The Ilha Deserta
The remote and peaceful Ilha Deserta (Desert Island) has 9 km of south-facing coastline, pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
With more difficult access, only a small number of people visit this beach each day.
Culatra Island
With a wonderful sand dune beach along the entire southwest coast and two small villages: Culatra and Farol, the latest harbouring a colossal lighthouse. No cars or roads.
The Ria Formosa Natural Park
All islands are protected by the Ria Formosa Natural Park: a wildlife refuge that hosts migratory birds and aquatic life – including a high concentration of seahorses – in its numerous canals, islands, marshes and sandbanks.
To Visit
The Old City (Historic Center)
The historic center (the Old City) of Faro is surrounded by ancient walls and contains a Gothic cathedral, the Episcopal Palace and beautiful cobbled streets. Outside the city walls is a modern center, with pedestrian shopping streets, picturesque squares and a variety of restaurants and bars.
Faro Municipal Market
At the heart of the city of Faro, this whitewashed building is one of the best places to experience the local customs. Indulge yourself with the huge variety of traditional products on display – like fish, meat, olives, fruit or corn.
Barra de São Luís (Barrinha)
An undeveloped area, where the beauty of the dunes, the flora and the countless birds that seek refuge and food stand out. The wind and waves are always changing the coastline. It is accessible on foot, from Faro beach, through a wooden walkway, or by boat.
Palácio de Estoi
It started being built in the 1840s and was not finished until 1909, combining neoclassical and Rococo styles. The buildings are exceptionally beautiful but so are the gardens, laid out in French style with fruit and palm trees, fountains and sculptures. The palace now functions as a “pousada de charme” (charm hotel).
To Feed the Spirit
Teatro Lethes
Museu Municipal de Faro
Teatro das Figuras
Associação Cultural e Recreativa de Músicos
Musicians
- Associação 289
- Club Farense
- Amarelarte – Casa Amarela
The Mystique of Surfing
Both for experienced surfers and for beginners the Algarve has some of the best waves in the world. Giant swells for bolder hearts and small waves with lots of foam for those who want to start learning.
Eat, Drink and Hang Out
Shopping and Cinema
Movies with popcorn and everything you need to buy (and also what you don’t need) can be found in the western part of Faro, in the Forum Algarve shopping center.
Nightlife
Faro has a particular atmosphere that invites people to spend quality time together. There are bars and pubs for all tastes and wallets to enjoy this unique lifestyle in Europe.
Vida Nocturna
Faro tem uma atmosfera particular que convida as pessoas a passar bons momentos juntos. Há bares e pubs para todos os gostos e carteiras poderem apreciar este estilo de vida, único da Europa.
Recommendations
- A Venda – petiscos (finger food) place
- Tasca do Amável – old style restaurant
- Restaurante Alameda – modern concept based on traditional ingredients
- Outro Lado – vegetarian
- Mavala Osteria Italiana
- EPICUR – Boutique Wine Bar
