BEACHES near Faro:
Carvoeiro (50 min west of Faro) Beautiful beach-cliff town popular with tourists.
Cacela Velha (35 min east of Faro) A charming, rural small town above with a barrier island beach below.
Faro beaches (take water taxis from docks near marina)
Surfing: Spots generally improve as you go west of Faro, towards Sagres.
RESTAURANTS and BARS in Faro:
Aliança Cafe: Just below the apartment. Food, wine and service are all excellent.
Chelsea cafe: Around corner from Aliança. International clientelle and menu.
O Coreto: Right on marina. Excellent pizza and pasta.
8 Tapas: A great spot with excellent wine and food.
Sabores do Churrasco: Very good Portuguese-style restaurant.
A Venda: Up the street from Aliança. Very creative menu and excellent wine.
Restaurante O Castelo: In old city. Great views of estuary and planes coming into Faro airport. Nice evening spot!
Seven Cuts. Near Aliança; Fine food and wine selection.
Faro Hotel Restaurant: Great views (15 euro breakfast buffet is excellent).
Centenário: Not far from Aliança. Good Portuguese food and paella. Have fado performers once a week.
K3 Cafe: I love this spot for breakfast. Very Portuguese/local place. There is also a good self-service laundromat nearby (Wash & Plus).
Vila Adendro: In old city. Fine menu and wine. Also has a nice rooftop bar.
Bar Ancora: Near Aliança. Unique place. Great spot for a port or whatever you fancy.
Salão de Jogos: A fun neighborhood sports bar popular with students. About 10 min walk from Aliança.
Club Farense: Founded in 1863, this club is located right up the street from Aliança on Rua Santo de Antonio and hosts public cultural events (music) and includes a cozy lounge with bar.
SHOPPING in and near Faro:
There are many shops of various types just up the street from Aliança along the Rua de Santo Antonio.
The Forum Algarve is about a 20 min walk from Aliança.
MAR shopping center in Loulé is about a 30 min bus ride from the central station.
GROCERIES:
There is a Pingo Doce supermarket about a 15 min walk from Aliança via Av. 5 de Outubro. Also follow R. Ivens to a Minipreço less than 5 min away on foot.
HISTORY:
The Roman ruins of Milreu are a short drive north of Faro.
The Cidade Velha (old city) and wall date back to the middle ages. The Fábrica da Cerveja (beer factory) building dates back to the 18th century and today functions as a community cultural and arts center.
The Museu Municipal (former convent Nossa Senhora da Assunção) displays some interesting ancient artifacts including a large, 3rd century mosaic of Neptune.
Inside the Vila Adendro restaurant you will find the remnants of an Islamic-era well.
The Arco da Vila gate at the southern end of the Jardim Manuel Bivar contains a visible part of the remaining Islamic-era gate.
Other NEARBY TOWNS to Faro:
Olhão: Excellent seafood restaurants along central promenade.
Santa Luzia: A cute fisherman's village on estuary also with great local seafood spots along promendade.
Tavira: Stroll and shop along west side of river then cross the 'Roman' bridge and find a place for dinner.
Monchique: A beautiful spot (a kind of Ojai, Ca. in the Algarve ; ) about 50 min drive from Faro. O Tasco, Wine & Beer Bar - Alcaline Bar -great spot to stop and have wine. Restaurante Luar Da Fóia: amazing restaurant. Make a res!
EAST, beyond Portugal:
Sevilla and Cádiz, Spain are 2 and 3 hours away respectively by car. Both are cultural and historical meccas. Sevilla is famous for its tapas and tabernas de flamenco.
Gibraltar: A British territory, is about 4 hours away by car.
Info on 2025 Algarve events and festivals:
https://www.visitportugal.com/en/search/site/festivals%2520or%2520events?regioes=93&context=479
