Flights from London to Faro

 Why holiday in the Algarve?

Faro is a quaint haven with Roman city walls. It's pleasant for all visitors whether you prefer relaxing at a pavement cafe, on the beach, wandering around the shops or discovering Faro's historical landmarks.

One of Faro's jewels is the Old Town (Cidade Velha), where you can visit the Bishop's Palace and Faro Cathedral. Enter via the eighteenth century arch - Arco da Vila and wander uphill through narrow cobbled streets. Leave via another arch - Arco do Repouso - where you will find yourself at the water's edge of the Largo da Sao Francisco.

Faro's second jewel is the Ria Formosa Lagoon nature reserve, where you can enjoy a boat trip. 

When is the best time for a holiday in the Algarve?

Faro is an excellent destination at any time of the year. The best time for beach loving visitors is from April to October. Summer is hot and sunny with temperatures from 27° to 35°C. Winters are mild  with temperatures at 8° to 17°C. Faro can be very busy during the peak season.

For visiting during festival time, the very popular Faro International Motorcycle Rally is held during the third weekend in July. Known as a Biker Mecca it includes concerts, exhibitions, 24 hour bars and professional motorbike stands. Faro's "birthday" is held on 7th September which is when it was officially given the status of "city" in 1540, so for two weeks at the beginning of September the Festas do Concelho is held with music, parties, sporting events and exhibitions.

What to note before you get to Faro?

Prices are usually cheaper in Portugal than in the United Kingdom. Eating out is cheaper and groceries, especially bought at the markets, are much cheaper.

What are the travel options from Faro airport to the Algarve?

• Most visitors arriving at Faro International Airport hire a car at the airport. Be aware that cars should be reserved well in advance during the peak holiday season.
• Buses 14 and 16, operated by EVA, run between the airport and Faro city centre, around 15 minutes away, with a fare of about 2.50EUR. Buses also serve major tourist resorts such as Albufeira. 
• Taxis will cost you around 16EUR to go into Faro town, with prices increasing after 9pm.

During the peak season it is very important to book accommodation well in advance. You can stay in budget accommodation for around 12EUR per person per night in shared rooms. During the peak season hotel prices start from around 40EUR per person per night. 

For getting around in Faro there's an extensive bus network which extends to the rest of the Algarve. A single journey in zone 1 costs about 1EUR and about 1.70EUR in zone 2. For all zones the fare is around 2EUR. A day pass costs about 5.59EUR. A taxi fare starts at around 3EUR plus a charge per every km. Fares are more expensive between 9pm and 6am and at weekends. You usually reserve taxis by phone and only occasionally hail them. You will be charged extra for luggage.