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Faro
Overview
For the island in Sweden, see Fårö. Faro is a city in the Algarve region of Portugal that is a popular sun destination in the summer, and a base for exploring the surrounding area.
Facts
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Source
WBP almanac
External sources
Media
From Wikipedia286 words
WBP editorial3
A gateway to the Algarve’s quieter corners
Most visitors arrive in Faro and immediately head for the bustling beaches of Albufeira or Lagos, but the city itself sits on a natural lagoon that frames a quieter side of the region. Early‑morning walks along the Ria Formosa’s wooden walkways reveal salt‑marsh bird colonies and fishing villages where the tide still dictates daily rhythm. Staying a night in Faro lets you linger for sunrise over the water, then hop on a short ferry to the less‑touristed islands of Culatra and Farol—ideal for a day of shell‑collecting, tide‑pooling and a modest seafood lunch at a family‑run tasca.
Savouring the culinary crossroads
Faro’s cuisine fuses Mediterranean with Moorish legacies, a nuance most guidebooks gloss over. Seek out the market at Largo da República on a Thursday; beyond the familiar sardines, you’ll find black‑eyed pea purées and spiced almond pastries that echo centuries‑old caravans. Pair these with a glass of locally produced almond wine, an oft‑overlooked product of the surrounding olive groves, and you’ll taste a palate that’s both regional and distinct from the more tourist‑driven menus along the coast.
When the city slows down
July and August bring a flood of beach‑goers, but the true cadence of Faro emerges in late September. The heat mellows, the streets are less crowded, and the annual festival of St. James—rooted in historic pilgrim routes—offers processional music and open‑air craft markets. It’s an opportune moment to explore the old town’s tiled arches and Baroque churches without the throng, while locals are still in a convivial mood, eager to share their stories over a glass of medronho.