autoeurope

Faro is the capital of the Algarve region in Portugal, which is at the southernmost edge of the country. The town has its history in Roman times, and has more than a few Roman ruins ripe for exploring. Throughout most of its history, it was a thriving fishing town and port city, and that tradition continues today. The city is surrounded by an amazing amount of stunning nature too, with the beaches to its south and the lagoons of the Ria Formosa just nearby. Its seaside setting makes it a fantastic place to see some exotic nature, and its birdlife is as astounding as it gets.

The Cidade Velha is Faro’s Old Town, and it is densely compact and scarred by the centuries of history deep within it. It’s a quaint area now that does not shy away from the tumultuous histories of conquests, invasions, and earthquakes. Medieval walls surround it, which were built on the foundations of the original Roman walls, and inside it is a labyrinth of cobbled streets lined by orange trees. Head to the Largo de Se and the beautiful square that introduces it, and along the way you’ll find plenty of quaint, whitewashed houses and even some hidden plazas and restaurants.

If you want to see more history, spend some time looking at the walls, which have been built, rebuilt, and refortified for 2,000 years. Take the time to find which stones are Roman, which are Moorish, and which are medieval. Just about ten minutes from the Faro city center is the Milreu Roman ruins, which was once a Roman estate whose foundation and much of its lower floor remains. Inside are some remarkably preserved mosaics, with a consistent fish motif, as well as what’s left of the original baths. The villa has been repurposed both by the Christians and later the Moors until it was eventually abandoned in the 900s.

The wonderful nature reserve of the Ria Formosa is accessible by boat tour, as it is a heavily protected ecosystem. It is a huge expanse of lagoons and marshland that are protected by the small chain of barrier islands. You’ll find some amazing flora and fauna, and the region is inhabited regularly by flamingos and spoonbills. Surrounding it, you’ll find the wonderful beaches of Ilha Deserta, or Deserted Island. Also on the outskirts of the Ria Formosa, and accessible by land, is the Praia de Faro, a pristine sandy beach with spectacular waves.

If seeing nature isn’t your thing, Faro’s local cuisine is also spectacular, with a fantastic selection of shellfish and other seafood. Arroz de lingueirao, a simmered rice dish with razor clams, is a local specialty. Feel free also to just eat oysters with a lemon wedge and a crisp glass of white wine.

Just a quick drive from Faro by rental car is another of the Algarve’s magnificent cities, Tavira, and it is only about 20 miles east. It’s a beautiful city of churches, whitewashed homes, and cobbled streets. In its waters, you’ll see small fishing boats riding along with the current. It’s a small town with a remarkably preserved Roman bridge and a ruined castle nearby, but other than that, it’s mostly a peaceful small town. Enjoy a relaxed meal at any of its riverside restaurants with any of the region’s local specials, then stroll through the town and enjoy its picturesque charm.