Cheap Flights to Faro

The city of Faro in the Algarve region of Southern Portugal is an ideal holiday destination for those looking for a blend of sun, beach, history and city life. Year-round sunshine, a warm Mediterranean climate, excellent golfing facilities and a vibrant calendar of events make for an unrivalled travel destination. Unlike the busier touristy resorts of Albufeira, Lagos and Praia da Rocha, this city offers a more laid-back and quieter holiday option. The city has an interesting history, which can be experienced at the Municipal Museum as well as the Roman ruins, a Medieval Cathedral and a stunning Old Town. A choice of beautiful beaches as well as the opportunity to take a boat to the preserved Ilha Desesrtas provides plenty of opportunities to get away from it all. Shopping is also popular in the area and the city is home to the Forum Algarve: the best shopping mall in the region. The city's central location in the Algarve also makes it the ideal base to explore the entire region with ease.

Things to do

There are plenty of things to keep you busy in Faro, whether you want to sight-see, shop or enjoy some outdoor activities.

• Get away from it all at Ilha Deserta
  One of the most popular attractions is the Ilha Deserta archipelago, which is actually closer to Madeira than the mainland but can only be reached via passenger ferry or a nature boat tour from the city harbour. This hidden paradise boasts the whitest sand beaches in the area as well as clear jewelled waters. Uninhabited, the islands are entirely undeveloped apart from a seafood restaurant that is open through the summer.

• Must-see historic sights
  Learn more about the city's fascinating history from Roman times through to Moorish rule and the 18th century earthquake that all but flattened the city at the Municipal Museum of Faro. What still stands can be explored in the Old Town (Cidade Velha) which is itself home to quiet cobbled streets, cafes, bars and a Medieval Cathedral. To the north of the city are the Milreu Roman ruins, close to the village of d'Estoi. Here you'll be able to walk around the ruins of a Roman Villa complete with a beautifully preserved mosaic.

• The shopaholic's Faro
  The city is home to the Forum Algarve, arguably the best shopping centre in the whole region and a retail mecca for tourists and locals alike. As well as a vast hypermarket which is ideal for stocking up on essentials, the mall is also home to numerous high-street names such as Zara. Those looking for souvenirs should head to the Gypsy Markets in nearby Quarteira and Loulé, where you can purchase a number of gifts and crafts including some of the famous painted pottery of the Algarve (in particular glazed ceramic tiles).

Calendar of Events

Faro and the surrounding areas are home to numerous events throughout the year.

• Carnival. Carnival (Mardi Gras) in the Algarve is a huge celebration of parades, dancing and music that takes place during shrove week. The best place to experience this festival is at Loulé (17 km away).
• Alameda Beer Festival. Held in early June, this annual beer festival is world-renowned and a fantastic chance to sample over 100 beers.
• International Motorcycle Rally. One of the biggest and best motorcycle rallies in the world takes place every Summer in mid-July in the city.