Family Bonding in Faro
For many people Faro serves as the jumping-off point for a golfing or beach holiday in the Algarve. But with around 300 days of sunshine a year, and plenty to do besides, it’s a pretty enticing destination in its own right.
Below are a few suggestions about how you can make the most of your time there.
The Old Town
Faro enjoys a rich history, and only became part of Portugal in the 13th century. Previously it was part of the Moorish kingdom, and in some ways it still has a North African feel to it. Nowhere is this more apparent than the city’s old town, which is crammed with handicraft markets, cafes and – of course – tourists.
The Beach
The good thing about the beach – apart from the fact that it’s a mere seven km away from the city – is that you can make your own fun there. The perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the old town, meanwhile, comes in the form of Sao Bras de Alportal, where you can enjoy the tranquil scenery as a family, gazing in wonder at the abundance of figs and almonds growing on the trees.
Adrenaline junkies – and golf
We’ll start with the latter. The Algarve is often named the world’s best golfing destination and it could be a great place for your kids to learn. Why not raise the stakes by engaging in a family fourball? The losers buy the drinks! Elsewhere there is no shortage of things to do for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Take your pick from horse-riding, dolphin watching, paragliding, quad-biking and bird-watching.
Messing about in boats
If you fancy combining the great outdoors with a boat trip, then perhaps Ria Formosa National Park is the place for you. This protected island wilderness, which is twice the size of Guernsey, attracts some 270 species of birds, including flamingos. You can cruise the seashell islands with a guide in a painted wooden fishing boat.
Festival fun
If you’re constrained by the summer holidays, never fear: you can still find plenty of deals on flights to Faro in August, and if you’ve planned carefully, you might just be able to take in the annual Folkfaro Festival, which hosts a variety of parades and dances by performers from all over the world.
To conclude, there is more to the Algarve than beaches and golf. Take a boat ride, take a hike, do something different. Make this summer an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones.
I have never heard about Faro before, going to have to check it out further!
now you have me dreaming….
WOW! gorgeous photos! i have never heard of Faro before this post but my hubby and I will definitely look into it. He is a golfer so by the sounds of it this would be perfect for him 🙂
those pictures are stunning
Wow looks like a beautiful place to connect!
Sounds like an amazing place! Thanks for the introduction!
i have never heard of it before it looks lovely though
We’re playing to go to the Algarve in September 🙂
Sounds like a lovely place. Especially that 300 days of sunshine
I love that there are so many options! I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be there. So beautiful and so much sunshine.
I have never heard of this beautiful place! I would love to visit someday.
Wow, I’ve not heard of this place. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful location! Now I want to book an August vacation to Portugal!
Looks lovely to me 🙂
I’ve never heard of this place,but the photos are amazing.