Faro Car Hire - Information resources for Faro Algarve Portugal

Faro Car Hire - Faro Overview:

FARO

Faro is the administrative centre of the Algarve region with a population exceeding 40.000 people.

At the sea side Faro is surrounded by the Ria Formosa, a nature reserve of 17.00 hectares and stopping place for migrating birds. The Faro airport is connecting the Algarve with most European capitals by direct flights and handles several million passengers a year.

The long strip of dunes that separates the sea from the Ria Formosa is a paradise for anyone who enjoys sun, sand and sea. With the advantage that visitors can choose from a necklace of separate islands, and have mile after mile of sandy beaches all to themselves.

FARO GASTRONOMY

All of the Algarve's best-known dishes can be tasted in Faro. But anyone who wants to try the typical fishermen's recipes should sample the local fish soup and the traditional razor clam risotto. Choosing among the many local cakes and desserts is a hard task because they all make extensive use of the tasty local figs and almonds. The best way to round off a meal is a glass of fig brandy or "medronho", a spirit made with the fruit of the strawberry tree.

FARO HANDICRAFT

Faro is an ideal place to explore the colourful world of Algarvean crafts. Tiles decorated with traditional motifs are produced locally. Further inland, in Santa Barbara de Nexe and Estoi, the womenfolk still weave and plait palm leaves to make baskets, hats and mats.

FARO BEACHES

• Ilha de Faro: Linked to the mainland by a road, this island has a small nucleus of beach houses, restaurants and other tourist facilities.
• Ilha da Barreta: This island is truly calm and solitary, thanks to the fact that there are no regular ferry connections. It is an excellent destination for anyone who has hired a boat or is lucky enough to have their own and who wants to enjoy the pleasures of sea and sand undisturbed by other holidaymakers.
• Ilha do Farol: Apart from a few fishermen's cabins, there is nothing on these islands but sand...
• Ilha da Culatra: A former fishing village, until a few decades ago the houses of Culatra had wooden walls and thatched roofs. Fishing still goes on, and shellfish are harvested from the Ria. There is an extensive beach, which is quiet, with a family atmosphere. Regular steamboat services run to the Farol and Culatra beaches from Faro (summer) and Olhão (all year).

FARO USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS