Faro is the Algarve region's most well-known city, and it's not hard to see why. Faro is a pleasant, though a little unconventional, vacation spot. Instead of a beach vacation, this is the place to go if you're looking for a true taste of Portuguese culture. Along with a wide variety of cafés and restaurants, Faro has a rich cultural heritage. To see the finest of the Algarve, Faro is also a great starting point. And there are a lot of them! Here are some of the best day trips from Faro:
Best Day Trips from Faro
The golden sands of Praia da Quinta do Lago are flanked by fragile wetlands that are home to migrating birds like flamingos. Take a day trip here with your family since it is just an hour away from Faro. The fauna will delight both children and adults! A 1,000-foot wooden footbridge that crosses the marshes connects the beach to the mainland. When you're hungry, go to any of the eateries on the beach. Because the beach is seldom crowded, you will be able to spend quality time with your family. To avoid the extreme heat, go on a cooler day.
Do you want an excuse to put on your favourite dance shoes and party all night? Take your friends and travel to Lagos! It is a popular tourist attraction with a vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and beach activities. However, it's true that history aficionados and nature lovers alike would enjoy their time in Lagos. Visit the Silves Castle, an impressive fortress, and the church, which has been designated a national monument. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Cabo de Sao Vicente's rocks and beautiful sea views. It was previously thought that this was the end of the world!
Travel to the interiors of the country, to the village of Loule, which is only 10 miles from Faro, to soak up some history. You can get here by bus or car. The town has a Moorish castle and a network of little mediaeval passageways packed with artisan stores, but the historic covered market in the centre of town is the major draw for both tourists and residents. Avoid going on Sundays and Mondays since the majority of the attractions are closed! Saturday is the best day to see the market at its finest. While you're here, you may shop for handicrafts and sample regional foods and drinks.
Road Trips from Faro
Tavira is a charming little town with beautiful churches, cobblestone lanes, modest fishing boats, and whitewashed houses. Just 35 minutes from Faro along the A22 highway, Tavira is a perfect setting for a stroll and wonderful meals. The castle ruins and the old Roman bridge are two of the most popular tourist attractions here. Those who want to go swimming may go to the magnificent Pego de Inferno waterfall. This waterfall is seldom visited by visitors, so it tends to be secluded. Away from the crowds, you can relax and enjoy a refreshing dip while taking in the scenery.
Would you want to take a road trip to another country? Go to Seville! The drive between these two great cities takes around 2 hours. The Moors' rule has left noticeable remains across Seville. Many places here are certainly worth seeing, including the Gothic cathedral and the Alcazar royal palace, both of which have grown in popularity as a result of the popular HBO series, Game of Thrones. Explore Santa Cruz's charming alleyways and gorge on tapas. It's easy to lose track of time in this place! As a result, we recommend spending at least a day, if not a few days.
Ria Formosa is popular with birdwatchers. Many migrating species, including cranes and flamingos, may be seen here from November through March. This coastal region is made up of saltwater lagoons and sandy barrier islands that connect the coast to the Atlantic Ocean. Needless to say, seafood such as octopus, oysters, and crab are plentiful. The lagoons are also a fantastic area for snorkelling, so bring your snorkelling gear! The quickest method to get to Ria Formosa is to drive to Olhao and then take the ferry to the other side.
Scenic Drives near Faro
Take the EN124 to the Barragem do Funcho for a lovely drive. It is situated between Silves and So Bartolomeu de Messine, but farther east. When you get to Amorosa, there will be several signs directing you to the dam. Alternatively, you may leave your vehicle at a designated spot in Vale Bravo and walk up the steep slope. Inhale the perfume of the cistus plants and pine trees that thrive here. Swimming, canoeing, and fishing are all popular activities on the dam (you can fish here only if you have a licence).
There's also the Barragem de Odelouca, which is well-known for its stunning views while you're driving by. It is the country's second-largest dam. They are proud of creating it locally! It also serves as the primary source of water for residents in the Algarve area. Visitors are not permitted to boat, fish, or bathe in the water since it is utilised by humans. It is, nevertheless, a fantastic place for a long stroll! To get here, take the EN124 for around 67 kilometres with your friends and family, taking in the breathtaking landscape along the way.
In Malhao, visit the Humkara Dzong, a Tibetan Buddhist village. Drive along the picturesque route with spectacular vistas and bendy roads to Moinho do Malho, where the 5m high Stupa is plainly seen. Because of its uniqueness and position at the summit of these hills, this Stupa is unlike any other in the nation. Many valuable relics of the last Buddha, Kashyapa, and Guru Rinpoche are kept here. Bring your camera to capture stunning images of the 360° panoramic vistas while you breathe in the fresh air. It is said to have some of the purest air in the world.