Faro
Algarve

Guide to Portugal

Southern Region of Portugal

Faro, from the Algarve to the world

Barlavento and Sotavento: all the beaches in the Algarve

Faro, thanks to its airport, is the main main gateway to the south of Portugal for tourists from other European countries.





• Faro is the capital city of Algarve Region, in the south of Portugal. This region corresponds, in its entirety, to the District of Faro, which, in turn, is divided into municipalities (or councils).


• Faro is also the name of a concelho or municipality of this same district (which corresponds to a state in Brazil).


• Anyway, Faro is a city, with just over 46 thousand inhabitants (INE, 2021), headquarters of the aforementioned administrative entities (district and municipality).
The City of Faro is located 277 km southeast of Lisbon, a distance that is traveled in 2h40min via the A2 toll motorway.

Faro, Gateway to the Algarve

Every year, millions of tourists from all over Europe pass through Faro Airport, looking for a pleasant climate in the south of Portugal, beautiful beaches, security and tranquility.

Algarve, Sun, Beaches and Summer

This is the traditional image of the sunny south of Portugal. Paradise in Europe for lovers of beautiful beaches, sun, summer, gastronomy and quiet life for retirees in Central and Northern Europe. Heavily dependent on tourism, this framework helps but it also makes the economy extremely vulnerable to these flows, as demonstrated during the Chinese virus pandemic.

Find out more: Beaches in the Algarve

Faro, technological hub of southern Portugal

The University of Algarve has been playing a role in promoting and supporting companies and innovative initiatives to make the Algarve an innovative hub in the field of new technologies. In the implementation phase, an important project aims to boost these activities in the region.





The Polo Tecnológico do Algarve, still being created, is an investment of almost 6 million euros, with the aim of of being "a focus of attraction for companies, of a regional, national and international nature", focused on three areas: information technologies, health and wellness and energy.


With the implementation of this project, Universidade do Algarve (UAlg) will redesign the digital ecosystem in Southern Region of Portugal, with the creation of the Algarve Tech Hub.

Land of Gastronomy

The south of Portugal is mainly known for its beautiful beaches and for its gastronomy based on fish and seafood. Fans of Mediterranean cuisine will appreciate the specialties and the variety of Algarvian Cuisine in Faro.

Find out more: Faro Gastronomy

Resorts & Spas

For vacations with refinement and excellent services, this is the right address. All along the coast, establishments offer every comfort in a setting of rare beauty, both close to the sea and in a green setting where you can contemplate the beauty of the beautiful landscapes of the region.

Find out more: Resorts and Spas in the South of Portugal

Rough nights

For lovers of busy nights and with many options, the Algarve coast, from Barlavento to Sotavento is the best decision to ensure the success of your vacation.

Golf

The coast of Faro District offers several world-class golf courses, designed with great refinement.
Find out more: Golf in the Algarve

Water sports

Another strong point of Faro is the great existing offer for the practice of water sports, among other sports.

Find out more: Water sports in Faro

What to see in Faro

There are many options to discover in Faro, from Barlavento to Sotavento. From the beautiful beaches to the rich historical and religious heritage. See: Attractions in Faro

What to do in Faro

For fans of active holidays there are many and varied activities in the region: walks and hiking, boat trips, horse riding, water sports and much more. See: What to do in Faro.