Olhao

Faro District (Distrito de Faro in Portuguese) is located in the extreme South of Portugal, with Faro as its capital. The district has 15 cities, besides Faro: Albufeira, Alcoutim, Aljezur, Castro Marim, Lagoa, Lagos, Loule, Monchique, Olhao, Portimao, Sao Bras de Aportel, Silves, Tavira, Vila do Bispo and Vila Real de Santo Antonio. The district has a Subtropical Mediterranean climate, with sunny, hot springs and summers and rather mild autumns and winters, which makes it a popular destination for tourists no matter the season they choose to travel to.

The Portuguese cuisine is different from one area to another, but what you will find in every menu are fresh fish and seafood. The national dish is called “bacalhau” which is a dried and salted codfish. Grilled sardines are also popular, alongside a fish mixture stew called “caldeirada”. Naturally, the many restaurants and pubs that will cross your path will also serve delicious courses, based on lobsters, shrimps, oysters and crabs. Another popular meal is the “cozido a Portuguese”, a stew with different kinds of meat. The typical desserts are sweet, lovely flavoured, such as flan, caramel custard or cinnamon rice pudding. Already thinking what you first meal in Portugal will be? Let us help you with these extraordinary suggestions: Fim do Mundo, Restaurante Dom Carlos, Bacalhoada Restaurante, Solar do Farelo, Os Arcos Restaurante, Restaurante O Manjar, O Refugio or O’Leme. The district also has international cuisine restaurants, such as Wine Bar English Pub (Irish, English), Tasca David’s (Indian), Shalom II (Dutch), L’oasis (Italian). Also, check out the lovely coffee shops where you can have a taste of some of the most delicious desserts. Portugal prides with its moving hospitality and Faro makes no exception.

There are hundreds of accommodation units that simply wait to amaze you and contribute to your wonderful vacation. Choose your favourite from the many hotels, inn, B&Bs, guest houses, villas and country clubs: Belmar Spa & Beach Resort, Cascade Resort, Four Seasons Country Club, Porto Bay Falesia. You may also want to consider Tivoli Lagos Hotel, Casa TresPalmeiras, DuasQuintas, Winniehill B&B, Casa Bamboo, Casa Arte, Villa Paraiso and Onda Vicentina.

As the district has a very long and beautiful coastline, it is no wonder that Faro beaches have won awards over the years. It is a destination for beach lovers, whether they choose to soak in the sun, have a picnic and relax or engage in some adventurous activities. Praia da Falesia, Praia da Marina, Odeceixe Beach and Praia Donna Ana are true winners in the travellers’ opinion and a day is certainly not lost if you spend it visiting one of them.

Portugal is perfect for outdoor activities, and there are plenty from which you can choose: buggies, ATV and off-road trips in Albufeira, Segway tour in Faro, hiking at Ponta da Piedade. You can try paddle boarding at Coastline Algarve, wakeboarding at Wake Salinas, horseback riding in Lagos, swimming with the sea lions and dolphins in Quarteira. Learn about ecotourism at Ria Formosa Nature Park, scuba diving and snorkelling at Divers Cape and Diver’s Cove or choose for one of the many sightseeing tours.

Portugal will offer a great travelling experience. It will give you a chance to connect with nature and get in touch with your adventurous side. Spend a few days in the sun and boost your energy, try the amazing national food and ask the locals to tell you stories. The beaches are most of all divine. You will enjoy the impressive cliffs, the sound of waves rushing to hit the shore and the seagulls. Feel the sense of freedom deep buried in the sand and let the wind play with your hair. The fresh salty air will invade your lungs and add a special touch to your vacation.

All in all, the precious moments you share in Portugal, will forever have a place in your heart, and you will fondly remember them.