Faro

[brassneck]

Thinking of Faro next March for 5 nights. Is staying in the town worthwhile or should be head for one of the nearby towns? Just happy to stay somewhere with a reasonable selection of places to eat, a bit of culture and ease of access to transport. Would appreciate any guidance.

Thanks!

[Richie]

I like Olhão and Tavira, both accessible on the train from Faro. Culatra on the ferry from Faro is also interesting, the ferry frequency may be reduced in March. There are some excellent restaurants around.

[NigelHamilton]

I didn’t think much to Faro, nothing like Lisbon, Porto or Seville. Though the weather is lovely as are the beaches along the coast (Praia de Felicia is particularly lovely). In Feb half term, the Algarve felt mostly British (we were in Vilamoura) with little local culture but we found some wonderful restaurants in Albufeira (Taberna Vincentina) and Armacao de Pena (Metropole). Lots of golfers. My favourite town was Loule, which didn’t have any obvious tourist attractions but felt like an authentic Portuguese town not set up for tourists with cute backstreets and shops selling locally made items.

[brassneck]

Thanks for input so far. Was thinking of staying in Lagos – seems to have mix of town and resort and looks ideal for a short break in March. Anybody been there?

[cabal of rabid baboons]

Lagos is pleasant, a harbour and nice restaurants but an hours drive from Faro.
We’ve often stayed at Penina for the golf and quality accommodation and nearby Alvor is a wonderful fishing village to visit of an evening .
Avoid Vilamoura if your after a typical Portuguese experience as it’s a man made resort

[2cups]

Can second Olhão. Good restaurants (try Vai e Volta – all you can eat bbq fish for 15EUR), pleasant town centre, and ferry links to some nice beachy islands.

You could Uber it from Faro airport for 15 quid and save on car hire, and use the train to explore further afield.

Accommodation wise, can recommend Convento, fantastic place.

[brassneck]

Thanks – now narrowing it down between Olhão and Tavira. Do ferries run regularly in March?

[Michael C]

brassneck wrote:

Thanks – now narrowing it down between Olhão and Tavira. Do ferries run regularly in March?

To Praia da Culatra, for example, there are around 4 a day even in winter.