Budget Portuguese alternative to the Amalfi Coast has £35 flights & holidays under £400pp
FARO usually flies under the radar when considering beach paradises close to the UK.
However, the Portuguese city has a unique charm and beaches on par with the Amalfi Coast, but without the hefty price tag.
Why Faro?
Faro boasts turquoise waters, sun-kissed beaches and cheap deals even during summer.
The city offers hot Mediterranean weather during the summer and 3,000 hours of sunshine every year, making it usually referred to as one of Europe’s ‘sunniest cities’.
Faro is divided into two areas. The ‘barrocal’ is characterised by a unique hilly landscape between the mountains of Serra.
Then there’s the coastal area, which is often compared to the Amalfi region.
The main difference is their price point, with holidays to Faro costing more than 50 per cent less than Amalfi Coast during the summer.
The area is known for its cheap eats and drinks, with bottles of beer starting from just £1.50 (1.75€) and coffee costing less than £3.
Faro’s coastal region is part of the Nature Park of Ria Formosa, a natural wonder with lagoons, marshes, and dune islands.
This area is known as one of the ‘seven natural wonders of Portugal’ and has a 4-mile stretch of sandy beach.
The Algarve’s capital city is also a great starting point to explore the region, as it has local transportation links connecting it to famous beaches and attractions in the nearby towns.
What’s it like in Faro?
The destination is known for its laid-back and relaxing environment, with options to spend your days by the beach.
Faro has plenty of sandy beaches to explore; some have sunbathing as the main priority, and others are filled with activities and watersports.
There’s a region just outside the city centre known as the ‘Golden Triangle’, famous for its incredible beaches, resorts and even Michelin restaurants.
Praia de Falésia is the most popular, with a lengthy stretch of golden sand and multi-coloured cliffs over the Atlantic Ocean.
Visitors often described it as ‘the best beach they’ve ever been on’ and one of ‘Europe’s best beaches’.
Also located in the area, Vale do Lobo has been described as a ‘golfer’s paradise’ and a Blue Flag beach since 1987.
Although the beaches are one of Faro’s main attractions, there is much more to do once you’re there.
Away from the shore, you could explore Faro’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the Faro Cathedral, a castle and many medieval streets.
The Cathedral is the biggest in the Algarve and boasts some of the region’s best architecture and artistic treasures. It is one of the most photographed attractions in Faro.
A top tip is to climb up to the top of the Cathedral for some of the city’s best views.
During the summer, the nearby town of Loulé also hosts the ‘Festival MED’, a music and arts festival celebrating the cultural diversity of the Mediterranean.
The area is also part of the world’s largest cork production, so you could visit cork farms and learn more about its uses.
When is the best time to visit Faro?
If you’re after a proper beach holiday, the summer months are the best time to visit Faro.
July is the warmest month of the year, with average temperatures around 28C, while August sees the longest days of sunshine and hottest water temperatures.
The shoulder months of May, June and September are also a great option if you’d like a quieter stay, as the region tends to experience fewer crowds, but temperatures will still hit the mid-20s.
Winter is the cheapest time to visit if you’d like to explore the region and aren’t worried about the temperatures.
That said, it’s important to remember that temperatures average 14C between November and February, and there’s a high chance of rain.
What are the best holiday deals to visit Faro?
Plenty of holiday packages are available to head to Faro and its surrounding areas, with many costing less than £500pp.
Here are some of the best deals we’ve spotted in Faro this summer:
- 7 nights at Vitor’s Plaza in Alvor, The Algarve, Portugal – from £305pp
- 7 nights at Prado Do Golf in Vilamoura, The Algarve, Portugal – from £341pp
- 7 nights at Ouratlantico Apartments in Praia d’Oura, The Algarve, Portugal – from £372pp
- 7 nights at Faro Boutique Hotel in Faro, Algarve, Portugal – from £401pp
- 7 nights at Stay Hotel Faro Centro in Faro, Algarve, Portugal – from £494pp
If you’d like to sort your accommodation later, return flight-only deals start from £35 and depart from over 10 UK airports.
What else do I need to know about Faro?
Flights to Faro take an average of three hours, and there is no time difference between the UK and Portugal.
The official language in Faro is Portuguese, but English is spoken in most resorts and tourist attractions.
The currency in Portugal is the Euro, with £10 equalling around 11,50€.
There are no restrictions for Brits travelling to Faro as long as they don’t exceed the 90-day visa-free time limit.
However, your passport must be valid for at least three months following the date of departure and have been issued less than ten years before the date of entry.
The UK Government also advises Brits that they might have to show a return ticket or prove that they have enough money for their stay at the Portuguese border.
For more holiday inspiration, you could also swap Tenerife for its less popular neighbouring island, with warmer temperatures, fewer crowds and cheaper deals.
Or head to the Portuguese islands similar to Hawaii but with no jet lag and 44 Blue Flag beaches.
And there’s also a short-haul island destination with 300 days of sunshine and holidays for under £150.