Vacation Rentals in Faro

In the dreamlike coastal town you will spend a relaxing holiday not far from the water and in the romantic streets of the old town far away from mass tourism. Just a few hundred metres from the wonderful lagoon landscape, you will find modern accommodation with spectacular views of the city's coastline and dunes. In the city centre you will stay in well-kept hostels, some of which are equipped with private pools and spacious terraces. In addition, you benefit from the very good transport connections to Faro International Airport, the proximity to country-specific restaurants and shopping facilities. Alternatively you can find an apartment or a vacation rental in the nearby Almancil, Olhão or Praia do Ancão, where you can enjoy similar comforts.

Travellers who wish to spend their holidays with family or friends will find a variety of homes in Faro that offer absolute privacy, spacious living spaces and several bedrooms. The offer ranges from luxurious villas to rustic farmhouses and attractive stone houses. Near the coast, in the northern urban areas or in the neighbouring municipalities of Loulé, Quarteira or Moncarapacho, you can rent a vacation rental with a palm garden and pool facilities. In addition, some hosts offer the amenities of a gatekeeper as well as a shuttle service to the airport.

About 216 kilometres southeast of Lisbon, Faro covers an area of 201 square kilometres in the south of Portugal. As the capital and administrative district of the Algarve region, other parishes belong to the Faro district. The old town, Sé, Estoi, Conceição, Montenegro, Santa Bárbara de Nexe and São Pedro have a total population of almost 65,000.

Faro is divided into two landscapes that surround the historic city centre. The Barrocal is characterised by hills and valleys with willows, Mediterranean bushes and almond trees. At the same time, the Rio Formosa National Park shapes the entire coastal region around Faro. The fascinating lagoon system forms numerous swamps, canals, two peninsulas and five islands in the south of the city.

Faro is not a classic tourist destination in the Algarve between the hinterland and the Atlantic coast of Portugal. The majority of holidaymakers who land at the local airport do not stay in the breathtaking metropolis with its natural lagoons. The flair of the city is rather shaped by residents and students. Far away from mass tourism buildings, charming houses, fincas and white facades await you in dreamy alleys with fig and almond trees. You will find small shops, nice cafés, the well-kept marina and restaurants in a cosy atmosphere. A stay in Faro also provides an excellent base for exploring the surrounding natural areas during a boat trip or hike.

The beach of Faro is located outside the city on the sea side of Ilha de Faro, the peninsula between Ilha da Calutra and Ilha de Ancão. Visitors reach the 5,000 metre long beach by local bus or rental car. The Praia de Faro is characterised by its soft golden sand, protected by dunes, which offers a fantastic view of the lagoons and the Wadden Sea of the Ria Formosa. The remote beach is largely unknown to tourists and provides relaxing hours for sunbathing and swimming. The waves take advantage of the sea for water sports and the shallow access provides ideal conditions for swimming with children.

North of Faro in the municipality of Estoi is the villa of Milreu. The ruin is of historical importance and represents valuable finds of residential and economic culture from antiquity. Built in the year 1 A.D., the property now has residential complexes, accommodation for the riffraff, a wine press, cellar rooms and a small atrium.

The three-nave cathedral from the 13th century is located directly at Largo da Sé. The imposing church has a bell tower that can be used by visitors as a vantage point. The complex also includes three chapels of different sizes.

In the municipal museum Faro the history of the coastal town is presented in five permanent exhibitions. Visitors can let themselves be carried away into the time of the Romans and learn interesting facts about the trade routes, religions and tourism of the Algarve.