Faro, Algarve, Portugal

Faro in the Algarve is not only a bustling town but a district and is the capital of the Algarve.

Faro, which means lighthouse in Portuguese, is situated on the edge of the Rio Formosa lagoon, a nature reserve which attracts thousands of species of birds.

It was the Rio Formosa's rich wild life which attracted the first settlers in the Palaeolithic era. A settlement grew up named Ossonoba, an important town during Roman occupation.

Historians believe Ossonoba was the predecessor of the city of Faro. During a 500 year Moorish occupation Faro remained an important settlement even after the Moors were defeated in the 13th century it became the administrative head of the Algarve.

Following the devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami in 1755 Faro was appointed the capital of the region, taking over from Lagos. The majority of the coastal villages and towns of the Algarve were devastated though Faro, protected by the sandy banks of the Rio Formosa lagoon was undamaged.

Today Faro attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year keen to take advantage of it's Mediterranean subtropical climate. With an international airport on the outskirts of the city, a harbour, marina, train station and plethora of inter-regional buses getting to Faro couldn't be easier.

There are many Roman and Moorish monuments to be seen today and the city is still surrounded by the 9th century Roman walls. The hub of the city is centred around a historic centre a maze of cobbled squares and streets lined with any number of cafes and restaurants.

On the outskirts of Faro there is also a large shopping centre - Algarve Forum - catering for all of those who wish to partake in a little retail therapy. Faro beach (Praia de Faro) is also a little drive from the city itself (about seven kilometres). Stretching several kilometres Faro beach slopes gently to the sea and is never over run. There are a variety of small cafes and shops offering refreshments and can be a pleasant day out from sight seeing.

Another attraction in Faro not to be missed, but not for the faint hearted is the Capela dos Ossos in the Church (Igreja) do Carno. The chapel is decorated with the skeletal remains of over 1,200 monks.