Faro, the capital of the Algarve, has all the facilities of a modern European town with an attractive shopping area.

Gateway to the Algarve can be deceptive from the outskirts. However the centre radiates from the old walled town with its delightful square and orange trees, church, museum and several excellent restaurants.

Faro is a bustling, working city and not a holiday resort town as such, the emphasis being on its historical attractions rather than fun in the sun.

Faro's main attraction is its quaint old town, where visitors can wander and enjoy some architectural sightseeing and brush up on their history.

The Old City, or Cidade Velha, is a well-preserved section of town off the harbor with cobblestone streets and 18th century Portuguese and Moorish-influenced architecture. It is an area that has been virtually untouched by modernity.

Another worthwhile attraction near the city is the Ria Formosa Natural Park, and a short distance to the north is the peaceful village of Estoi, boasting a pink Roccoco palace and Roman ruins dating from the 1st century.

Faro's main shopping area is in the heart of town and good buys in Faro are the local handcrafts, basketware and embroidered goods, wines, locally made ceramic tiles and clothing.

A huge variety of restaurants and food stores cater for all tastes and budgets.

Being a university city, during off Summer months, Faro has a vibrant student population who ensure that nightlife keeps pumping.

For the beach, one has to travel a few miles. A long sandy spit lies across a bridge near the International Airport.