Destinations > Portugal > Algarve

Algarve

This sun-drench resort strip on Portugal's south coast welcomes thousands of tourists every year. Although traditionally a package tourist destination, the Algarve is becoming an increasingly popular destination with backpackers.

Faro

Faro is the Algarve's capital and the main transport hub of Southern Portugal. The old walled city has plenty of quaint cobblestone streets and old buildings dating from the 16th to 18th century. Although the largest city on the Algarve it is one of the least touristy, but many people staying in nearby resorts make their way here for a taste of the real Portugal.

Practical Information

Faro Tourist Information Centre

Rua da Misericórdia 8-12, Faro

Tel 289 803 604

Open 9.30am-5.30pm daily

Coming & Going

Faro is the main transport hub of Southern Portugal and it boasts the best bus and train connections on the Algarve as well as a busy airport with lots of international flights.

Faro's airport is located only 6km outside the city centre and it is served by buses 14 and 16, which run every 15 minutes. The airport has a lot of cheap charter flights, particularly from the UK.

The train station is located on Largo da Estação at the northwestern edge of the city centre. Intercity trains from Lisbon depart from Estação Barreiro on the south shore of the Tagus.

The main bus terminal is located at Avenida da República 106. Eva Transportes (tel 89 89 97 60; website www.eva-bus.com) operates buses to destinations throughout the Algarve and also operates a regular service to Lisbon (€15 one-way). Buses from Faro to Lagos cost €4.35.

Accommodation

Pousada de Juventude de Faro

Rua da PSP - Edifício do IPJ, 8000-408 Faro

Tel 289 826 521

Sights

Cidade Velha (old town)

Faro's small walled old town is a pleasant place to wander and includes some of the city's main attractions including the cathedral and Archaeology Museum.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo

This is the most visited and spookiest church in Faro. The church is lavishly decorated inside although the main attraction is the small Capela dos Ossos (chapel of bones) which was built in the 19th century with the bones of 1245 former monks.

Largo do Carmo, Faro

Tel (28) 982 4490

Admission €0.75

Open Jan-Apr Mon-Fri 10am-1pm & 3pm-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm; May-Sep 10am-1pm & 3pm-6pm daily; Oct-Dec Mon-Fri 10am-1pm & 3pm-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm

Museu Arqueológica

This museum archeology features exhibits of Roman, Phoenician and Carthaginian relics plus an excellent collection of azulejos (Portuguese tiles).

Rua do Castelo, Faro

Open Mon-Fri 9am-12.30pm & 2pm-5pm

Lagos

Although Lagos has an important place in Portugal's Age of Discoveries, it is considered more of a party resort than a cultural destination. There is not a real lot to see here and it attractions consist mostly of bars and beaches. For backpackers, Lagos is easily the most popular destination on the Algarve and it is considered Portugal's main backpacker party spot.

Practical Information

Lagos Tourist Information Centre

Largo Marquês de Pombal, Lagos

Tel (082) 763 031

Coming & Going

The train station is about a 20 minute walk from the centre. The bus station is on Largo de São João Baptista.

Accommodation

Camel Toe Hostel

Rua Gil Vivente 26, Lagos

Carlos House Hostel

Rua Jogo da Bola 8, Lagos

Pousada de Juventude de Lagos

Rua Lançarote de Freitas 50, 8600-605 Lagos

Tel 282 761 970

Quartos Olinda Teresa

Rua Lançarote de Freitas, Lote 37 2º A 8600 Lagos

Rising Cock Backpackers' Hostel

Travessa do Forno 14, Lagos 8600-605

Tel 969411131

Sagres

In the 15th century Sagres rose to prominence from a small fishing village to become a key port in Portugal's Age of Discoveries.

Practical Information

Turismo de Sagres

Rua Comandante Matoso, Vila do Bispo

Tel 282 624 873

Turinfo

Praça da República, Sagres

Tel 282 620 003

Sights

Cabo de São Vicente

Europe's most southwestern point is located only 6km from Sagres. It is a beautiful spot although there is no public transport.

Fortaleza de Sagres

Dating from 1793, this fortress has an impressive exterior but is disappointing once you pay to go inside.

Tavira

Tavira is a quiet town with thousands of years of history. It is a perfect spot to head for when you're done partying elsewhere in the Algarve.

Practical Information

Tavira Tourism Office

Rua da Galeria 9, Tavira

Tel 281 322 511

Open Winter 9.30am-1pm & 2pm-5.30pm daily; Summer Tue-Thu 9.30am-7pm; Fri-Mon 9.30am-12.30pm & 2pm-6pm.

Coming & Going

Tavira is located around 40 minutes from Faro. Both trains and buses run frequently between Faro and Tavira, although the bus is more convenient. The one-way bus fare between Faro and Tavira is €2.60.

Sights

Castelo Mouro

Tavira's Moorish castle offers great views from its tower. Admission free

Open 9am-5pm daily

Igreja da Misericórdia

This 16th century church is one of Portugal's most important buildings from the Renaissance period.

Rua da Galeria, Tavira

Admission free

Open 9.30am-noon and 2.30pm-5.30pm daily