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The Algarve region of Portugal benefits from year round sunshine and is famous not only for its heavenly beaches, but also it's superb golfing and its range of outstanding tourist amenities. A hugely popular destination for sun-loving holidaymakers in Europe, the Algarve indeed has a lot to offer.

Faro Airport is the principal airport that serves this beautiful region, which is accessible to most budgets with cheap flights and last minute package holidays on offer at low cost. Thrifty travelers can find just as much to do in the area as those without budget limitations. With the added freedom of Faro Car Hire, the whole Algarve region is opened up for tourists to explore.

Faro Mini Guide

The capital city of the Algarve, Faro is the gateway for many sun- and pleasure-seeking tourists traveling to the southern Portuguese coast. While many people are understandably eager to hit the beach or tee-off on one of the Algarve's many golf courses, they can tend overlook the city of Faro (and unfairly so!). A shame, as the city has much of interest to visitors and is well worth seeing, if not using as a base location from which to explore the Algarve further.

Faro has a desirability that makes it an attractive prospect for everyone ' 9 year olds and 89 year olds, gastronomes and golfers, culture vultures, shopaholics and party people alike will find something to keep them entertained in the city. It is a lively, modern and cosmopolitan place with an attraction that lies within its ambience and charm as much as its sightseeing opportunities.

Things to see/do in Faro

The principal attraction in Faro is undoubtedly its quaint and charming Old Town, where the cobbled streets and ancient buildings contribute to an 'old-world' feel and make for a lovely day's wandering. Galleries and museums are plentiful in this part of Faro, and most are low cost, cheap attractions (if not totally free of charge).

Faro is also home to the Rio Formosa lagoon, a massive nature reserve covering over 17,000 hectares. The lagoon is remarkably picturesque and tranquil, and is home or host to many thousands of migrating and endangered birds.

Shopping in Faro is great, with budget bargains and low cost clothing and accessories to be found throughout the city, as well as cheap local produce at the market on the Largo do Mercado (open daily). Local craftwork is also cheap to buy here, and makes a lovely present or souvenir.

Eating out/Nightlife in Faro

Faro's nightlife benefits from its status as a university city. Student cities usually have the advantage of a throbbing and generally cheap nightlife, tailored for tight budgets and lots of socializing, and Faro is no exception. Along the Rua do Prior and in and around the Rua Infante Dom Henrique and Rua Conselheiro Bivar there are many bars and clubs that offer low cost drinks and cheap entry cost (if any at all). Clubs get going at around 11 or 12pm and keep going till the wee hours.

Eating out in Faro is affordable and very gratifying, with locals and visitors alike enjoying long leisurely lunches and late dinners. The food in restaurants is generally low cost, and incorporates the abundant fresh products that are produced locally. Wine is similarly cheap ' always a bonus! To pay less for a meal, it is advisable to steer clear of the heavily tourist oriented areas and try to find your own hidden gems in the city. From Piri-piri chicken to grilled sardines, the range of local specialties is as pleasing to the mouth as it is to the budget, and we recommend that you be adventurous and try the regional delights in Faro.

Drives in Faro

Faro is near to a number of locations that make excellent excursions from the city. With low cost Faro Car Hire, you can explore the Algarve in style, comfort and without breaking the bank. The small town of Almancil is near the city, and is a quiet and pretty little place with an interesting church and a totally relaxed atmosphere. The ruins of Milreu can be found inland in the village of Esto' and may be of interest.

There are, however, a number of far more popular locations and activities that you will most likely want to access with your budget Faro Car Hire from Argus Car Hire Faro. Big tourist developments punctuate the entire Algarve coastline and provide superb accommodation, challenging golf courses, top class sporting and water-sports facilities, horse riding, spa facilities and much more.

Two well-known resorts that are particularly convenient to Faro are Quinta do Lago and Vale de Lobo. Being five-star developments, they are not cheap. If you are attempting to remain thrifty and stick to a budget while visiting Faro and the Algarve, don't worry; there are plenty of resorts and golf courses where you can pay less than five-star resort prices!