A BRIEF HISTORICAL NOTE

Of pre-Roman origin, the city was long ago called Ossónoba, one of the most important urban centres of the south region of Portugal. In 713 A.C. it was occupied by the Arabs, who had promoted its fortress, being conquered in 1249 by the Portuguese king D. Afonso III. With the maritime expansion, Faro was raised into a city in 1540, acquiring the statute of capital of the Algarve in 1834.

COMMERCIAL CENTER

A true Commercial Centre in the open air, where you can find products of great quality as well as the regional handcrafts. Its esplanades provide moments of conviviality and leisure, during which you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the involving architecture - The outline of noble residences that bear witness to Faro's splendour in centuries past. Narrow streets of whitewashed houses that recall the town's Moorish heritage.

RIA FORMOSA

Scene of rare beauty, Ria Formosa was one of the former ones of the city. Natural Patrimony of recognized world-wide interest is endowed with unique ecosystems and lodges a great variety of threatened species. The white sand and the clearness of tempering waters make the delights of all that visit its magnificent islands.

Ilha Deserta (Barreta)
Discover for yourself the pleasures of Portugal's most southerly point best kept secret - truly uninhabited, no cars, no houses - the Ilha Deserta (Desert Island).

Free transportation service daily between June and the end of September. Departures from Faro at 10:00 / 11:30 / 13:00 / 16:15.