Faro in general
Faro in Algarve Portugal region is most visited by people looking for a seaside vacation in Europe. Lying on the southern most tip of the country, the Algarve region offers plenty of things to do and see. Calm seawater, golden beaches, challenging golf courses and beautiful coastlines define the major draws of Algarve. Quaint hotels and villas in Algarve Portugal are great accommodation choices and can be found near fantastic dining and a lively nightlife that add to the character and appeal of the area. Algarve Portugal nightlife is especially fun and restaurants, clubs and bars do get really busy.

Algarve villas range in quality and price. From cheap to expensive, rustic to luxurious, they can be found in many different standards. Albufeira is the tourist capital of Algarve and a popular choice with visitors renting Algarve villas. Prices range greatly depending on how many people will be staying and also depending on the area and the amenities provided. Algarve villas are known to include a pullout sofa or extra cot so to sleep an extra person or two which can be convenient. Instead of renting a three bedroom villa try looking for a two bedroom that may sleep six people for lower weekly cost.

A travel agent can be the best way to find Algarve villas if you are not sure about searching on your own. Searching online can provide an advantage as you can view property photos and prices and choose what you like best in your budget. If looking online villas are often accompanied by a map to show the location of the rental so you can determine whether or not the area is suitable for your vacation plans. You can see if the rental is near an Algarve beach or farther from the coast. Local Portugal newspapers do advertise villas but they are normally written in the local language.

An Algarve beach is one of the most-loved in Portugal. Algarve beach trips include visits to the sandy shores of Praia Ilha de Tavira, the oldest and widest stretch of Praia da Rocha and Praia Verde which is a broad and seemingly endless beach perfect for families.

The blend of golden sand and hot weather during Algarve holidays attracts beach-savvy tourists from all over the world for. Ocean waves offer a cooling dip when the afternoon sun beats down a little too hot. Beaches west of Faro are a succession of sweeping bays and small coves flanked by wonderful rock formations at their most impressive around Lagos. Algarve holidays should include visits to the different areas of the region as the landscape changes from west to east. There are many good areas abundant with cliffs that offer great views of the Atlantic.

Algarve golf courses attract golfers like a magnet. For those who golf regularly, golfing in an exotic location can be a great experience offering a different challenges and a unique backdrop. Encompassing natural shape of the area for the unique design, Castro Marim is in Faro and the most private Algarve golf course in the south. It is 375 meters downhill and may not appear as challenging as it really is. This course is an 18-hole par 72.that is more than 5400 meters in length.

If you"re staying in Lagos, the western region, try Palmares which is know for its stunning scenery. The course is set near the Lagos marina and comprised of gentle slopes and groves of fig and almond trees line the upper holes. This 18-hole Algarve golf course is a par 71 and almost 6,000 meters in length. Green fees here start at 50 Euros. Most courses offer a discount price if playing after 4:00pm. If you’re an avid golfer don’t miss a chance to play at one of the many fantastic courses offered in the Algarve.

Faro - History
Faro is the administrative centre for the whole of the Algarve region with a population in excess of 40.000 people. The city has both Arab and Roman ruins but most of the present attractive older buildings were constructed after the disastrous earthquake of 1755 and the earlier one of 1532. The Moors who occupied the place in the 8th Century originally gave to it the name ofOssónoba and developed it into a trading port until 1249 when they were defeated by the forces of Dom Afonso III. With the decline of the importance of the City of Silves this town took over the role of administration of the Algarve area. The Earl of Essex sacked this town in 1596 with his fellow crusaders on their journey to the Holy Land and the collection of books taken from the palace of the Bishop of Faro became part of the Bodleian Library in Oxford, England. Another interesting item is that during the 500 years ofMoorish occupation there were some Jewish inhabitants in Faro who were busily printing copies of the Old Testament.