Ten days with us to discover Faro, its beauties, its secrets, and its surroundings
We invite you to spend several days in Faro at Casa Saudade guesthouse : the capitale of Algarve is the perfect place to visit the whole area without making so many tiring and annoying "Check-in / Check-out" !
Follow our tips to send such a fantastic time in Portugal !
WHY the Algarve...
We love Faro and the Algarve so much that we want to share with you our secrets places, our favorites, our discoveries and above all this very special and peaceful atmosphere that prevails here.
Portugal, and even more so the Algarve, are places that can be discovered patiently but that are easy to approach. Here, authenticity, respect and kindness are values that are claimed.
Moreover, the Portuguese and the Farenses know how to live with nature.
You have to discover the fishermen who come back from the ocean every late morning with sea breams, soles, sardines, clams, scampi or octopus.
You have to taste the freshly squeezed oranges.
You must imitate, or try to imitate, the surfers in Praia de Faro or at Sagrès.
You have to photograph the sunsets over the Ria Formosa, at Cacela Velha or at the ocean.
You have to taste the wine, warm, which will circulate in your body.
You must visit the artisans in Loulé or in other surrounding villages.
Live Portugal, one day, ten days, or your whole life to taste the simplicity of life.
Nothing beats a sunset over the Ria Formosa to fill your heart with sweetness and your mind with memories that will accompany you everywhere.
Day 1 - Faro
First of all, walk around the old town, its cobblestone streets, its mosaics, its many churches, its museums, and its extraordinary views of the Ria Formosa, the natural reserve that leads to the ocean and that faces Praia de Faro.
To enjoy a good meal in Faro is to visit local restaurateurs, frequented by the Portuguese. Do you like grilled fish, do you want to discover the cataplana, one of the most typical dishes of the Algarve ? Would you like to listen to Fado while watching the sunset over the Ria Formosa ?
Looking for a lounge atmosphere to have a drink, facing the natural park or in a cozy place ?
Do you want to go dancing ?
Or an early walk among the pink flamingos ?
Faro will host beautiful moments, will offer you unforgettable landscapes.
We'll give you our best tips !
Lien : https://www.cm-faro.pt/pt/Default.aspx
Day 2 - Praia de Faro
Opposite Faro, the beaches. A long stretch of sand on the ocean side, and on the other side of the unique route, the Ria Formosa lagoon. A magical site, where you can enjoy surfing, kayaking and paddle boarding with our partner Salty Experience. Numerous restaurants and bars, divine especially at sunset.
Finally, our two secret spots: Barrinha, at the end of Praia de Faro, a 20-minute walk away, and Ludo, which runs alongside the nature reserve.
Ask us, we'll tell you how to get there.
It's ten minutes by car out by bus. Between 15 and 25 minutes by boat you take at the Marina (it depends of tides).
DAY 3 - Boat tour with Pudim and visit of the islands (Farol, Culatra and Deserta)
All around Faro, the Ria Formosa, naturel park for 65 kilometers to the Spanish border. It's like an arm of the ocean : it's magical to take a boat trip there with our friend Pudim. He was born there, speaks almost every language and will take you to see the birds, pink flamingos and dolphins on the ocean side.
Opposite Faro are a number of islands, including Ilha Deserta with its excellent lunch restaurant L'Estaminé, Ilha Farol and Ilha Culatra, with their small villages, beaches and restaurants. From Faro, it's quite quick by boat and not very expensive. A wonderful day ahead!
DAY 4 - West Coast at Sagrès, Sao Vicente and Aljezur
From day 4 onwards, it's best to rent a car.
From Faro and Casa Saudade guesthouse, it's an hour and a half's drive to the Algarve's West Coast. A leisurely start at around 9.30 am gives you time for a walk by the ocean, a look at the surfers and perhaps a swim. Then have lunch on site. Then head to Cabo de São Vicent, a paradise for preachers, surfers and divers.
For lunch, try the sea squirts and periwinkles plucked from the rocks.
Then get back in the car to visit Aljezur. Nestled between sea and mountains, you're not quite in the Algarve, but still in the Alentejo.
At the guesthouse, you'll find brochures to guide you.
Day 5 : Lagos, Albufera and Portimao
Is it really necessary to introduce these three tourist magnets?
Lagos is reminiscent of Faro, but more touristy. It's best known for the Benagil caves, a must-see.
Note that, except in very hot weather, the 7 hanging valleys hike is a must.
Some beaches are world-famous : Meia Praia, Ponta da Piedade, Batata, Estudantes, Pinhão, Dona Ana and Camilo, or Praia de marina.
Portimao, a large coastal town with many tourist residences, restaurants and magnificent beaches : Praia Da Rocha, Três Irmãos and Prainha.
A guide is available at the guesthouse.
Finally, Albufeira is well worth a visit outside the summer season. If you like to party, this is the place to go. But if you prefer peace and quiet, stop off at Carvoeiro. It's very charming.
DAY 6 - Monchique, Silvès
After the beaches, here's the freshness of green and the countryside. And even the mountains. You're in the heart of the Algarve.
In fact, the old men of Monchique used to say : "I'm going to the Algarve", when they left the village.
It's a town that's best visited on foot. Lose yourself in the narrow streets, enter the churches, go up to Fois, the highest point in the Algarve.
Then drive on to Silvès : in this ancient fortified town, climb up to the castle. What a remarkable view ! You'll find plenty of handicrafts.
DAY 7 - Fuseta, Cabanas de Tavira
After Day 6 in the villages, let's return to the ocean with two must-see sites : Luz de Fuseta and Cabanas de Tavira.
Start with a stroll around Luz de Fiseta and lunch next to the local market, featuring wood-grilled meats and fish.
Then head off to Cabanas de Tavira, take the boat to the ocean side (2-minute crossing) and enjoy the charming beach. Have a drink at "Cabanas Beach" before returning.
DAY 8 - Olhao, Loulé, Quinta de Lago and Estoi
A day visiting some incredible towns: Olhao, the capital of the Ria Formosa, is best visited in the cool of the day. Go to the market, admire the fish stalls, then have a coffee overlooking the lagoon. Take a stroll and lose yourself in the medina: its narrow streets with old fishermen's houses will surprise you. Look up and you'll see breathtaking vistas.
Then head to Loulé for lunch at the market. Go shopping, artists and craftsmen await you.
And since you've got the car, dare to visit Quinta de Lago: this immense luxury residence where hundreds and hundreds of impressive houses can be admired and photographed. It's been said that the Algarve is the Florida of Europe: a little bit like Miami, just 15 minutes from Faro.
And finish the day in the village of Estoi, with its palace, its azuléjos and its little square under the plane trees. Our secret spot.
DAY 9 - Tavira, Cacela Velha
Tavira is well worth spending part of a day in : the town, its churches, its decoration stores, its restaurants, everything is pleasant.
You should also take the little train to Praia do Barril. Here you'll find an anchor cemetery and a magnificent beach.
Ilha de Tavira is also worth a visit, accessible by boat.
To round off the day, head for Cacela Velha : the Algarve's finest viewpoint for sunset from this small white village. It's truly remarkable.
DAY 10 - Vila Real de San Antonio, Spain, Castro marin, Monte Gordo
You're on the border with Portugal : opposite Vila réal de San Antonio, Spain and Ayamonte. Two towns we recommend.
Beware of the time difference with Spain.
On the way back, stop off at Castro Marim and Monte Gordo : a drink on the beach is a great way to end the day.
Ten days : we are expecting you at Casa Saudade guesthouse in Faro !
We've put together a 10-day trip to the Algarve, starting from Faro and Casa Saudade guesthouse. No need for tiresome, uncertain check-ins and check-outs. The Algarve isn't that big a region. An hour and a half to the West Point, less than an hour to Spain. Faro and Casa Saudade guesthouse are the ideal place to explore our sunny region 300 days a year.
We look forward to welcoming you to Faro !
Casa Saudade guesthouse - Faro
How to book ?
The best way is to go on Booking.com, on our ad to see if they are avaibilities for the period you want to come.
