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As the capital of the Algarve Faro is one of Portugal's main transport hubs, and as a result is a city literally teeming with life and soul. As you would expect, Faro boasts some spectacular beaches within easy reach. The city is the gateway to the immensely popular Algarve, so there are usually plenty of tourists from all around the world, adding to Faro's cosmopolitan appeal.

Sadly, having been ransacked and burned by the Earl of Essex in 1596, and devastated by the Great Earthquake of 1755, Faro has few historic buildings. However, those that do still stand are conveniently located in the compact old town centre. Take the time to see the Baroque Igreja do Carmo and the macabre Capela dos Ossos it contains, with its walls decorated with bones disinterred from the adjacent cemetery.

The Igreja do Carmo aside, the most interesting buildings are all in the old, semi-walled quarter on the south side of the harbour, centred around the Largo da Sé. The cathedral here was remodelled after the Great Earthquake and more impressive still is the nearby Museu Arqueológico. Both are sights that visitors to Faro should endeavour to see.

Due to its key location in Portugal, Faro also boasts an unusually dynamic social scene. Dozens of night cafes, pubs and clubs where the party lasts from around 10:30 pm till dawn can be found on the Rua do Prior, opposite the Faro hotel. Perhaps due to its slightly tragic history Faro has not established itself as a centre of cultural or historical significance. It has however established itself as a vibrant and unusually exciting city, where you never know who you are going to meet. Attracting both sun worshippers and hedonists, Faro appeals across the board.

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