Faro Maps

Faro is the capital city of the Algarve region in southern Portugal. With a population of approximately 68,000 inhabitants, it serves as the administrative and economic center of the region. The city is situated on the Ria Formosa lagoon, a natural park consisting of a complex network of channels, islands, and sandy beaches.

The history of Faro dates back to the Roman period when it was known as Ossonoba. The city later fell under Moorish rule in the 8th century and was renamed "Santa Maria Ibn Harun." Following the Christian reconquest in 1249, the city gradually developed into an important commercial and maritime center. In 1540, Faro was elevated to city status by King John III of Portugal.

Among the city's most significant landmarks is the Old Town (Cidade Velha), surrounded by ancient walls dating from Roman and Moorish times. The Arco da Vila, a neoclassical arch built in 1812, serves as the main entrance to the Old Town. The Faro Cathedral (Sé de Faro), originally constructed in the 13th century and rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, showcases a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. Another notable attraction is the Igreja do Carmo, an 18th-century church famous for its Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos), decorated with the skulls and bones of more than 1,200 monks.

The city is home to the University of Algarve, established in 1979, and serves as a significant educational center in the region. Faro International Airport, the main gateway to the Algarve, handles millions of tourists annually. The city's economy is primarily based on tourism, services, and fishing industries.

The Ria Formosa Natural Park provides numerous opportunities for nature observation, particularly bird watching, as it serves as a crucial stopover point for migratory birds. The park's barrier islands protect a complex ecosystem of saltmarshes, mudflats, and channels, making it one of Portugal's most important natural habitats.