Harum, or Farão, was originally a prehistoric fishing village. Cidade Velha (the Old City) overlooks the marina and Faro’s estuary, Ria Formosa, where it remains isolated behind its ancient walls.
The earliest building is the cathedral dating from the 13th century. The other buildings around the square include the Bishop’s Palace and seminary from the 18th century and the 19th century town hall.
Many of Faro’s points of interest are easily in walking distance. A short walk from the main gate of the Cidade Velha across the square will take you to the Rua do Santo Antonio, where you can visit many lovely shops and cafes in a pedestrian-only environment. Following the nearby Rua do Lethes leads you to a plain building that formerly served as a Jesuit school but now houses the local Red Cross and the Tetro Lethes (it is said that it is a miniature of the La Scala in Milan).
The hotel reception is very happy to assist you choose among the area’s many cafes and restaurants. The Tourism Office at 18 Avenida de Outubro has a myriad of pamphlets and booklets about other places to visit in Faro and the surrounding areas.
By Car:
- Enter Faro on the EN 125.
- Take the first right, then the second left.
- Take the next second left and you will see the train station in front of you.
- Turn left again and the hotel is 100m away at the end of the road.