In the nick of time

NICK ROBINSON DISCOVERS A SIDE OF FARO HE DIDN ’ T KNOW EXISTED AND IS SERIOUSLY IMPRESSED WITH WHAT THE ALGARVE ’ S CAPITAL AND ITS SURROUNDINGS HAVE TO OFFER great restaurants, culminating in the grandest hotel of them all. The old Cine Theatre (a traditional building in most Portuguese towns) had been converted to a shopping centre. It has now been repurposed into the magnificent five-star 3HB hotel, which honestly and authentically showcases Algarvian roots through traditional artworks and mind-blowing interior decor. It’s something to behold and positively redefines the tourism offer of Faro, showcasing ten years of change where private restaurateurs, bar owners and hoteliers have uplifted the city from within.

Faro truly is a proud city now, well positioned to launch your journey throughout the region. It’s the political centre of the Algarve, the second largest urban area to Portimão but it carries off its size without tacky tourist towers lining the beaches. It’s the second largest council with regards to the number of businesses with Loulé Concelho taking the prize where 20% of the Algarve’s businesses operate. Faro comes in second with 14%, Portimão at 12% and Lagos 8%.

The islands are Faro’s biggest activity drawcard, the transport hub its biggest positive and negative –planes fly low over the city when the nortada blows and trains reach out across the region with bus services hopping around Faro and to neighbouring towns.

A new network between Olhão and Loulé promises to grow the region and a wonderful promenade has been initiated along the Ria Formosa, although sadly it’s falling into disrepair already. Let’s hope the whole waterfront along the Ria Formosa gets improved –it’s a wonderful opportunity to serve the locals and tourists of Faro alike. Have a look at my video, “FARO is changing! A detailed view of the Algarve’s capital” on the Algarve Addicts YouTtube channel.