In 7 visits to Carvoeiro we have never ventured to Faro other than for the airport - but when we come in September are considering going there for a day.

Is there a lot there? What's it like?

Thanks

We went on a full day coach trip last year, its a nice place but a full day includes about twenty churches, as much as I like a nice church it was a bit much. Next time I think we will make our own way and take it at our own pace.

Its worth the visit actually.
I loved climbing to the top of the old church, where there are storks nesting

We took the train there once. Nice place but I think the museum is shut on a Monday.

When working/living out there, we often went into Faro to buy tools etc for the workshops....it was okay but don't recall anything special about the place.
Lisboa is far more interesting....get a train there or a bus/coach from Lagoa (I did this and it was very cheap at 30euros return trip/ probably gone up a bit now)....on the bus you go through great countryside and the journey / views, over the Tagus are fab.
air conditioned bus and a film to watch.

Thanks for replies - will be going with our 3 yr old, so wasnt sure what there is to see/do? Love to go to Lisbon but quite a way!! And we'll have a car, rather than needing to go by coach

Is it mainly museums etc/

holiday1 wrote:Thanks for replies - will be going with our 3 yr old, so wasnt sure what there is to see/do? Love to go to Lisbon but quite a way!! And we'll have a car, rather than needing to go by coach

Is it mainly museums etc/

Hi Holiday 1
Not sure if you mean Faro or Lisbon?

D'you know Ive just looked up when I went (to Lisbon) and didn't realise it was so long ago! (2004)...
Ive written about it on ellie's corner (called Lisboa)....I loved it there and we were quite lucky with weather despite it being April. I stayed with a journalist just outside Carvoeiro and she asked me to book the seats(I booked them at Galtur shop on out road,Carvoeiro)
We had 3 days there and did so much walking, we were quite exhausted (best way to see a place in my opinion )

Although,as I say, we went into Faro to buy tools for the workshops I don't recall being that impressed, but that was years ago and maybe its better now and theres more to see ?


The bus/coach journey to Lisbon took exactly 3 hours. Its funny, I remember Hub being alarmed at my going to Lisbon by road and he was worried about the 'driving' in Portugal...but it was fine and leisurely and I enjoyed the ride.

Faro is qutie pleasant especially along the waters edge and pavement cafe areas, The different shopping areas are good, but huge and sprawly, extremely busy and like any busy city cars, busy roads and a total nightmare. The old churches, towers etc, are great. But do you really want to drag a 3yr old around such a place. Me , I would prefer something fun at that age for such a little one and leave it til its older, lets face it, when it tires and gets crabby where do you go, and theres nothing worse than being frazzled with heat, temper, a tired screaming child and miserable parents with it all.yuk

Faro old town is a lovely place to visit. There is ample parking either by the marina or behind the marina ( and the big hotel which I have forgotten the name of ).
Inside the walled old town you have quaint cobbled streets and the cathedral is beautiful inside and out , for a little three year old you have to make it interesting and fun ( dont i remember it well ) , next to the cathedral is the capel dos ossos ( not advisable to let little one know exactly what they are , Chapel of bones ).
Come out of the old walled town ( as you look at the marina the walled town is to the left ). There is a treelined walkway , I think they have swings and things , but dont quote me.
Behind the walkway is the newer old town ( if you understand that ) , its a little maze of shops , and cafes.
You can pick the little train up by the walkway , square. There are a lot of museums and churches , my son and I have been going there since he was 6 , sometimes we just sit and watch the boats while we have an icecream.
We like Faro.
Also Faro Island , behind the airport , across the tiny bridge is surfer paradise , a lovely long quiet beach , but inhabited by bikers in the summer ( with whom I have never encountered any problems ) , its great to sit at this beach and watch the surfers .
If you need any info or advise re children while you are here please P:M me or call 916450717 , I have been childminding and babysitting here for the last 7 years , and know where the play areas etc are. Unfortunately we have just lost Play Oasis in ferragudo but there are other places around.
I wish you a happy holiday , just remember that bucket and spade.
WR2 Mandy

I went to Faro island a couple of years when killing time before a flight. It was very different and wild and windy - I think it was in March

Its great , and is wild and unspolit , its a lovely beach to walk on. And I usually take people their for a coffee ( or beer ) , when they get off the plane. First view of the Algarve.

Ellie wrote:When working/living out there, we often went into Faro to buy tools etc for the workshops....it was okay but don't recall anything special about the place.
Lisboa is far more interesting....get a train there or a bus/coach from Lagoa (I did this and it was very cheap at 30euros return trip/ probably gone up a bit now)....on the bus you go through great countryside and the journey / views, over the Tagus are fab.
air conditioned bus and a film to watch.

theres a train station in Lagoa?