Visitors arriving at Faro airport could have the idea that the Algarvian capital is a dusty industrial town with nothing to offer. It looks so from the airport road, when you drive in this area, with your rental car of cheap car hire in Faro. Heavy and crowded traffic, lots of tower blocks and light-industrial estates. But, at the centre of all this chaos, there is a quiet and picturesque city with an immense historic character. This beautiful old centre is easy to reach with your rental car of cheap car hire in Faro.

In the old part of the centre of Faro there is also a lively shopping centre. Here the cosmopolitan people of Faro meet for lunch in the outdoor cafés or the typical restaurants of the traffic-free streets, or stroll after work in the cool of the evening.
The best point to begin a city tour is the port. Nearby you find the 18th century Customs house (Alfândega). It has an elegant wrought-iron balcony. To the north of the port basin, overlooking an obelisk commemorating Ferreira d´Almeida (1847-1910), he was the former naval minister and citizen of Faro. Near the adjacent Jardim Manuel Bivar public gardens you find the impressive Arco da Vila (Town Gate), and the tourist information centre. This baroque archway, serves as a stately entrance to the calm streets of the old walled city. The 13th century wall that protects the old city survived the 1755 earthquake. The beautiful stone palaces that line the streets, and the handsome convent buildings of the main square, date from the end of the 18th century. You will notice the great contrast between the cathedral and bishop’s palace, and streets to the south and east of the walled city.

Some streets near the Arco do Repouso have been converted to chic shops and restaurants. Just a few steps away you find a statue of King Afonso III. He captured the city from the Moors in 1249 and expelled them from the Algarve.

From the intimacy of the old centre, the arch leads out to the Largo de São Francisco. This square is used for feast days and carnivals. When you cross the square, it is a short walk to the regional museum.

The best way to explore the old town of Faro is by foot. With your rental car of cheap car hire in Faro it is a bit complicated when you do not know the city. Lots of one-way traffic and come to dead end streets makes it difficult with your rental car of cheap car hire in Faro.