I’m about to spend a week at a conference in Faro, so I thought I’d ask if anyone has any tips. Most of the days I’ll be busy, so mostly I’m interested in restaurants and other things available in the evenings, but I’ve got a spare day to look around as well so if there’s something I really should see while I’m there, pass it on.
I’m staying right near the corner of Rua de Portugal and Rua de Santo António, so walking distance from there is pretty much essential.
Also, if there are any customs you think might be helpful to know, pass them on. I’ve already picked up that if some little dish comes out unordered from the kitchen and I accept it, it’ll go on the bill (unlike when that sort of thing happens here in the US).
I really enjoyed the Jewish cemetery. We were the only visitors while we were there, and from the rabid attentiveness of the lone employee I got the impression it’s never terribly busy. She let us roam at will for the most part, but explained how the dates worked and what was what and answered our questions whenever we had any. There’s a little room with a few exhibits, also very interesting. You certainly couldn’t spend very long there, as it’s pretty small and there really isn’t a lot to see, but there is a very interesting and lovely calm there, right in the middle of a bustling city, that was nice. I was there two summers ago and it was undergoing some restoration and I believe a new building is there now as well, but I don’t imagine it’s drastically different.
As I recall, there was a small outdoor flea market of sorts right nearby, selling clothing and pottery and jewellery and stuff, but I don’t have any idea whether that would be there all the time or not.
Sorry I can’t help with restaurants or evening stuff, we just went for one day and packed a picnic so I wouldn’t know where is good to eat.
Enjoy the Algarve! It’s one of my favourite places in the world.