Capital of the Algarve, but too frequently just passed through by tourists set on resorts, Faro has much to offer in its own right, from a delightfully cobbled old town to some splendid eateries, and an authentic local feel.
Pousada Palacio de Estoi (Photo: Pousada Palacio de Estoi Courtesy Booking.com)
As the gateway town to one of the top summer holiday destinations in Europe, Faro abounds with high end hotels. This said, larger resort-like complexes tend to dominate. We’ve picked out the very best of these, but also gone the extra mile to seek out more bespoke, boutique luxury locations, sure to bring you closer to the culture of Faro itself.
Pousada Palacio de Estoi
Housed in an 18th Century palace just a short drive from Faro, this charming hotel offers guests the chance to feel like Portuguese aristocracy, whether admiring its architecture, strolling in its expansive gardens, or simply lounging beside its magnificent pool. The rooms are as modern as it gets, and crammed with all the conveniences of high end hotel living, but it’s in the communal areas where the property really shines, decked out as they are with all the opulence of a more elegant age. From 217 euros per night
3HB Faro
3HB Faro (Photo: 3HB Faro Courtesy Booking.com)
If what you’re after is full Algarve resort luxury right in the middle of town, then look no further. This huge modern complex is purpose built to keep even the merest sniff of discomfort in abeyance. Everything is almost supernaturally fresh and clean, from the vast spa to the infinite pool with its views out over the city. Quirky, this place is not, but for the smoothest possible stay in Faro, it’s hard to imagine how it could be bettered. From 239 euros per night
Hotel Faro
At the lower end of the luxury options available in town, Hotel Faro nevertheless offers seaside pampering at a very high level. The real draw here is the roof terrace, with its restaurant, bar, and spectacular views of the city and the coast. There’s also a stylish roof top plunge pool, complete with showers and underwater jets to cool off and really knuckle down on some deep relaxation. An onsite spa completes the picture, while the air conditioned rooms are reliably comfortable and fresh. It’s also connected with its own beach club 9 kilometres away, to which there is free shuttle access. From 94 euros per night
Wyndham Grand Algarve
Wyndham Grand Algarve (Photo: Wyndham Grand Algarve Courtesy Booking.com)
This hotel to one of the leading golf resorts in the Algave is just down the road from Faro itself. A different, more relaxed countryside vibe predominates here, though there are also two swimming pools, and plenty of sun loungers surrounding them. An excellent choice out, or at the limits of the season, when the sea is no longer so tempting. With its spa, fantastic onsite restaurant, and landscaped gardens, the Grand Algave a great bolthole for forgetting the world, and, of course, playing some golf. From 174 euros per night
Luxury Guest House_Opus One
For those wanting some smaller scale luxury right in the centre of things, the Luxury Guest House_Opus One offers quirky, stylish, almost domestic comfort, based around a small central courtyard, complete with shade, a bar, and a plunge pool. And, even though it may not be a mega-scale complex, the rooms themselves are very spacious. There are also plenty of other small distractions to keep guests entertained, from a piano to a billiards table to access to a Turkish bath. And all with Faro’s old town literally on your doorstep. From 111 euros per night