The eternally popular holiday destination of Portugal's Algarve is served by flights to Faro Airport (FAO). From the moment you step off the plane the sunshine and warmth cheer the soul and the friendly welcome laid on by the locals gets your holiday on the Algarve off to the best possible start.
From then on it's uphill all the way with sun-soaked beaches, professional golf courses, tantalising food, relaxing spas, fascinating history, and enough shopping to satisfy the itch to whip out the plastic.
Faro flights will deliver UK visitors to the Algarve in around three hours and from the airport it's relatively easy to reach your holiday home - be it one of the fantastic hotels or one of the massive range of self-catering villa and apartment holidays in the Algarve.
Buses and taxis are available right outside the terminal doors to take you to your final destination, and buses work on an unusually reliable timetable here and across the Algarve, though car hire is advisable as the distances can be great. Hiring a car in Faro also permits further exploration of the region - if you can tear yourself away from the pool or beach.
The city of Faro is a little touristy, though the history - and the Moorish heritage in particular - make it a destination worthy of investigation, even if only for a day trip.
Albufeira is the target for holidaymakers looking for a livelier break, whereas those looking for a more peaceful rest in the sun might prefer Carvoeiro, Praia da Rocha, Vilamoura or even a spa break in the Monchique Mountain region.
Other popular choices on the Algarve include Quinta do Lago, Quarteria, Vila do Bispo, Portimao, the city of Lagos, and lovely Sagres, near where you'll find Cabo San Vicente (Cape St Vincent). The cape was once thought to be the most westerly point of the world. Christopher Colombus soon dismissed that idea with his explorations (often from Portugal, incidentally).
Prices for Faro flights are fairly consistent for travel throughout the year, thanks to the prevalence of pleasant warm weather on the Algarve at any time. Peak season is July to September. Whenever you choose to visit this charming part of Europe, book flights early to get the best deal.
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