Stay in a luxury hotel near Faro to explore the rugged Algarve coast with Small Luxury Hotels of the World. You’ll explore a fascinating Moorish stronghold and a lagoon populated by exotic wading birds.
Luxury city breaks in Faro
Orange trees provide fragrant shade as you stroll to Sé Cathedral with its riot of azulejo tiles. Take a private tour of the Archaeological Museum set within the cloisters of a 16th-century convent to see Roman mosaics and busts of the emperor Hadrian. At terrace restaurants on the harbour, clam-shaped cataplana are opened to reveal steaming mussels.
Luxury beach holidays near Faro
Praia de Faro on the needle-like Ancão Peninsula has the Formosa Lagoon to one side and the sea to the other. Charter a boat to explore the region’s sandspit islets peppered with rocky coves. You’ll spot pods of dolphins racing alongside your private launch. The massive expanse of white sand on Ilha de Tavira is backed by fragrant pine forest. Sip Medronho at a quayside café on Ilha de Culatra and inhale the scent of bougainvillea.
Luxury countryside retreats near Faro
Fig groves and pomegranate trees lead to Sao Bras de Alportel, where 17th-century bishops retreated in summer. Dine at a traditional pousada on gazpacho laced with oregano grown on the surrounding hillsides. At the Ria Formosa Natural Park you can explore oyster and mussel farms and glimpse straight-beaked kingfishers. Nick Faldo designed the golf at Alcantarilha, backed by the mountains of Monchique.
Book your luxury holiday near Faro with Small Luxury Hotels of the World to relax on deserted beaches, sample local Vida Nova wine at Quinta do Miradouro and soak up the Algarve sunshine. You’ll stay in an 18th-century country mansion surrounded by lakes and waterfalls.