Faro in The Algarve
It’s mid April and we’re driving along the coast from Tavira to Faro in The Algarve. We’re ready to do some laundry, so first decide to check out a laundrette in Olhao, a large fishing town.
A dodgy encounter
All goes well after parking up opposite the laundry until we step outside between washes. Just as the campervan comes into view, we spot a guy walking next to the side door! Not only do they look suspicious, but soon he’s having a good look through the window.
We pause and stare momentarily, unsure if he’s about to try and break in or if he’s just being nosey.
Suddenly, he notices us. Just then, he picks up his pace in an edgy kind of way. Before we know it, he’s right beside us asking for money in English and muttering under his breath. These kind of moments are rare, but we’ve had a few over the years. Normally, we just keep cool and act dumb, so today is no different.
Our encounter comes to an end as the chap walks away and we open the campervan. Knowing all to well, to look around the outside too, we double check everything, just incase. Before there’s time to reflect, lo and behold, another chap appears at our side door, he looks out of it on something and is unsteady as he ask for money.
He doesn’t hang around for long and thankfully, he disappears as quickly as he came.
Now, we know not to leave the camper unattended here, so Nigel sits inside with a coffee. I dash back alone to check on the laundry before returning, arms full and ready to leave.
Only for this incident, we were up for a stroll around Olhao, but decide to make a sharp exit instead.
A campsite at Faro in The Algarve
After leaving Olhao we venture on up the coast to Faro. This is also the main airport for those flying to the Algarve. Otherwise, we’re unsure what’s on offer in Faro town.
Although we usually use motorhome Aire type stopovers on our travels, sometimes a campsite is the only option. Faro it seems is one of those places, so we’re checking in to Camping Parque de Campismo across the water from the airport.
We’re aviation lovers so don’t mind the comings and goings of aircraft, which is frequent in this area.
The campsite has barriers and attendants in a booth to greet guests arriving. Luckily, there’s plenty of room available. As you may know, we’re never ones to book! After opening the barrier, we follow instructions to park up and check in at a reception office.
It’s reasonable, at €16 a night, including access to a spacious amenity block.
The campsite is located on a spit type stretch of beach in Ilha de Faro, a small beach resort across a stretch of sea from Faro.
Foot ferry to Faro
The surrounding area is part of the Ria Formosa Reserve, a large area of white sands and boardwalks. It’s a beautiful coast.
After settling in at the campsite, we’re ready to explore Faro and there’s a novel little foot ferry to take us there. We love anything a bit unusual like this, so it’s great to walk the wooden boardwalk towards the waiting ferry boat. It’s only a small dock, which is just a few minutes walk from the campsite, making it an ideal place to stay.
The ferry takes us across the nature reserve for a few euro each. It’s a pleasant ride, taking us directly to the old centre of Faro within about 15 minutes.
Laid back Faro
Hopping off the little ferry in laid back Faro, brings opportunity to explore at our leisure. Soon we’re walking the colourful streets of cobble stones and beautifully tiled facades. Colourful paintwork, often yellows and blues provide a rim of brightness to the white wash plaster.
Faro is quiet on our visit, but there’s enough shops and cafes to keep us entertained for a few hours.
Enjoying a milkshake in a busy waterside cafe overlooking the harbour provides a chance to observe life here.
I can imagine it to be busy here in season, when beach life is the main attraction. Those white sands of the coast must be full of atmosphere once the heat of Summer arrives.
Wetland views
We return to the campsite on the Faro ferry, with few other passengers for company. It’s a good opportunity to take in the wetland views from the comfort of our outdoor seat.
This nature reserve takes up much of the land around Faro and seeing it from the sea is beautiful.
Arriving back on dry land brings a chance to take a walk along the road from the campsite. There’s just a few shops and cafe’s with sea either side and access points onto the beach.
It’s been great to see Faro, but tomorrow we’ll be driving on again. For now, it’s time to check out our guide books to see where the mood takes. In the meantime, it’s goodnight Faro in The Algarve and another day of travels in this popular part of Portugal.
