When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Faro?
Cheap flights to Faro are most frequent during the shoulder season which runs from April to June and from September to October. It benefits from fewer tourists, pleasant weather and lower rates on return flights. Airfares see a sharp spike during July and August when there are more tourists.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Faro?
The best time to find good deals on Flights to Faro is generally four to six weeks before departure. Airlines tend to lower their rates around this time in a bid to fill seats. Deals on last minute flights sometimes come up during the peak summer months but they are more likely to be available during the shoulder or low season.
Flying to Faro Airport (FAO)
Flights to Faro depart from around the United Kingdom (UK). Airports running routes to Faro include London Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow. Faro flights departing from an airport outside of London are less frequent, more expensive and it is harder to get a direct flight. British Airways run direct flights from Gatwick, as do Norwegian Air. These journeys clock in at just under three hours. Other routes may include a transfer in Europe, usually in Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Lisbon. While a direct route can be more expensive they are considerably faster since a transfer can double your travel time. If your budget allows, weighing up convenience over cost may make the decision for you. Carriers operating return flights include British Airways, Norwegian Air, Lufthansa, Aer Lingus, KLM and TAP Air Portugal.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Located just four kilometres west of the city, Faro Airport (FAO) consists of a single terminal and is spread over two floors. One half is dedicated to arrivals and the other is for departures. There are a total of 36 gates in use. The upper floor has a selection of restaurants and lounges and the airport benefits from free Wi-Fi throughout.
Getting to the City from Faro Airport (FAO)
Faro Airport offers several options for getting into the city. The Circuit Bus is the only bus that goes from the airport into the city centre and takes around 20 minutes. Taxis run 24/7 and are found just outside the main building. Lastly, car hire facilities are located in Parking P4. It is well signposted and there are lots of companies to choose from. It takes roughly 15 minutes by car to reach the centre of Faro.
Why visit Faro?
It’s worth taking some time to explore Faro. It often gets left behind in favour of the beach resorts that dot the Algarve coast. Of course, it’s hard to go wrong with a golden sandy beach and azure water that stretches unhindered towards the horizon. Spend some time wandering the walled Old Town, taking in its cobbled streets and Gothic cathedral and convent. Or, if the macabre fascinates you, then explore Capela dos Ossos, the Chapel of Bones. The bones of over 1000 monks exhumed from the graveyard line the walls and their skulls gaze down upon the tourists who come to visit them.
Opportunities for diving are also available whether you’re a novice snorkeler or an experience diver. There is no better way to get up close and personal with some of Portugal’s best marine life. But if that is too much, then head to one of Faro’s many restaurants to sample their fish of the day washed down by a crisp glass of white wine.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
British Nationals do not need a visa when travelling to Portugal and are permitted to stay in the country for up to three months as a tourist. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. Portugal is part of the eurozone and uses the euro as its currency. Exchanging your sterling into euros before travelling is recommended.
