Cheap tickets to Faro

First inhabited in 400BC by people drawn to the now-famous Ria Formosa lagoon, Faro has been ruled by numerous invaders and subsequently shaped by their cultures. Originally known as Ossonoba, Faro was under Roman rule until it was invaded by the Moors in 713AD. For 500 years, the Moors claimed ownership of Faro and its resources before being pushed out by King Alfonso III in 1249. Faro is now a thriving destination for travellers drawn to its remarkably beautiful shores boasting rocky cliffs and sea caves that are explorable by boat.

Flights from Dublin or Cork to Faro, which fly to Faro Airport (FAO), are typically around 3 hours. While the official language is Portuguese, there is a sizable population of English speakers. The currency is the euro. Conveniently, Portugal and the UK share the same time zone.

As the area's climate is mild throughout the year, city breaks in Faro are pleasant year round. Summers are dry, with temperatures around 25°C. Although the October–March period sees the most rainfall in Faro, bright, sunny days are still common at this time. Winter temperatures generally stay above freezing, ranging between 8°C and 17°C. Some festivals and celebrations to keep in mind when booking your flight to Faro:

• March: Serra de Monchique. This traditional two-day fair highlights locally made sausages, medronho (a local brandy made with the fruit of the medronho tree), handcrafts and honey.
• Easter Sunday: Festa das Tochas Floridas. This annual event, which takes place 30 minutes north of Faro in São Brás de Alportel, sees the streets fill with carpets of flowers and a procession of handmade flower 'torches'.

Package holidays in Faro may offer savings by combining activities, lodging and transportation, and you can plan your entire trip with just a few clicks. While there are endless entertainment options in Faro, here are some favourites:

• Old Town Faro: History lovers will be enthralled by the architecture found in Cidade Velha. 13th-century buildings with Moorish influence remain, and the Vila-Adentro section is almost completely surrounded by medieval walls.
• Faro Cultural by Night Segway tour: See Faro's architecture by night, made more atmospheric by the bustling restaurants and cafés.
• Rua do Prior: If you're into nightlife, you may want to look for accommodations here, the centre of the bar scene, when booking your Faro hotel and flight.

A weekend in Faro wouldn't be complete without going to the beach. While the area is home to numerous beaches, one of the most beautiful is Praia do Carvalho. This splendid beach, secluded and surrounded by cliffs and hidden caves, is a 45-minute drive west of Faro.

Travellers who live for nature excursions will want to check out the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Whether you arrange a bike tour in advance or go for a hike, you'll be blown away by its beauty, bird population and native species. Consider package holidays in Faro while searching for flights and hotels to see the area's top attractions.

What is there to eat in Faro?

Faro has plenty of dining options for all tastes. If seafood is your thing, go to Marisqueira Vasco da Gama, where you'll find traditionally prepared dishes with prawns, spider crab, hake and more. If you're in the mood for a burger, head to CACO, o Original. Should you fancy a more upscale experience during your weekend in Faro, try Adega Nova, where a prix fixe menu affords you custom meal options such as octopus with rice or roasted veal with potatoes.

What to bring back from Faro

Like every city by the sea, Faro is perfect for shell scavenging and hosts several street vendors selling ocean-themed trinkets and jewellery. There is also an abundance of gift shops selling T-shirts, postcards and more. Additionally, as the Faro area is the largest producer of cork in the world, it's not hard to find items such as shoes, purses and decor made of the material. Another popular item to consider bringing back from Faro is the aforementioned local medronho brandy.