It’s long attracted visitors for sightseeing and relaxing beach holidays

Beachgoers sunbathe and swim at Oura beach in Albufeira, Algarve region, Portugal on August 6, 2022
Beachgoers sunbathe and swim at Oura beach in Albufeira, Algarve region, Portugal (Image: Photo by Pedro Fiúza/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

A “must-visit” region which boasts “300 days of sunshine a year” can be flown to from Liverpool John Lennon Airport. We’ve had a few weeks of sunny, warm weather and many of us are looking forward to an extra day off over the upcoming weekend for the Bank Holiday.

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to destinations you can fly to from Liverpool, but if you’re looking for a holiday in the coming weeks or over the summer, you may want to consider a trip to the Algarve. There is so much to see and do across the region, whether you’re looking to explore or have a relaxing beach getaway.

So we wanted to take a closer a look at what Faro (the area you can fly to) and what the wider Algarve region has to offer. Earlier this year, the annual Post Office Travel Money Holiday Money Report named The Algarve as the best value place to visit for UK tourists.

On their website, Liverpool John Lennon Airport said the Algarve is “blessed with a reliable 300 days of sunshine a year” and a “great place to go at any time of year”. From Liverpool John Lennon Airport, flights to Faro takes around two hours and 55 minutes.

At the time of writing, we found flights from Liverpool to Faro with Ryanair in June for £35. Find out more below.

What are the best attractions in Faro/the Algarve?

In Faro itself, there is plenty to see and do. In the Old Town, you can wander down the narrow tiled streets and soak up the beautiful architecture, local restaurants and shops.

A popular tourist attraction is Sé de Faro, a historic cathedral which has a fascinating but eerie bone chapel. For incredible panoramic views, you can climb to the top of its bell tower. Leading into the Old Town, you’ll also find Arco da Vila, the neo-classical archway.

Another must in Faro is visiting palm-tree-lined marina and seeing all the beautiful harbour has to offer. In the Algarve, there are plenty of places to visit whether you’re after a beach holiday or wanting to explore – we couldn’t possibly name them all but here’s a few things you may want to look into.

A general exterior view of the Belmarço Palace (Palácio Belmarço) on June 27, 2024 in Faro, Portugal
A general exterior view of the Belmarço Palace in Faro, Portugal(Image: Photo by John Keeble/Getty Images)

From Faro, it’s not too long a drive to tourist hotspots like Albufeira. Albufeira has a charming old town a stones throw away from Praia dos Pescadores, known as Fisherman’s beach and plenty of hotels to choose from.

Another popular spot in the Algarve is the resort of Vilamoura. Known for its stunning marina, sandy beach, golf courses and casino – it is definitely worth a visit even if you’re not staying in that area.

Portugal, Algarve: marina of Vilamoura
Marina of Vilamoura(Image: Photo by Tesson/Andia/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Around a 40-minute drive from Faro, the small town of Guia is renowned for being the home of peri-peri chicken, as well as a hotspot for the rich and famous. You can also add the wild coast of Costa Vicentina to your list if you’re looking to explore.

The ECHO also previously reported how an underrated island which boasts the “best” white-sand beach that’s “never crowded'” is definitely a must-visit and not far from Faro. Little Ilha da Culatra, off Portugal’s popular Algarve coast, is an incredibly beautiful island in the natural park of Ria Formosa.

What is the flight time from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Faro?

The flight from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Faro takes around two hours and 55 minutes. You can fly directly from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Faro with Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2.com.

Flights run throughout the year and prices vary – so it’s worth planning well ahead to try and bag a bargain. Skyscanner shows direct flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport with Ryanair for next month for as little as £35, but this does not include return flights, seat allocation or baggage.

At the time of writing, we found flights from Liverpool to Faro with Ryanair, departing on June 2 at 6.45pm for £35. You can see the flight here.

Is Faro/the Algarve good for tourists?

Faro and its surrounding areas have plenty to offer – with the Algarve itself boasting countless resorts and long stretches of beaches. On their website, Liverpool John Lennon Airport said: “Whether you’re stopping over or just passing through on your way to somewhere else in the Algarve, flights from Liverpool to Faro are an undeniably convenient option.

“Whether you’re a city breaker or sun seeker, the Algarve is perfect for basking in sunshine, taking in stunning architecture and sampling mouthwatering local cuisine. There’s something for everyone in this tourist favourite; if you’re a wanderer, there are plenty of historical streets to walk down, and for those looking for a relaxing holiday, you’re spoilt for choice in terms of resorts.

“If it’s culture you’re after, Faro itself is a must-visit. Its Museo Municipal is home to an array of historical artefacts, including works by Carlos Filipe Porfíro that depict local legends. You can also check out the captivating architecture of the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, a stunning baroque church. And behind it, you’ll find the Capela dos Ossos, a striking chapel from the 19th century that was constructed from the skulls and bones of over 1,000 monks.

“Portugal has some of the most impressive coasts in the whole of Europe, with gorgeous beaches hidden by natural limestone rock formations. Whether you’re looking to spot some dolphins or just explore the variety of different coves on offer, you can spend your trip looking out onto the Atlantic and visiting beaches such as Praia da Marinha or Praia da Falésia.”



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