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The capital city of the Portuguese region of the Algarve, Faro is an ideal base for exploring the areas fabulous range of local arts and culture, with a range of creative things to do such as cooking, painting, crafts, and literature. With great weather all year round and a beautiful environment, holidays in Faro provide a wealth of inspirations.

The Ria Formosa lagoon is the most notable natural feature of Faro, and it is here that the earliest human settlements can be traced from the Palaeolithic age through to Roman times. The Faro area was later occupied by the Moors, and was one of the most important locations in the whole of the Iberian Peninsula. Today the Ria Formosa lagoon is a protected nature reserve of over 170 square kilometres, and a stopping place for hundreds of species of birds during the spring and autumn migratory periods.

A base for exploring the Algarve

For exploring the Algarve, or whether you are looking for a convenient base or self-catering accommodation, villas in Faro can be a stylish and luxurious way to enjoy a range of creative holidays in this inspirational location. If you are planning a cooking course especially, the excellent array of local seasonal produce in Faros markets and shops provides plenty opportunities to create a range of Portuguese cuisine.

Many tourist jump on flights to faro to enjoy the counties top class amenities and facilities, and whether you are there as a group or family, the freedom and choice that comes with self catering makes for an ideal way to discover Faro and the Algarve region.

If you are looking to combine a passion for painting with a holiday in the sunny Algarve, then there are some great art courses to try in the area. The charming fishing town of Olhao is situated to the west of Faro on the Ria Formosa lagoon. Reminiscent of the fishing ports on the Moroccan coast, the town has a distinctly Moorish appearance in its architecture. A stylish and romantic fishing port, Olhao is also popular for its art courses aimed at holidaymakers. Here you can study a variety of painting mediums, with the chance to learn new skills or develop existing talents. Courses typically run for a week, and with easels, brushes and paint supplied, you only need to turn up and enjoy the creative atmosphere of this rustic, idyllic town.

A peaceful, cultured retreat

Art schools covering a range of disciplines, from crafts to writing, are abundant around Faro and throughout the Algarve region. For those looking for a peaceful, cultured retreat amidst stunning scenery and idyllic, friendly towns and villages, Faro holidays provide an ideal base for discovering the artistic merits of the Algarve.

The Faro area is also noted for its good selection of cooking schools. With a range of influences from its diverse history, the Algarve is famous for its food. From local seafood restaurants to top class eateries, the quality and style of cooking is one of the main reasons people like to visit Faro. Learning how to prepare the local food can be just as enjoyable, and a lot of fun when combined with a sunny holiday in the region. Cooking schools in Faro will teach you a range of skills and introduce you to some new and exotic ingredients. Established chefs will teach you everything from the basics for beginners to more complex dishes for the more experienced.

There is also a range of language schools in the Faro area. Actually spending time in the local area whilst learning the local language can be fun and enjoyable, especially when self-catering, because the daily shop for food and essentials can be the best place to practice your language skills. For getting to know the Algarve and enjoying the cultural and artistic scene, Faro is the ideal location at any time of the year.