Faro is the capital of southern Portugal’s Algarve region. With a population of about 60.000, the University itself moving about 8000, Faro has a cosmopolitan allure and a happening nightlife. Faro is the gateway to many tourists that arrive to the Algarve, but is often overlooked as a destination.   The city’s neoclassical Arco da Vila is on the site of a gate that was part of the original Moorish wall. The monumental archway leads to the old town, with its cobbled streets. Nearby is Faro Cathedral, built in the 13th century. The preserved medieval quarters harbor curious museums, churches and a bone chapel. The lagoons of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa and nearby beaches, including the islands of Ilha de Faro to the southwest and Ilha da Barreta (or Ilha Deserta) and Farol to the south, deserve a dedicated visit. Please check the website and download the brochure EN, PT, ES.

The closest airport is Faro Airport (FAO). You can get direct flights to Faro Airport or via Lisbon from most places. The airport is located near the city center at 6,5 km. To get to the city centre and back to the airport you can get a bus or taxi.

The bus to go to Faro is line #16. The bus are running from 5.20 am to 00.10am. The trip takes about 15 min to reach the city center, and costs about 2.20€ one way. You can buy it with the bus driver. Please have some change. The stop is located to the left after exiting the arrival, near the short stay car park, the bus stop is in the opposite direction to the taxi rank. You can fin more information about the time table here.

The transfer from the airport to Faro city center bu taxi will cost about 12€. There will be an extra fee for luggage.

Traveling to Faro is easy. The city has an international airport with connections to many European cities. There are train and bus connections to Lisbon and Oporto and international Bus lines to several Spanish and European cities. A train or a bus from Lisbon to Faro takes between 3 to 4 hours. Most  localities in the Algarve and the border with Spain are within 1 hour from Faro. Download a Map of Algarve.

A superb network of motorways and dual carriageways allow one to reach Faro across attractive regions of southern Portugal. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is about 2 hours and 30 minutes away by motorway (A2), and Andalusia, in Spain, less than an hour, via the A22. Motorways make traveling by car the easiest form of transport, but you must pay toll. In some motorways such as A22 these are electronic, and when entering the Algarve from Spain you must purchase a valid ticket at the electronic booth. Check here how.

There are several bus operators that will get you to Algarve quite cheaply (Lisbon-Faro, for 20€ one-way). Check these out:  www.eva-bus.com | www.renex.pt | www.intercentro.pt 

Europe's most famous secret.

That is how the local tourism authorities showcase the Algarve. And indeed it is true. Beyond the well known beaches, golf courses and sunny retreats there is much more to see in the region - nature, culture, sports, food and wine.

The region is an extensive and pleasant one, with a Mediterranean climate, marked by the smell of the sea at low tide and the scent of wild flowers. To the east, long golden beaches, coastal lagoons and sandy islands mark the interaction with the sea. To the west, sandstone cliffs and rocky enclosed beaches of transparent water. And then the untamed Atlantic coast, where waves traveling accross the ocean come to rest on the shore.

Faro is a small town, and most facilities are within walking distance. There is accomodation for all pockets, check the usual places and follow this link.

A bus will pick you up from downtown Faro (purple dot) at 8.30 am, and will bring you to building 5, where the training course will take place.

If you miss the bus, the quickest way to get to Faro is by taxi.

Transportation to return to Faro at the end of the daily sessions will also be provided.

During the course we will have a warm, buffet-type meal at the University restaurant (Building 6, green dot), included in your your course fee. We have also arranged for a variety of coffee-breaks in the mornings and afternoons.