Faro Has A Great Choice Of Adventure Holidays

History enthusiasts will find Faro holidays illuminating and interesting. The old part of the city is still surrounded by original Roman walls and there is a large, open square that was once the site of a Roman Forum. Buildings that chart different eras sit side by side, such as the 18th Century Episcopal Palace that looks directly onto the 600 year old cathedral - both of which are close to a 16th Century convent. However, for most tourists, it is the bounty of sun, sand and sea that are the main draws. With over seven kilometres of beach and a gloriously Mediterranean climate, you would be forgiven for thinking the only thing to do on Faro holidays is to relax.

Many people use holiday time to turn up the excitement levels. Faro is an extremely popular destination for kite surfers. The conditions just beyond the sheltered coast provide enough winds to make near perfect kiting conditions. In addition, there are strips of sand that create virtual lagoons of up to 40 kilometres in length. On one side of the sandbanks are flat, shallow waters and on the other side is the ocean, giving kiters the opportunity to find the conditions that suit them best and achieve some breathtaking speeds. Faro's high wind season is the months between May and October, offering plenty of sunshine and the chance to test your skills in a number of environments. Many companies offer excursions with accompanying safety boats, so this pursuit can be suitable for entire, adrenaline-fuelled families.

Surfing can also be a family sport and Faro offers fantastic surfing opportunities. Surf lodges in Faro are open practically all year round, giving newcomers and those with more advanced skill the chance to take advantage of the right conditions at the right time. The beauty of the waters surrounding Faro is that they are peppered with deepwater reefs and sandbanks, creating some challenging and exhilarating waves and breaks.

There are also thrills to be had on dry land too.

Leaving the hire car on the villa driveway and taking to bicycles is an attractive proposition for those with excess energy to expend. Faro's coastline can take you through quaint country villages, rocky terrain and remote, isolated beaches. Slightly inland, there are a number of designated cycle trails that take visitors off the beaten track and offer them some of the most amazing scenery in the country. One of the most popular trails is the Cape St Vincent National Park, famous for its breathtaking panoramas and a wealth of vibrant flora and fauna.

While cycling may sound a little sedate, some of the terrain is rugged and there are some knuckle-whitening inclines to deal with. While this pursuit is not for the faint-hearted, families with older children and a little experience will certainly enjoy it.

Families and groups of people intent on exploring the more extreme side of life may find the timetables of hotels a little stifling. However, there are plenty of villas in Faro with standards to match even the most prestigious of hotels. Most Faro Villas come equipped with their own pools and air conditioning, so hot and tired guests can seek refuge from the heat. Faro villas housing larger groups often include great audio-visual facilities and even a gym, games room and private pool, so younger members can still find an outlet for more fun and games if the day's activities have not already worn them out. By hiring a luxury villa, visitors are also able to create their own itinerary, choosing when and where to eat, rather than being at the whims of a hotel kitchen. In addition, villas can offer more isolation and privacy than a hotel - perfect for relaxing in after a hard day's excitement.

Mark enjoyed several Faro holidays and recommends it due to the short transfer times from the airport and choice of convenient flights. All along the Algarve there are similar places offering sporting breaks.