Travelling alone has many benefits. It means you can make your own decisions about what sights to explore and attractions to visit, where to stay and what you would like to eat. It is, however, just as important to give as much careful consideration to your ultimate destination as you would if planning a getaway with a partner or the whole family.
To help with this decision-making, travel luggage specialists Kipling have compiled the first edition of their solo female traveller city index for Europe – and Faro is one of the top-ranked destinations. The top three (in order) are Hamburg, Munich and Edinburgh, with the international gateway to the Algarve coming in at fourth.
The index ranks city destinations across Europe based on safety, group activities, attractions, accommodation, transport costs and global gender gap. Faro received the maximum score for group activities and attractions, and also ranked highly for safety.
In general terms, Kipling noted, “A hidden gem of the Algarve, this southern Portuguese city is an undiscovered icon which boasts a variety of culturally rich attractions. Often overlooked for its counterparts Lagos and Albufeira, Faro is Algarve’s largest city and is famously home to the international airport. Well-connected by public transport or boat tours, Faro promises beautiful beaches, a buzzing nightlife and historic sites to explore, including its charming Old Town. Faro is the perfect destination for solo travellers who are seeking an enriching city experience in a warmer climate.”
In the city’s mediaeval Old Town, said Kipling, visitors can walk through historic cobblestoned streets, past ancient walls, and relax in cosy coffee shops. They can also admire one of Faro’s “best-kept city secrets”, the Capela dos Ossos (“Bone Chapel”), an ancient building made from the skeletons of 1,200 monks, and learn more about Faro’s history at the Municipal Museum – home to a fascinating array of archaeological attractions.
For a bit of beach time, the company recommended that travellers head to Praia Da Ilha Deserta for six kilometres of pristine sands, and enjoy classic gastronomic experiences at the Estaminé restaurant. “Finally, If you fancy some retail therapy, the Forum Algarve or Rua de Santo Antônio are ideal destinations to treat yourself to a spot of shopping.”
Top 10 – Solo Female Traveller City Index
- Hamburg
- Munich
- Edinburgh
- Faro
- Dublin
- Prague
- Heraklion
- Helsinki
- Krakow
- Zurich
Check out our Area Guides for more information about Faro and other areas of the Algarve region.
If you need to rent a car, you will find all the main car hire providers here – offering the best prices available.