Enjoy an Portuguese language course in Portugal

at our language school in the city of Faro

Faro is the capital of the Algarve region in the south of Portugal with 42,000 people. Faro has become popular among European tourists for its incredibly sunny seasons and amazing beaches. While it offers just the right escape for those who want to relax on the beach and in resorts the city is full of history and is the ideal starting point to explore the Algarve region. The city suffered an earthquake in 1755 which destroyed a great deal of architecture the historic city still has many impressive sites and is surrounded by the 9th century walls. Faro has a history of Moorish rule which is still evident in some of the architecture. Nearby is the impressive Ria Formosa lagoon which is over 17,000 hectares and is filled with migratory birds during spring and autumn.


The Ria Formosa lagoon had provided food and good opportunities for settlement since the Palaeolithic age. Nearby a settlement grew up called Ossonoba which many consider the forerunner to the city of Faro. It was controlled by the Visigoths with a period of Roman occupation until the 8th century when conquered by the Moors. It remained the major city in the area and, during a brief period as a princedom, the city was fortified with defensive walls. The city’s name is derived from the transliteration of its Moorish name “Harun” after one of its chieftains. Conquered by King Alfonso III in 1249, Faro became the administrative center of the Algarve region. In 1577 Lagos became the capital of the region and the city seemed poised for decline. Then, in 1755, a major earthquake wrought devastation particularly through a tsunami which ruined most coastal towns and fortifications. Shielded by the Ria Formosa lagoon Faro was left primarily intact and became the capital of Algarve once again and many of the city’s most impressive buildings were constructed during this time.


The old city center is surrounded by Roman walls and the area that was once the Roman forum now holds the 13th century Cathedral and the 18th century Episcopal palace. The city’s archaeological museum is nearby in an old 16th century Convent which details Moorish and Portuguese occupations. The church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo is particularly impressive for the gold-leaf woodwork and also has a macabre chapel lined with the skeletons of 1,200 monks. The Faro Jewish Heritage Centre reveals an interesting portion of the city’s history. During Moorish occupation Jews lived in the city and printed important copies of the Old Testament. They fled during the Inquisition but were invited back to help rebuild the city’s economy after the earthquake. Established in 1851 is the Jewish Cemetery which along with the museum are the remainders of this community. Of course, the city has an incredible beach, the Praia de Faro. Several kilometers long and generally sloping it never becomes crowded and is a lovely place to tan and swim. Boat trips are available to the Rio Formosa lagoon which is both an exciting nature reserve and beautiful beach in its own right. Faro also hosts the Faro International Motorcycle Rally, the largest in Europe, and throughout the city are many fascinating and diverse vehicles to see driving by. A perfect place for a vacation and a fascinating place to learn Portuguese, Faro could easily be the trip of a lifetime


What we like about Portuguese in Faro:

  • Faro is a charming coastal town that is small enough to have the feeling of a relaxed seaside escape.
  • Nearby the city are incredible beaches, water sports and golfing.
  • Faro’s incredible climate makes it an incredible summer destination and warm during the winter.