European city right has £1.70 pints and 19C in March with £15 flights | Travel News | Travel

In a break from the gloomy British weather, flights are available for as little as £15 to a sun-soaked city offering highs of 20C in March.

After the Met Office confirmed that it’s rained somewhere in Britain every single day throughout 2026, many of us our dreaming of a warmer climate and the promise of blue skies. One picturesque city that offers 10 delightful hours of sunshine a day is Faro, Portugal, with its historic Old Town, huge marina, azure waters, golden-sand beaches, and stunning islands.

The capital of the Algarve in southern Portugal offers a quieter retreat compared to other European seaside resorts, particularly out of season, but has everything you’d need for a sunny escape. Among its picture-postcard surroundings are bustling bars, traditional restaurants, markets, historic landmarks, and tiled streets to explore.

Direct flights to Faro start from just £15 with Wizz Air in March or April, when you can expect temperatures to reach a balmy 20C. Once you’ve arrived, the prices are just as appealing, with the average pint costing around £1.70 (€2), and affordable hotels available from as little as £45 per night.

Jet2holidays and easyJet Holidays both offer a range of Faro city break packages, while Lastminute.com can be a good source for cheap hotels especially if you’re after a late deal. 

Aside from its modest prices, there’s plenty to do during a weekend getaway or week-long stay in the Portuguese city. One of its most popular spots to visit is the Old Town, enclosed by medieval walls and filled with cobbled streets, orange trees, and magnificent 18th-century architecture.

The area is steeped in history and tradition, with notable landmarks such as Bishop’s Palace and the Arco da Vila, the main gateway to the Old Town. One visitor earlier this year shared on TripAdvisor: « It’s the most charming part of town with lots of old buildings. Some pedestrian streets and the cathedral. You will find places to eat and drink here and lots of souvenirs. Spend some time wandering. »

Elsewhere in the city is the incredible Chapel of Bones in Faro, perhaps one of the most striking features of the city. The Baroque-style building is filled with bones displayed in patterns spanning across the walls and ceiling – you’ll either find it creepy or fascinating.

There are beautiful tiled streets around the city, lined with shops ideal for souvenirs and eateries serving local delicacies. You’ll also be able to find architectural gems around every corner, including the Belmarço Palace and Faro Cathedral, that will leave you in awe.

But a visit to Faro isn’t complete without a wander around its harbour, lined with palm trees and filled with an array of boats. It’s a bustling hotspot and undoubtedly the city’s core, offering the perfect spot to watch the action unfold from one of the nearby bars.

Faro is also known for its expansive, pristine sand beaches and peninsulas with turquoise lagoons, including the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Stretching almost 40 miles from Faro to Tavira, the natural park is a stunning maze of islands, lagoons and marshes. There are 6 barrier islands and a peninsula, with their sizes determined by the currents, but the natural phenomenon is definitely worth visiting.

One of the city’s main beaches is Praia de Faro, just a short drive from the city centre, offering stretches of golden sand and bustling restaurants and bars. Its spectacular position along a 5km sandy peninsula, with a lagoon on one side, means it’s accessible only by a single bridge.

Nearby, there’s also the tropical island of Barreta, which stretches around 7km long and 50 to 600m wide. It’s one of the most isolated islands in the Algarve and is known as Deserta, or Deserted Island, due to its location and limited boat access, yet it’s well worth visiting if given the chance.

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