Our Opinion

This was our second trip to Faro and the first ever Jolly Boys return visit.
This time we chose to spend more time in Faro itself and although you could probably see the major sights in half a day we would recommend taking your time.
We spent a day walking around the town. Staring from our hotel we walked to the central market. Built on the site of the old market this is new air-conditioned building featuring a supermarket in the basement and old-style market stalls on the ground floor, the are also a number of cafes. Specialities are (not surprisingly) seafood and bread.
From the market we walked into the old part of the town around the city walls, from where good views out to see can be had, a from there into the more modern marina area, close to where we had stayed last time.
Faro is not the sort of place where things happen quickly. It is best viewed at a leisurely pace with frequent stops to take in the local delicacies (quite often offered free of charge) whilst enjoying a refreshing drink.

Further Details

Travel
Blackpool - Faro with Jet2.com
A pleasant enough trip with flights all operating on time. An early morning start effectively gave us an extra day in Faro.
Faro - Vila Real and Tavira with Portuguese Railways
It  wouldn’t  be a Jolly Boys Outing without a rail journey and this short trip down the coast is a worthwhile trip. We didn’t get to spend much time in Vila Real (maybe next time) so can’t really comment on it but Tavira is a lovely small town, split in two by the river over which is an old Roman bridge. There appears to be quite a bit to see and do and we have already resolved to make this our destination for a future outing.

Accommodation
Hotel Santa Maria, Faro
Located in the older part of central Faro this is an excellent hotel. Having arrived early we fully expected to have to wait for our rooms but were pleasantly surprised to be able to have the use of at least one of them to leave our luggage in upon our arrival. The staff were knowledgeable and friendly.
The hotel has a bar, a small breakfast room and a larger coffee shop and restaurant. We chose to to have lunch in the hotel one day and were very pleasantly surprised by both the quality and price of what was provided. The vinho verde was extremely pleasant, and also cheap and we were given a complimentary cheese latter to compensate for the late arrival of our food.

Recommendations
Restaurant Fim do Mundo
On a warm night you can sit outside this place and take in the evening atmosphere whilst eating some superb food. Grilled meat and fish dishes are the speciality, we tried the chicken (cooked either plain or piri piri style) and lamb chops, both were pronounced excellent.
Located next door to the Restaurant Fim do Mundo is a very small bar but with lots of outdoor seating. The proprietor and his wife are extremely welcoming and happy to recommend local wines which we found very acceptable.