Spoilt by living within walking distance of the best markets in the Algarve (I’m not at all biased, Olhão da Restauração daily and Saturday markets are the best!) we rarely take the time to deliberately visit a market elsewhere. But last week we decided to visit ‘Mercado Municipal de Faro’, first though we went for a ramble through the town not only was it a Monday stroll I was looking for Thursday Doors!
Not many of the millions who visit the Algarve every year take the time to explore its regional capital, and even those that do discover its delights tend to stay in the harbour area or the beautiful Cidade Velha (old town). Even so there are still streets in the Cidade Velha which you can have completely to yourself. Rather impressive given there are only about six streets within the old town walls.
Did you spot the street art above? It is one of the delights of Portugal along with of course the azulejos.
Away from the old town Faro is a mixture of hideous 1980s buildings, the occasional modern delight and numerous beautiful historic buildings in varying stages of decay or restoration. Faro is not for those who expect beauty on every corner, but it is a great day out or overnight stay for those who like to get off the beaten track.
There were two buildings in particular which caught my eye on this ramble The first we delighted to see is in the middle of a restoration programme. And the second building was just as incredible as the beautiful Palácio Belmarço. This splendid highly decorative building is still known by its original name ‘Vivenda Marília‘. It was commissioned in 1930 by Dr. Rita da Palma, and is considered to have strong Moroccan influences. If you want to find it yourself, it is on the corner of Rua Dr. Justino Cúmano and Rua Almeida Garrett.
Oh I nearly forgot the reason for our stroll, the Mercado Municipal de Faro! It is located in a rather impressive building, and even on a Monday it was relatively busy inside. The stalls are much larger than those in Olhão, and much of the produce looked more expensive. All of it looked rather lovely though.
For more photographs of the old town do visit my earlier posts – here and here, and if you are interested in a guided tour of this lovely city then you’ll be delighted to learn there are twice daily FREE walking tours. Simply head for Arco da Vila (the monumental arch near the harbour) and look for the friendly guide with the red umbrella. They will be there at 11am and 3pm between October and May, and at 10am and 4pm in June, July, August and September. More details here
I LOVE Portugal. These photos were a wonderful trip down memory lane. The dog photo at the end enticed me to read this post first!
Thank you so very much 🙂 and delighted to learn the dog drew you in.
That dog sits there for days! 🙂 🙂 And yippee! You’ve posted on Vivenda Marilia! 🙂 I’ve had photos of that place for so long I’d almost forgotten about it. When we last saw it there wasn’t anything happening with the restoration so I’m really glad for that. I was always going to use it for your Past and Present series but I couldn’t find out much about it. Did you?
Thanks for a lovely afternoon. We both really enjoyed it. And enjoy the Alentejo!
I know . . . .I am going to be so disappointed when he isn’t there one day!!
I didn’t find out much more than I shared unfortunately, seems to be one of those many Algarvian buildings that has a history noone knows
We so so enjoyed ourselves too, and your home is lovely 🙂 and fingers crossed for the weather for us both next week!!
Ahh! Magnificent building and door and friend! <3 I think it's time again I catch up with your posts. 😉
oh thank you so very much 🙂
I wish I’d gone there now.
You can still come 🙂 Jo and I can show you round together!
I’ve never thought of going there. Now I will! What a great post, especially the gallery. Beautiful images.
oh thank you so very much 🙂 most people do bypass this lovely city and whilst it probably doesn’t have enough for a long stay for mos people, there is certainly plenty to explore for a couple of days.
I’m going to have to get to Portugal one of these days. This is just more incentive to make it happen 🙂
That would be amazing if you did. Have to meet for coffee!
I love looking at Markets in other countries Becky. Is there a flower market there too? I saw the word botanical so I wondered. Also, what do the man and woman represent?
Hiya the flower markets are nearly always part of the fruit and veg markets. There are usually a couple of stall holders just doing flowers, but otherwise you will spot flowers for sale on sone of the farmer’s stalls.
and I wish I knew about that man and woman!
You may just have convinced me to spend a day or so in Faro in September!
I’ll meet you there. How’s about that for a disincentive? 🙂 🙂
Sounds like a good idea!
ooh Andrew you have to take up this offer 😀
We’ve already met, in Hartlepool marina. 🙂 🙂
I’m envious!!
Yay!!!
I’ll buy you a coffee if you around at the same time!
I so wish I will be, but we are rarely here in September. Maybe I’ll make an exception this year!
I am crazy with this blue tiles… and the dog with the blue, fascinated me. Great photographs. Thank you dear Becky, Love, nia
oh thank you so so much Nia, means so much to have feedback from you
and I agree about the tiles, they are fabulous 🙂
Well, you had a most successful, even fruitful day, Becky!
hee hee! We certainly did 🙂
😊