Travel review: Make a meal of it in fabulous Faro

Cooking a meal isn’t typically top of the ‘must do’ vacation list, but a gastronomy workshop in the heart of Faro — situated in Portugal’s sublime Algarve — may just change that.

Tertúlia Algarvia, located in the historic Vila-Adentro area, offers a unique blend of traditional Algarve cuisine and cultural experiences — and we’re here to experience Algarve’s national dish, Cataplana. It takes its name from a distinctive copper or aluminium pot of the same name, shaped like two clamshells with hinges at one end which can be sealed with clamps on each side.

Made with seafood, vegetables and meat such as chorizo, our host talks us through the process step-by-step, and the end result is a delicious meal shared with a glass of wine in a beautiful restaurant with friendly staff who kindly call for a taxi when a heavy rain shower makes a surprise appearance.

Our destination is the epitome of an escape from daily life, the 3HB, a five-star hotel that opened in 2024 and is only 15 minutes from Faro international airport. Designed by architect Miguel Abreu, 3HB is a blend of traditional Algarve culture with contemporary style — our hotel room is sleek and modern with the interior straight from the mind of renowned designer Paulo Lobo.

With friendly and attentive staff, we check in to our stylish room with double sink in the bathroom, fantastic shower and mini fridges stocked with mineral water and soft drinks, which are free to avail of with no additional charges.

Dining at 3HB is quite simply a sublime experience. On the rooftop there is the Hábito Restaurant, which offers panoramic views of Faro, an ideal setting to watch the sun set. Away from the beautiful scenery, the food on the plates are just as enticing. Focusing on local, seasonal Algarve ingredients, signature dishes include tuna ‘Muxama’ Tiborna, cockle ‘Xarém’, rack of lamb with pistachio crust and suckling pig belly (which is cooked for 24 hours). Together with a wine list curated by sommelier Jorge Bita, the meal flies by — and families are welcome too, with a children’s menu available.

On the ground level is Forno Nero, the hotel’s Italian-Portuguese fusion restaurant with a DJ booth situated near the bar. It serves pizza and pasta dishes as well as Mediterranean cuisine with fantastic cocktails to kick off the nightlife of Faro.

Food at 3HB is perfection; the breakfast is perhaps the best I’ve ever experienced — there’s almost too much choice, with an American-style buffet with a variety of cheeses, cold cuts, yogurts, chia seed pudding as well as à la carte options such as eggs benedict.

All things cuisine is at the heart of Faro — it’s a place proud of its food heritage. Nestled in the heart of Faro’s historic old town, the Faro Story Spot is a vibrant multimedia museum that transforms historical storytelling into an electrifying experience. Located next to the cathedral in Largo da Sé, this immersive attraction offers tourists a captivating 30-minute adventure through the city’s rich cultural landscape.

Imagine stepping into a world where history comes alive through cutting-edge technology. The museum’s three unique rooms transport visitors from the arrival of the Phoenicians to the present day, weaving a narrative that’s both educational and entertaining. Interactive displays, augmented reality, and multilingual audio guides ensure that every visitor, regardless of language, can connect with Faro’s fascinating heritage.

The museum’s charming mascot, Marino, adds a playful touch to the experience, making complex historical narratives accessible and engaging for all ages. From exploring the marine life of Ria Formosa to understanding the nuances of the Algarve’s Mediterranean diet, each exhibit is a sensory journey.

For travellers seeking more than just a superficial glimpse of Faro, the Faro Story Spot is an essential first stop. It’s not just a museum; it’s a portal into the soul of this enchanting Algarvian city.

A short car trip out of Faro lies Olhão Municipal Market. Located near the waterfront, it is a vibrant hub of local culture and commerce. Built in 1915 and renovated in 1997, the market consists of two distinctive red-brick buildings, each serving a specific purpose.

The first building houses the fruits and vegetables market, offering a colourful array of fresh produce, flowers, dried fruits, nuts, and traditional sweets. Local residents frequent this section for their daily shopping needs.

The second building is home to the fish market, renowned as the largest and most diverse in the Algarve. Here, visitors can find an impressive selection of seafood, including sardines, octopus, clams and eels.

Surrounding the market, visitors can enjoy several bars and cafes with outdoor seating, perfect for relaxing and taking in the sea view. The adjacent parks, Jardim Pescador Olhanense and Jardim Patrão Joaquim Lopes, offer pleasant areas for strolling and unwinding after a market visit.

But a boat trip is on the itinerary, specifically to visit Culatra island, situated within Ria Formosa Natural Park. It’s an island unlike any other — accessible only by boat, it offers a glimpse into a way of life where residents live in a sustainable environment where nothing goes to waste, and they welcome visitors with fresh seafood dishes served at the island’s restaurant.

Back at 3HB, the hotel’s gym offers a chance to get away from all of the delicious dining, with a curated yet well-equipped space that allows fitness fans to keep up with their sessions with treadmills, rowing machine and free weights. And after working up a sweat, it’s time to enjoy the rest of the hotel’s wellness area with a dip in the heated indoor pool, as well as the sauna and Turkish bath. Once that’s done, reading a book on one of the hotel’s sunloungers looking across the infinity pool and the skyline of Faro is bliss.

​Gillian Halliday was a guest of the Algarve Tourist Board.

Faro factfile

■ 3HB Hotels in Faro is open year-round with rates starting from £144 per night based on two adults sharing a Standard Room in February 2025. ■ Faro Story Spot is an immersive multimedia museum in Faro. ■ Tertúlia Algarvia is a traditional Portuguese restaurant and Cataplana workshop. ■ For general information about Faro, see visitalgarve.pt/en/19/faro ■ The first Jet2.com flight of 2025 from Belfast International to Faro departs on February 27. Leading leisure airline Jet2.com offers friendly low fares and great flight times to Faro from Belfast International Airport. Flights start from £109 one-way including taxes.

For more information visit www.jet2.com or call 0333 014 0236.

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