&lt;p&gt;When most people think of the Algarve, their minds might drift to its golden beaches, lush green golf courses, glamourous marinas and vibrant tourist hotspots. But those in the know know that Faro, the Algarve&#39;s capital, is an underrated treasure. Hemmed by the stunning Ria Formosa estuary, with its Caribbean-like barrier-islands and dazzling salt pans, Faro offers a unique blend of urban buzz and natural beauty, making it an ideal place to live or invest.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On top of that, it has recently emerged that Faro boasts some of the cleanest air in Europe.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;According to a European Environment Agency report, Faro ranks as the city with the third cleanest air in Europe, with only Uppsala and Umea in Sweden ahead of it. Faro&#39;s air quality, measured at 3.6 micrograms of fine particles per cubic metre, matches that of Umea but in a city with half the population.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This impressive air quality is just one of many reasons why living in Faro is a breath of fresh air—quite literally!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Among Faro’s other accolades is the Ria Formosa, a natural lagoon-system that stretches along the Algarve’s east coast and offers an abundance of outdoor activities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you&#39;re exploring the tranquil waters by boat, kayak or SUP paddle-board, walking or cycling the scenic trails, or simply enjoying the sunset from Faro Island’s long beach, the Ria Formosa provides a serene escape from urban life.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Faro&#39;s appeal doesn&#39;t end with its natural beauty. The city is also an excellent rental destination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Home to a thriving university, many schools, Algarve International Airport and the region’s largest state hospital, Faro sees a steady influx of students and professionals, creating a consistent demand for mid-to-long term rental properties.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Moreover, the city’s thriving tourism industry, centred on the Ria Formosa, historic old town and yearly events, bolstered by the proximity of Faro international airport, ensures short-term rental opportunities abound year-round.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Often seen as a gateway to the Algarve, Faro offers much more than just an airport.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This vibrant city is rich in history, culture, and modern amenities. From its charming old town with cobbled streets and ancient walls to its lively markets, contemporary shopping centres and golden Faro Island, Faro provides the perfect blend of old and new.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;And with the added bonus of having some of the cleanest air in Europe, it&#39;s clear that Faro is not just a gateway, but a quality destination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether you’re considering moving to the Algarve or looking for a savvy investment, Faro should be at the top of your list. Check out Ideal Homes Portugal’s &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.idealhomesportugal.com/property-for-sale/faro?location=Faro&quot;&gt;properties in Faro&lt;/a&gt; and throughout the Algarve region.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Or contact &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.idealhomesportugal.com/&quot;&gt;Ideal Homes Portugal&lt;/a&gt; for more information on Faro or any of the properties on our portfolio.&lt;/p&gt;

Why Faro is a breath of fresh air

When most people think of the Algarve, their minds might drift to its golden beaches, lush green golf courses, glamourous marinas and vibrant tourist hotsp