Those who love Portugal will now be delighted to discover that you can fly directly to Faro from the United States thanks to United Airlines. Set to start on the 24th of May, the American airline will operate direct flights from Newark Airport, just outside of New York City, to Faro Airport in Portugal’s Algarve region.
The United Airlines flight that will operate four times weekly from Newark International Airport until September will carry 176 passengers to a destination that is rising in popularity with American travellers.
Thanks to the American dollar, travellers and U.S. house buyers in Portugal are increasing. As of 2023, just under 10,000 Americans were living permanently in Portugal, which offers sun, sea and sand, more affordable costs of living, and laid-back lifestyles. With skyrocketing prices of American property, Portugal presents more affordable options for living in the sun. The Portuguese government also reports that American tourists have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. So, let’s look at what to know about the origin flight, Faro Airport and Portugal’s Algarve region.
Flights to Faro Airport from the USA
The American airline will operate non-stop flights into Faro Airport (Airport Codes: IATA: FAO, ICAO: LPFR), Portugal’s third largest airport. Sitting 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) west of Faro city centre and with one terminal building with arrivals and departures on the ground floor, Faro International Airport is one of Portugal’s busiest destinations, particularly during summer when air passenger traffic surges.
Faro Airport has various flight routes offering domestic, European, indirect, and international flights throughout the months. Major airlines like British Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, Aer Lingus, Air Transat, Brussels Airlines, TUI Airways, and Transavia also sell cheap flights to and from Faro Airport, connecting it to numerous destinations across Europe, including London Heathrow and London Stansted in the United Kingdom.
Faro Airport offers both short-term and long-term passenger parking spaces across various travel dates, and parking lots are conveniently located close to terminal buildings, providing easy access for travellers. Faro’s flight schedule peaks during Portugal’s primary tourism season from April to October. You may be able to find cheap prices outside of this, but remember that tourism reduces in winter.
About Faro: The Algarve Gem
Along stunning coastlines of southern Portugal, Faro, featuring delights like Praia De Faro beach, beauty, history, and culture, is terrific for mini vacations before exploring the larger Algarve region. Today, remnants of Faro’s storied past are seen in historical landmarks, like the Old Town (Cidade Velha) with ancient walls, cobblestone streets, and picturesque squares. The centrepiece of Faro’s historic district is Faro Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Faro), a magnificent 13th-century Gothic-style structure. The Bone Chapel is also where walls are made from the bones of monks who lived in a nearby cemetery.
Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, Faro offers plenty of outdoor adventures and exploration opportunities. Ria Formosa Natural Park, of wetlands and lagoons, attracts birdwatchers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Faro’s pristine beaches for sun and relaxation during summer include Ilha de Faro’s tranquil shores and the rugged Praia da Marinha cliffs, and Faro’s bustling markets, like Mercado Municipal and Mercado de São Pedro, are perfect places to sample local delicacies, purchase fresh produce, and absorb the sights, and sounds of life in Faro.
The Larger Algarve Region
The Algarve region, with breathtaking beaches, charming towns, rich history, and vibrant culture, offers immense experiences for Americans seeking sun, sea, and relaxation. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets of Lagos, where historic architecture blends seamlessly with modern amenities. Wander through the whitewashed streets of Albufeira, where vibrant nightlife and traditional charm converge. Or enjoy the laid-back atmospheres of Tavira, known for its historic landmarks and tranquil ambience.
The Algarve offers several outdoor activities for adventure, thanks to months of glorious weather. Embark on Benagil Sea Cave boat tours, marvelling at mesmerizing rock formations and crystal-clear waters. Hike along the rugged cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, taking in Atlantic Ocean views. Or try water sports like surfing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. (More about the Algarve region)
Is Portugal friendly to U.S. citizens?
This seems to be a common question asked on Google, and the answer is yes, Portugal is friendly to U.S. citizens. In fact, the U.S. embassy says, ”Portuguese people are friendly, welcoming to all visitors regardless of where they come from, and a large portion of the population speaks English.” If you want to live in Portugal, their website has complete guides on what to do.
United Airlines also Fly to Lisbon and Porto
United Airlines also operates popular routes and custom deals to Portugal’s two major cities: Lisbon Airport and Porto. These flight schedules allow U.S. citizens to explore the rich culture, history, and beauty of more of Portugal. As one of the most famous USA airlines, in addition to direct flights, United Airlines offers seamless connections through an extensive network of partner airlines and star alliance agreements. This allows Americans to reach Portugal from virtually any country, with smooth transitions and hassle-free travel experiences.
From comfortable seating and in-flight entertainment to delicious meals and attentive cabin crew, Americans can expect pleasant journeys when flying with United Airlines to Lisbon Airport and Porto. Upon arrival, explore the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto, each offering unique charms.
In Lisbon, visitors wander through historic neighbourhoods, marvel at iconic landmarks like Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and indulge in delicious Portuguese cuisine at local eateries.In Porto, travellers stroll along the picturesque Douro River, visit world-renowned port wine cellars, and admire stunning architecture. With United Airlines’ convenient flights, exploring these captivating cities has never been easier.
Planning Your Trip with United Airlines
Travelers can book airline tickets and direct services with United Airlines through its website, mobile app, or authorized travel agents. Flexible booking options, competitive fares, and airline updates make it easy to arrange upcoming travel plans and direct flights. Before travelling, check visa requirements, currency exchange rates, and any travel advisories or restrictions. United Airlines’ website provides helpful travel information and resources to help you confidently plan your trip.
Portugal Travel Guide: What to Know Before Your Trip
Planning personal trips on direct flights? This enchanting country, with historical sites, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, offers several experiences for Americans, from budget to expensive options. Whether exploring historic cities, relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, or indulging in delicious cuisine, Portugal has something for everyone.
Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers, a popular time and mild, wet winters. The best time to visit depends on your preferences; summers attract beachgoers, while spring and fall offer milder temperatures for sightseeing.
The official language is Portuguese, a Romance language similar to Spanish. Still, English is widely spoken in tourist areas and larger cities. The currency is the Euro (EUR). Hotels, restaurants, and shops accept cards but carry cash, in smaller towns and markets. ATMs are readily available in urban areas for convenient currency exchange.
Getting around Portugal is easy thanks to its efficient transportation network, and major cities like Lisbon and Porto connect by trains, buses, and metros. Renting a car is excellent for exploring rural areas and coastal regions at your own pace. Additionally, Portugal’s domestic flights between major cities cover longer distances quickly.
What Other U.S. Cities Fly directly to Portugal?
Several airlines offer air routes and direct services from the United States to Portugal, providing Americans with various options for reaching this beautiful European destination. For those who don’t fly directly, several routes also fly from the United Kingdom, and low fares are found on flight search engines.
TAP Air Portugal offers popular international routes from several U.S. cities, including New York (John F Kennedy Intl), Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Miami (MIA), and Washington D.C. (IAD), to Lisbon airport (LIS) and Porto (OPO). Like Newark Airport, United Airlines also operates direct services and round-trips from its hubs in Washington D.C. (IAD) and Chicago (ORD) to Lisbon (LIS) and Porto (OPO).
Delta Air Lines offers one-way trips with average prices from John F Kennedy Intl to Lisbon (LIS), providing convenient connections for Americans from various U.S. cities. American Airlines operates seasonal routes from Philadelphia (PHL) to Lisbon airport (LIS), providing cheap airfare deals for East Coast Americans. Similarly, German Lufthansa offers deals on airfare flights from various U.S. cities via its Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) hubs.
These are just a few airlines with plane tickets between the United States and Portugal. Use flight search airlines to find deals with minimum prices on seasonal routes. Depending on your departure city and travel preferences, you may find additional options through other airlines or alliances. Sometimes, Americans fly through London Stansted or London Heathrow instead of using direct services.
Also About Portugal
Moving to Portugal Show: On the 14th of March 2024, the Moving to Portugal Show will take place in London. Recent shows revealed that Lisbon and the Algarve were two famous places where wannabe expats planned to live, especially for those seeking advice on residency and visa, taxation, house prices and investment opportunities, and other aspects of life. The event is hosted by in-country experts from the U.K. Portuguese Chamber of Commerce.
Regions of Portugal:: Altogether, the areas of Portugal make up a delightful country brimming with culture and traditions. These seven regions are further broken down into 18 districts, some of which stand out for travel and overseas living. From the smaller areas of Madeira to larger ones that are home to most of the population, many foreigners love and adore their landscapes, local communities, landmark buildings, and day-to-day ambience.
Best Places to Buy Property: American homeowners will be delighted to learn about the direct flights from Faro to Portugal, because more and more are considering living there. Portugal boasts of various lifestyles, welcoming attitudes to foreigners, low taxes, affordable living, excellent value property prices, and a strategic position that makes getting here from other countries easy. So, this article looks at where to buy a property and why those places are popular in Portugal.
