The Modernist
The Modernist comprises six minimalist apartment-like suites with a wonderful 1970s vibe, set in a genuine modernist building in the heart of Faro.
The Modernist features six apartment-like suites with a private balcony, a shared garden patio and a rooftop.
The apartments are set in a modernist building from the early 1970s by architect Joel Santana. After being abandoned for many years, each suite and outdoor space has been brought back to life by Portuguese award-winning architecture studio Par.
The design respects the original Mid-Century Modern style, using materials like stone, wood, and windows, with specific finishing details such as door handles, lighting, curtains, and artisan wood furniture.
The rooftop with an outdoor shower is an ideal place to sunbathe and enjoy panoramic views of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
It's a unique place to stay in Faro.
Awesomeness
Everything here has been imagined, designed and manufactured in Portugal and is mostly less than 100km from site.
In each apartment, there’s a great little book with local tips curated by the owners Chris and Angie.
Discover Faro's architectural gems with the self-walking tour created for the guests.
The fast wifi makes this a perfectly suitable place to work from.
Bear in Mind
The apartments are not serviced, which means no daily cleaning or breakfast.
Faro’s centre can be lively, so expect some happy noise from the street.
There’s no TV in the apartments.
The modernist aesthetic is not for everyone but we love it, it makes for a unique experience.
Q&A with Angelique and Christophe about The Modernist
The Modernist apartments are located in the heart of Faro, the capital of the Algarve.
Faro is known as the gateway to the Algarve, but it’s also a multi-generational charming city with one of the largest concentrations of modern architecture in South Europe.
Faro makes for a surprisingly interesting city break, as well as a great base to discover the region's wonderful beaches, nature reserves, picturesque towns, and world-class golf courses.
In each apartment, you will find a little book of local tips curated by the owners Chris and Ange. It has lots of awesome recommendations for restaurants, bars, and things to do in and around Faro, not to mention an awesome modernist architecture tour for you to follow.
If you’re feeling too relaxed to make breakfast, facing the apartments you have Chelsea Coffee and Brunch, a bistro with outdoor seating serving various egg dishes, pancakes, tapiocas (Brazilian crepes), pastries and speciality coffee.
Read on to discover more local tips.
Wander around Faro and discover its architectural gems with The Modernist's self-walking tour.
Photography credit: @themodernistfaro
For dinner, we had a lovely time at one of The Modernist’s recommendations. A Venda is a restaurant run by friendly locals, serving Portuguese tapas-like dishes. The menu includes a decent and tasty selection of vegetarian options - unusual for Portugal.
Praia de Faro (Faro’s beach), also known to locals as Ilha de Faro (Faro’s Island), is a 15-minute drive from The Modernist. Here you’ll find some restaurants, bars and a couple of surf schools.
Visit Olhão, a quirky and picturesque fishing town near Faro. The old town is a maze of charming cobblestone streets, interesting doors and crazy Portuguese tiles.
Olhão has an authentic local vibe and great little places to eat. One of our favourites is Chá Chá Chá, which is tucked away in a cute secret square.
Hop on a ferry or taxi boat in Olhão to visit some of the local islands, including Culatra, Farol and Armona.
The walk to the beach is a gem in itself. After you’ve walked through the village there’s a boardwalk that will take you to Praia da Culatra (Culatra Beach). The whole walk from the boat until you reach the beach takes around 15 minutes.
We love Cacela Velha (a 45-minute drive from Faro), a quaint village with traditional Algarvian white houses with colourful windows.
Cacela Velha's beaches - Praia de Cacela Velha and Praia da Fábrica - are among some of the best in the region. Cross by foot when the tide is low or hop on a taxi boat when the tide is high.
For seriously good seafood in the centre of Cacela Velha we recommend Casa da Igreja (The Church’s Home). They open at 4.30pm but you will probably want to get there for 4pm to be one of the first to queue.
The Modernist
Rua Dom Francisco Gomes 27
8000-236 Faro
Portugal
Location
The Modernist apartments are located in the heart of Faro, the capital of the Algarve.
By Air
The closest airport to The Modernist is Faro airport. From there you can take a taxi (Uber, Bolt etc. widely available) or hire a car. Hiring a car is highly recommended to explore the region and the beautiful beaches and villages nearby.
Faro (FAO) – 7km
Lisbon (LIS) – 275km
Porto (OPO) – 567m
By Train
Faro Train Station is a 10-minute drive from The Modernist.
© Photos by The Modernist.
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