Welcome to Faro – the gateway to the Algarve and often the first stop for many who land here and want to immediately explore the coast. But Faro is much more than just an airport stop! The capital of the Algarve offers a charming mix of culture, history, and beautiful nature. Cobblestone streets, historic alleys, cozy cafés, numerous shops, and great restaurants await you.
The surrounding area also offers some great highlights. Explore the lagoons of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, marvel at the historical sights of Faro, and let yourself be swept away by the super relaxed atmosphere. In the following article, we present the top highlights of Faro and provide you with great travel tips for your adventure.
- General information about Faro
- What to expect in Faro
- Sights in Faro
- The most beautiful beaches & Natural Highlights
- Activities & Experiences
- Excursions from Faro
- Restaurant Tips & Cafés
- Great Hotels in Faro
- Practical Travel Tips for Faro
- Sights in Faro – Conclusion
General Information about Faro
Faro is located on the south coast of Portugal and, as already mentioned, is the capital of the Algarve. The city has around 45,000 inhabitants and offers a relaxed, authentic atmosphere away from the typical tourist resorts. As a coastal city on the Atlantic Ocean, Faro impresses with its location on the edge of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a fascinating lagoon system that stretches along the coast and is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. But more on that later.
You should plan at least one day for Faro, or even two – because the city has more to offer than meets the eye. In just one day, you can leisurely stroll through the old town, see Faro’s most important sights, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. With a second day, you have the opportunity to experience the Ria Formosa Natural Park more intensively, for example during a boat trip.
What to expect in Faro
Historic Old Town: Faro’s old town enchants with its cobbled streets, historic city gates, and small, charming squares. One highlight: the Bone Chapel, built from over 1,200 skulls of deceased Carmelite monks.
Ria Formosa Natural Park: Directly at the gates of Faro lies the Ria Formosa Natural Park – a labyrinth of lagoons and islands. Here you can experience the unique landscape and birdlife up close on boat tours or kayaking trips.
Beaches & Islands: The offshore islands, such as Ilha Deserta or Ilha do Farol, offer quiet beaches and crystal-clear waters. Ideal for a relaxing beach day away from the city.
Portuguese Serenity: Faro is less touristy and impresses with its authentic flair – you’ll find cozy cafés, family-run restaurants, and traditional Portuguese markets. We particularly liked that.
Perfect Base Location: Faro is the ideal starting point for further explorations in the Algarve. Thanks to good connections, you can quickly reach other highlights such as Tavira, Olhão, Loulé, or even the beaches on the south coast.
Faro Sights
On the following map, we have marked all the important sights in Faro, including beaches, natural highlights, restaurants, cafés, and hotels. You can save this map and access it offline.
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Old Town (Cidade Velha)
The Old Town of Faro is sure to be your first stop. Behind the historic city walls, a charming mix of narrow streets, white facades, and flower-filled balconies awaits. Faro is significantly less bustling than Lagos. This is probably due to the fact that most tourists head toward the west coast after landing.
The best place to start your tour of Faro is in front of the Faro Cathedral in the beautiful Largo da Sé square. If you climb the stairs to the bell tower, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of the city and the Ria Formosa lagoon (entrance fee: €5). From there, the tour continues through the Arco da Vila, an impressive city gate at the Jardim Manuel Bivar.
Stroll through the cobblestone streets and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the old town’s alleys. One of the popular shopping streets can be found on Rua de Santo Antonio, where numerous shops, restaurants, and cafés await you. Also note Rua Conselheiro Bivar, Rua Dom Francisco Gomes, and Rua Vasco da Gama.
Many buildings, especially in the old town, are empty or dilapidated. While this gives the old town a certain charm, it certainly also presents Faro with economic challenges. We suspect that a lot will change here in the coming years. On the positive side…
- Guided Food Tour through the Old Town*
- City Tour of Faro with a Local including Tuk-Tuk*
- Portuguese Wine Tasting and Tapas Guided Tour*
- The Best of Faro – Guided Bike Tour (3h)*
Igreja do Carmo & Bone Chapel
In the northern part of the old town is the Igreja do Carmo, a baroque church with two low bell towers dating from 1719. Take a look inside and marvel at the main altar decorated with lavish gilded carvings. From there, you can enter the adjacent garden, where the so-called Bone Chapel (Capela dos Ossos) is located.
It may seem somewhat macabre, as its walls are decorated with bones – remains of over 1,200 Carmelite monks who have found their final resting place here over the centuries. A €2 entrance fee is charged at the church entrance if you wish to visit the chapel.
Visitor Information
- Address: Largo do Carmo 21, 8000-148 Faro
- Opening hours: Mon.-Sat. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Chapel entrance fee: €2 per person; Reduced 1 €
Port of Faro
The port of Faro, small and charming, is located directly on the beautiful Ria Formosa. Boats depart from here to islands such as Ilha Deserta and Ilha da Culatra – perfect for a relaxing day trip into nature. The promenade along the harbor is beautifully designed and invites you to stroll.
Especially in the evening, when the sun sets over the lagoon, you’ll get that real vacation feeling. In the surrounding cafés and restaurants, you can treat yourself to a snack or a drink and fully enjoy the maritime flair. We recommend a visit to the LAB Terrace Sunset Bar. From there, you can watch the planes landing at sunset.
The most beautiful beaches & natural highlights
Ria Formosa Natural Park
The Ria Formosa Natural Park is an absolute insider tip in the Algarve. The lagoon system stretches over 60 kilometers along the coast and offers a fantastic combination of channels, swamps, sandbanks, and islands. Here you will find pristine beaches, salt pans, and marshland inhabited by countless bird species—including flamingos, oystercatchers, little egrets, and rare purple gallinules.
The best way to explore the park is on a boat tour or kayak trip, where you can experience the tranquility and beauty of this fascinating landscape up close. SUP rentals and bike tours are also available. Most tours depart from Faro or Olhão. Be sure to pack a href=”/binoculars-safari-and-nature-observation/”>Binoculars and charge your camera battery beforehand!
Popular tours in the natural park:
- Ria Formosa, Natural Park – Guided Bike Tour (3h)*
- From Faro: Ria Formosa Faro Islands Boat Tour*
- From Olhão: Ria Formosa 3-Island Full-Day Tour*
- Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental with Backpack and Extras*
Praia de Faro
If you’re in Faro and fancy a bit of beach, sun, and sea, then Praia de Faro is just the right spot. Just a short drive from the city (approx. 10-15 minutes), you’ll find Here, a kilometer-long sandy beach is popular with locals, but even in high season, there’s still enough space to relax and spread out your towel.
From the city center, you can get there easily by bus (line 16) or car. Parking is available right on the beach (although sometimes a bit crowded). The bus stop is in front of the almost 500-meter-long, single-lane bridge (stop: Praia de Faro). You’ll have to walk the last few meters.
Along the promenade, there are several cozy beach bars and restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood, salads, and delicious cocktails directly with a sea view (e.g., Wax RestoBar). It’s especially cozy here in the evening, when the sun slowly sinks into the sea and bathes everything in golden light. Wonderful!
Ilha Deserta and Ilha da Culatra
Ilha Deserta and Ilha da Culatra are two beautiful, yet very different islands that are part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Both islands offer great experiences off the beaten track and are worth a visit if you are looking for nature, beaches, and peace and quiet.
Ilha Deserta
- Pure nature: an untouched island with hardly any buildings or infrastructure. Here you are truly “alone” with nature.
- How to get there: There is a ferry from Faro that regularly sails to the island. The journey takes about 35 minutes.
- Beaches: The long, white sandy beaches are perfect for enjoying the peace and quiet. Even in high season, the island remains relatively quiet.
- Activities: Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and walking. There is a marked hiking trail that takes you across the island and offers fantastic views of the lagoon and the sea.
- Restaurant: There is only one restaurant on the island, the “Estaminé,” where you can enjoy fresh seafood and regional dishes.
Ilha da Culatra
- Fisherman’s Idyll: Culatra is home to a small fishing village that enlivens the island. Here you can experience authentic island life and learn about the traditional fishermen’s way of life.
- How to get there: Ferries depart from Faro or Olhão and take you to the island in about 25-30 minutes.
- Beaches: The main beach is beautiful and a bit livelier than the one on Ilha Deserta, but still has a relaxed, low-key vibe.
- Activities: Perfect for walks through the dunes and visits to the village. Culatra is also popular with birdwatchers as the island is located in a nature reserve.
- Infrastructure: There are a few small restaurants and cafés where you can eat well and inexpensively.
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Activities & Experiences
Boat Tours
From Faro, you have various options for exploring the surrounding area by boat. Tours to the popular islands of Deserta, Farol, and Culatra are offered. Dolphin and other marine life viewing tours are also a highlight. If you like romance, a sunset catamaran tour might be interesting for you.
- From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in the Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour*
- Dolphin and Wildlife Watching in the Atlantic Ocean*
- Faro: Ria Formosa Sunset Boat Tour*
Water Sports
Do you like to be active and get a little physical exercise? Explore the canals and islands of the Ria Formosa by kayak. Guided tours and rental options are available. The calm waters of the Ria Formosa Natural Park are also ideal for stand-up paddleboarding. Guided tours take you through the lagoon landscape, where you can discover the local flora and fauna.
The beaches around Faro, especially Praia de Faro, are ideal for surfing and kitesurfing. There are several surf schools offering courses for all levels (e.g., AMAR Surfing Academia or Surf Club Faro). If you’re interested in diving tours, it’s best to inquire at the dive centers in Portimão.
- Kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental with backpack and extras*
- Algarve: 2-hour Ria Formosa kayak tour from Faro*
Hiking
The Algarve may be better known for its beaches, but the region also has beautiful hiking trails. The Ludo Trail takes you approximately 8 km through the beautiful Ria Formosa Natural Park (partly over wooden boardwalks) and offers great views of the lagoon and numerous birdwatching opportunities.
An alternative is the shorter São Lourenço Hiking Trail, which offers fantastic views of the Atlantic and the offshore islands. Plan for about 2 hours and be sure to pack binoculars. At low tide, you’ll see many water birds wading through the shallow waters, searching for food. You can find more information about these hiking trails here: Hiking Ria Formosa.
Excursions from Faro
Faro is a great starting point for exploring the many beautiful places and sights in the area. We’ve listed a few lovely places below that are worth a day trip. Check out our separate articles on the highlights and places in the Algarve as well as the most beautiful beaches.
Olhão (15-minute drive)
The charming fishing village of Olhão is known for its authentic atmosphere and lively markets. The two red market halls right on the water are a must-see. Here you’ll find fresh fish, seafood, fruit, and vegetables—perfect for a snack or souvenir.
Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town with its whitewashed houses and Moroccan-inspired buildings. From Olhão, you can visit the islands of Culatra and Armona, which are part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Also discover the many cool graffiti on the walls and facades of the city.
Estoi (15-minute drive)
The small, pretty village of Estoi, north of Faro, is particularly known for the magnificent Palácio de Estoi and its Roman ruins. The Rococo-style palace is famous for its elaborate gardens, decorative tiles, and impressive architecture. Be sure to take the time to stroll through the gardens.
Loulé (25-minute drive)
Loulé is known for its traditional markets, artisanal crafts, and relaxed, typically Portuguese atmosphere. The colorful Moorish-style market hall is the heart of the town. Here you will find local handicrafts, fresh food, and souvenirs.
Stroll through the cobbled streets and visit the castle, which now houses a small museum. It’s especially busy here on Saturdays, when the weekly market takes place. Countless locals and tourists flock to the old town to pick up a bargain or two.
Tavira (40-minute drive)
Tavira is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve and enchanted us with its historic charm and the many bridges over the Gilão River. The 17th-century bridge is a popular photo spot and offers a beautiful view of the town. Explore the ruins of the medieval castle and enjoy the panoramic view over Tavira and the coast.
Restaurant Tips & Cafés
100 Montaditos Faro: 100 Montaditos is a Spanish restaurant chain known for its wide selection of small sandwiches, called “Montaditos.” Here you can customize the small baguettes.
Baixacaffé: The Baixacaffé is a small, charming café in the heart of the old town. It offers a cozy atmosphere with seating both indoors and on the pedestrian street. Be sure to try the Pastéis de Nata!
Grains 864: The Grains 864 Brewpub is a popular pub known for its wide selection of craft beers and relaxed atmosphere. They offer draft and bottled beer, with almost 90 different varieties from all over the world.
Restaurante La Forchetta: La Forchetta is a charming Italian restaurant in the heart of Faro’s old town. It serves homemade pasta, crispy pizzas, and traditional desserts. Damn delicious!
LAB Terrace – Sunset Bar: This bar is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike. From the terrace, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sunset over the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Wine, cocktails, champagne, and sangrias are available here.
Se7e Pedras Wine Bar & Restaurant: This chic restaurant offers creative Portuguese cuisine with international influences. The menu includes tapas and main courses that appeal to both meat and fish lovers. Vegetarian options are also available.
Great Hotels in Faro
You are still on Looking for a nice hotel for your time in Faro? We’ve picked out some really chic accommodations for you, which are top-rated and which we would also book ourselves.
Lemon Tree Stay
The charming 3-star Lemon Tree Stay is located in the city center of Faro and awaits you with cozy rooms, creative interior design, a great terrace and a very good breakfast.
Book a room here*
Casas das Ilhas
The Casas das Ilhas accommodation is located outside of Faro and impresses with its beautifully decorated rooms. In addition to a shared kitchen, there is also a small terrace. Fruit, coffee, tea and snacks are available free of charge.
Book a room here*
Amália Boutique Suites & Studios
The chic Amália Boutique Suites & Studios Hotel is located in Faro’s city center. It offers rooms with a garden and terrace, as well as an outdoor pool and a shared kitchen. Everything has been tastefully designed and furnished.
Book a room here*
Quinta dos Poetas Nature Hotel
Located in the Olhão countryside, the Quinta dos Poetas Nature Hotel features a large outdoor pool, a garden with lakes, a fitness trail, a restaurant, and a terrace. Rooms offer a private balcony with panoramic views.
Book a room here*
Pousada Palacio de Estoi
Or would you prefer something truly special? How about a night at the Pousada Palacio de Estoi? This beautiful 19th-century mansion awaits you with exclusive architecture, modern rooms, a wellness area, a restaurant, and much more.
Book a room here*
Practical travel tips for Faro
Arrival and public transport
Faro is easily accessible by plane, as the city has an international airport that is well connected, especially during the summer months. Alternatively, you can travel by train or bus if you are already traveling in Portugal. Flixbus* offers affordable connections within Portugal and Spain.
We recently traveled from Faro to Lisbon for just €13.99 per person. The journey was super relaxing, and we arrived at our destination on time.
Transportation in the city
From the airport, the bus (No. 16) takes you to the city center in about 20 minutes. Public transport is reliable, albeit limited. Buses run regularly and cover the most important spots. You can also book the airport shuttle* in advance for just €5. For more remote locations or more flexibility, we recommend a rental car*.
Weather and Best Time to Visit Faro
Faro has the typical, sun-drenched Algarve climate. The best time to visit is May, June, September, and October. If you don’t mind the heat, July and August are also an option. In spring and autumn, temperatures are somewhat milder, the city is more relaxed, and the surrounding beaches are less crowded. The winter is also mild, but it can still rain.
We were recently in the Algarve for the entire month of May and had fantastic weather the whole way through. It was never too hot and yet still summery warm. It didn’t rain during our stay. The best time to travel to Lagos is May, June, September, and October. If you don’t mind the heat, July and August are of course also an option. However, that’s when the Algarve is busiest.
Travel reading
If you need even more inspiration for your trip to the Algarve, we recommend the following travel guides:
- DuMont direct travel guide Algarve*
- Happy places in the Algarve: Go there & be happy*
- DuMont Travel Guide Portugal*
- Michael Müller Travel Guide Algarve*
Faro Sights – Conclusion
Faro is more than just the gateway to the Algarve! The city has a super-relaxed atmosphere and offers a great mix of nature, sightseeing, cuisine, and culture. Whether you stroll through the winding old town, climb the cathedral tower, or explore the nature reserve, Faro offers a quiet, authentic side of Portugal that’s often underestimated. Faro’s sights may be limited, but that’s precisely what makes the city so pleasant. Thumbs up for Faro!