Are you planning a vacation in Portugal and wondering what the best things to do in Faro ? The capital of the Algarve and gateway to this southern region of the country has a charming old town with a rich history. Its monuments, lively nightlife, museums, and medieval pedestrian streets make it a great base for exploring the eastern Algarve.
We visited Faro in May during our Algarve road trip. In this blog post, I’ll show you all the must-see attractions, the most beautiful beaches, and everything worth seeing in the surrounding area.
Visiting Faro : what to do and see in the city ?
Most of the things to do in Faro are located inside the old town surrounded by ancient walls. It sits right next to a large free parking lot (see “where to park” below), which makes visiting Faro very convenient. Those looking for shopping, restaurants, and bars will head instead to the more modern part of the city just to the north. Faro has a large marina but no beaches right at the foot of the city. The coastline here is occupied by the lagoons of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.
Arco do Repouso
This is the first place to visit in Faro when arriving from the parking lot located east of the old town’s fortifications. The Gate of Rest, if translated into English, was the gate that allowed people to pass through the walls of the medieval city. It was built by the Almohads (Muslim Berbers from Morocco) in the 12th century to defend against Christian attacks. It consists of two towers and two arches. Once through the gate, you discover a small cobbled street lined with old houses.
Museu Municipal de Faro
Continuing straight ahead, you arrive at Praça de D. Afonso III (recognizable by the statue of the King holding his scepter), where the Municipal Museum is located. It is dedicated to the history of the city from Roman times (with a beautiful mosaic depicting Neptune) to the present day (20th-century paintings), including the Moorish period during the Middle Ages. Even if you are not a big history fan, I recommend visiting for the architecture of the building. The museum is located inside a superb 16th-century convent (Our Lady of the Assumption). One of the most beautiful buildings to visit in Faro. It was occupied by nuns until 1836 before the city bought the convent in 1960 to turn it into a museum.
Price : €2 (€1 for seniors, students, and visitors under 26. Free for children under 12).
Opening hours : 10am–6pm (10:30am–5:30pm Saturday and Sunday). Closed on Monday. Free entry on Sundays until 2:30pm.
Faro Cathedral (Sé)
In the heart of the old town stands one of the most important historic buildings in the city, Faro Cathedral (also known as Igreja da Sé). Very little remains of the Gothic structure built in 1251, largely because of the earthquake that devastated the Algarve in 1755. The only medieval elements that remain from that period are the portal, the tower, two Gothic chapels, and an interior side door. During the 17th and 18th centuries many Baroque modifications were added with gilding and azulejos.
The visit begins in the church nave, where you can see a beautiful organ built by one of Germany’s most famous organ builders in the 17th century. Around ten chapels covered with azulejos are present inside the cathedral, and you will receive a booklet in French with all the explanations. You then go up to the first floor where a Sacred Art museum displays several religious pieces. But I especially enjoyed the panoramic terrace, which offers a superb view over the old town and the islands of Ria Formosa. The cathedral is one of the must-see places to visit in Faro, don’t miss it !
The entrance ticket includes access to the cathedral, the museum, the tower, the bone chapel, and the panoramic terrace.
Price : €5 (€3.50 for students and visitors over 65).
Opening hours : 10am–7:30pm Monday to Friday | 9:30am–4pm Saturday.
Galeria Municipal Trem
If you are looking for what to do in Faro when it rains or if you have already visited all the other monuments, you can stop by the Trem Gallery. It is located at 5 R. do Trem, in the charming small medieval streets behind the cathedral. This space hosts temporary exhibitions of paintings, photography, and sculptures. Only true art lovers will really enjoy it; others will simply admire the pretty building that houses the gallery as they pass by.
Price : free.
Opening hours : 11:30am–6pm Tuesday to Friday | 10:30am–5pm Saturday | Closed Sunday and Monday.
Walk through the old town
To visit Faro and soak up the atmosphere of its old town, I recommend simply wandering around at your own pace. The medieval cobbled streets and whitewashed house facades immediately take you back in time. The district is very quiet, few cars venture here and most tourists stick to the main sights. Faro’s old town is relatively small, so it’s impossible to get lost.
As you stroll through the streets you will discover a few terraces inviting you to take a break and cool off. For our part we stopped at “O Castello”, a bar-restaurant that also turns into a club in the evening. It offers a beautiful view of the sea from its terrace, but that’s about it. We didn’t really like its factory-like atmosphere and the staff were not particularly friendly. In addition, the prices are quite high; you mainly pay for the setting and the reputation of the place. If you are looking for a calm and family-friendly spot to have a drink, I suggest looking elsewhere. But if you want to experience Faro’s lively nightlife, you may enjoy it.
Arco da Vila
This huge neoclassical gate allows you to leave (or enter, depending on where you come from) the old town toward the more modern city center. It was built in 1812 by an Italian architect. At the top of the gate there is a bell tower but also several nests with storks. During our Algarve road trip in May we saw many storks.
Inside the Arco da Vila you can still see the old Arab gate dating from the 11th century. This gate allowed entry into the city for those arriving from the sea (the city was surrounded by walls). It is a fine example of Muslim architecture from that period.
When exiting through the Arco da Vila gate, you will find yourself facing a garden next to Igreja da Misericórdia, a church whose origins date back to 1499. We arrived too late to go inside (it closes at 5pm). Entry is free, so you can always take a quick look as you pass by.
Igreja de São Pedro
This 16th-century church located in the city center could almost go unnoticed with its modest white façade. Yet the interior is worth a visit, especially since it is free (which is quite rare in the Algarve and in Portugal). Inside you will find three naves decorated with azulejos and a Rococo-style altarpiece. If you are heading toward Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo it does not even require a detour, so you might as well stop in.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo
This is one of the most beautiful churches in the Algarve and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. I recommend not missing it if you are looking for what to do in Faro. The church was founded in 1713, but its Baroque façade with two towers was built after the 1755 earthquake.
The interior consists of a single nave with its choir and four side chapels. The omnipresence of gilded carved wood is immediately noticeable. Behind the church (accessible with the same ticket) is the Bone Chapel entirely covered with bones and skulls from more than a thousand monks. Apparently they are fond of ossuaries in Portugal because we saw the same thing in Évora.
Price : €2.
Opening hours : Monday to Friday 9am–1pm and 3pm–6pm (5pm from October to March) | Saturday 9am–1pm | Closed Sunday (mass at 9am).
Faro city center
Faro has a pleasant pedestrian city center for strolling or shopping. Roughly speaking, it is the whole area between Manuel Bivar Garden, Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo, and the Museu Regional do Algarve. You will find many shops as well as bars and restaurants. To eat or have a drink after visiting Faro, this is the area to head to (along with the old town inside the walls).
If you have already visited the rest of the Algarve and more charming towns like Lagos, Faro may seem a bit dull in comparison.
What to do around Faro ?
Faro beaches
As mentioned at the beginning of this article about things to do in Faro, the city lies behind the lagoons of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. That is why you will not find beaches directly at the foot of the city. The closest one, Praia de Faro, is located on Ilha de Faro 9 km west of the city.
By car you will find a parking lot set back from the beach (GPS coordinates). Buses run between Faro city center and the parking area (line no. 16). From the parking lot you then need to walk 15–20 minutes to reach Praia de Faro. In summer you can also take the ferry that connects Faro’s center to Praia de Faro. There are 16 crossings per day; check the schedule on the official website. Tickets (€3.75 round trip) are purchased directly at the pier.
Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
The lagoons and islands that make up the Ria Formosa National Park stretch for 60 km along the coastline of the eastern Algarve. This protected area is an important nesting site for many species of birds. Bird-watching trips through the park’s channels are very popular among bird lovers. The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is also home to salt marshes where the salt sold in shops across Faro and the Algarve is harvested.
Many excursions allow you to explore Ria Formosa National Park :
- From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour (duration 5 hours)
- Faro: Ria Formosa Faro Islands Boat Tour (duration 3 hours)
- From Faro: Ria Formosa Sunset Boat Trip (duration 1 hour)
- From Faro: Catamaran Boat Trip to Deserta Island with Stop (duration 45 minutes)
All these activities can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance. If you already know the dates of your stay in Faro, I recommend booking in advance. The entire Algarve region is very touristy, especially in July and August.
Tavira
You cannot miss the prettiest town in the Algarve if you are looking for what to do in Faro. Tavira lies on the Gilão River 40 km east of Faro. The town has a charming historic old quarter where you will discover an old castle with walls and many churches. Walking through its medieval cobbled streets is one of the most pleasant experiences in the region. Tavira also has many excellent restaurants, making it an ideal place to spend an evening.
To reach Tavira from Faro you can take the train (€3.20 – 35 min) or the bus (€4.35 – 1 hour). By car it takes about 35 minutes (40 km) depending on traffic. On site there are several free parking areas. You will find all the information and tips in my article things to do in Tavira.
Milreu ruins
The Roman ruins of Milreu are located 12 km from Faro (15 minutes by car). It can be a nice excursion idea if you are looking for what to do in Faro after visiting everything in the city. The site, which might look like a village, is actually the ruins of a single large Roman villa inhabited from the 1st to the 10th century. It is surrounded by baths and a religious building.
The ruins are not in excellent condition except for the baths’ pools. The mosaics depicting fish and cephalopods are very well preserved. At the time it must have been a very luxurious Roman villa. The temple (2nd photo) is also decorated with mosaics showing fish. It was probably dedicated to an aquatic deity. In the 6th century the temple was turned into a church and then converted into a mosque in the 7th century.
The Milreu ruins are a good example of Roman occupation in the Algarve. But don’t expect an exceptional site; aside from the beautiful mosaics, it’s not Rome or Pompeii.
Price : €2.
Opening hours : 10am–6pm from May to September | 9am–5pm from October to April.
Igreja de São Lourenço de Almancil
This 18th-century church located 15 km from Faro is mainly known for its azulejos, which represent a masterpiece of Portuguese Baroque art. Inside, the dome, the walls, the nave, and the choir are completely covered with azulejos. The painted ceramic tiles depict the life of Saint Lawrence.
Inside, photos are forbidden and someone makes sure you respect the rule. If you follow the blog you know my fondness for forbidden photos, but since we were alone and the person never left us alone, I couldn’t even take a single shot. It was easier in the Sistine Chapel ! 🙂
Igreja de São Lourenço de Almancil is located 15 km west of the Milreu ruins, so the best option is to visit both sites on the same day.
Price : €2 (cash only).
Opening hours : 10am–1pm and 3pm–5pm Monday to Saturday.
Excursion to the Benagil cave from Faro
The Benagil Cave is surely one of the most famous sites in the Algarve, if not in Portugal. Photos and videos of this cave frequently circulate on social media. It is located 60 km west of Faro, so not exactly nearby. If you are on an Algarve road trip you will probably visit it later. For our part we went there by kayak from Benagil Beach. You can find all the information on how to get there in my guide to visiting the Benagil Cave.
But if I mention it in this article about things to do in Faro, it’s because you can go there directly from Faro with this excursion. This will be especially useful for travelers who have not rented a vehicle or who plan to spend their entire stay in Faro. The excursion includes round-trip transport, a guide, a waterproof phone bag, and bodyboard equipment to reach the cave.
Dolphins and whales watching
The Atlantic Ocean along the southern Algarve coast is home to different species of cetaceans, birds, and other marine animals. This 2.5-hour dolphin and whale watching cruise will certainly appeal to children as well as adults. After crossing the islands of the Ria Formosa Natural Park where you will see many birds, you will reach the ocean to observe wild animals such as dolphins, whales, and porpoises.
Whale season runs from February to May, while dolphins live here year-round. You will also see many seabirds such as gannets, as well as blue sharks and hammerhead sharks, and even a few sea turtles. Two marine biologists will provide all the information about the wildlife and the surroundings.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity with a full refund. Feel free to make your reservation as soon as you know the dates of your stay in Faro.
Aquashow Park
Fans of water parks should not miss a visit to Aquashow Park, the largest water park in Portugal. It offers many attractions and leisure areas with an outdoor pool, children’s zones, slides, restaurants, and bars. If you enjoy thrills, don’t miss the 32-meter-high kamikaze slide for the sensation of surfing a giant wave. Try the wave pool that simulates realistic ocean waves or the largest water roller coaster in Europe.
The entrance ticket gives access to the slides, pools, attractions, and shows. Aquashow Park is located 18 km from Faro.
Praia da Marinha
This stretch of fine sand nestled at the foot of ochre-colored karst cliffs is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. It is located about 40 minutes from Faro and requires a car to get there. On site there is a paid parking lot, but it fills up quickly. You should arrive fairly early to be sure to find a spot. The parking area is also the starting point for the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
To reach this beach ranked among the 100 most beautiful in the world, take the path starting on the left at the viewpoint platform and then the staircase. On site you will find places to eat and rent kayaks.
Where to stay in Faro ?
The city of Faro can be a good base for exploring the eastern Algarve. Book well in advance, especially if you are visiting in July or August, to ensure good availability and the best prices. If you are wondering which city to stay in, I recommend reading my article about where to stay in the Algarve.
- 68 € : Faroway Hostel, this accommodation located right in the city center is one of the best options for cheap accommodation in Faro. For backpackers, there are even dorm beds from €26 per night.
- 85 € : São Pedro Suite Faro, excellent value for money for this bed and breakfast offering beautiful rooms with private bathrooms in the city center. A great choice for visiting Faro without spending too much.
- 104 € : Old Charming House Faro, if you like the architecture of old whitewashed houses, this accommodation in Faro should appeal to you. The beautifully decorated rooms are spacious and very popular with travelers.
- 110 € : Le Jardin Secret de Faro Guesthouse, this 25 m² studio with a terrace for breakfast is modern and well decorated. It has a kitchenette so you can cook if you want to avoid restaurants.
- 129 € : Cardeal Suites & Apartments, this apartment located 400 meters from the center includes a fully equipped kitchen with a dining table, ideal for eating at home during a stay in Faro.
- 144 € : Lemon Tree Stay, the highlight of this guesthouse is its rooftop terrace with sun loungers. The rooms are modern and breakfast is included in the price. Very well located near shops and restaurants.
Tips and travel guide for visiting Faro
How to get to Faro ?
Since Faro is the gateway to the Algarve thanks to its airport, there is a good chance you will arrive by plane. Many low-cost airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair offer direct flights between France and Faro. To find the best fares for your dates, I recommend using this flight comparison tool.
By car from Lisbon it takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes via the highway. For our part, we came from Évora, a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that I recommend visiting before heading down to the Algarve.
A rental car will be essential if you plan to explore the Algarve on a road trip. It is the best way to get around between all the places to see in southern Portugal. To find the best deal I always use this price comparison tool that allows you to rent a car at the best price. All major international rental agencies are present at Faro Airport.
How to get from Faro airport to the city center
Faro Airport is located only 7 km from the city. If you do not plan to rent a vehicle, you can reach the center of Faro by bus. Several lines serve the city center and the old town : buses no. 15, 16, and 56.
Otherwise, as in any airport in the world, you will find taxis to reach Faro city center. Expect to pay around €10 for the ride between the airport and the center (plus €2 per bag).
Parking in Faro
The best free parking in Faro is at Largo de São Francisco, at the foot of the old town walls on the east side (GPS coordinates). This is the one we used to visit Faro. It is very well located and there are plenty of trees providing shade for the cars. The Largo de São Francisco parking area is large enough that you should easily find a spot. Never leave anything visible inside a car in Portugal, thefts are common.
How long to spend in Faro and best time ?
One day is more than enough to visit Faro and all the sites presented in this guide. The fastest visitors could even spend just half a day there before heading to Albufeira or starting a road trip. The city, although interesting for its historic sites, is not the most charming in the Algarve. Most travelers prefer strolling in other towns like Lagos, for example. For our part, we enjoyed our visit to Faro but nothing more, we only spent half a day there before returning to Tavira.
The best time to visit Faro is in spring and autumn when it is not too hot. This is the ideal season for hiking, and you can even swim if you are not too sensitive to cold water. Summer, especially July and August, is the peak tourist season. There are then many tourists on the beaches and in the towns, and it is not always pleasant with the intense heat. Not to mention that prices are at their highest in summer. The mild and sunny winter climate of the Algarve also makes it a good destination for those looking for sunshine at that time of year.
This Faro travel guide should now help you plan your stay in the Algarve more easily. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section of the blog.