Since Faro has an airport, many travelers start their exploration of Algarve right here. In this guide I will share Faro, Portugal: 18 Best Things to Do and See. You’ll find it on the southern tip of Portugal, and this city is also the main center of Algarve, making it an ideal starting point for exploring this region. You’ll find beautiful beaches here, as well as historical sites and nice restaurants and cafes.
Best Time to Visit Faro
We most often visit Algarve off-season in February or in October and November because the weather is pleasantly sunny, and there aren’t many tourists, although you can’t swim (Luky did go in in October though 😁, but I didn’t).
In spring, in April and May, temperatures are mild, around 20-25°C, which is ideal for walks and nature trips. The hardier ones already swim, and you won’t bake like in summer.
Summer (June-August) brings hot days with temperatures above 30°C, perfect for beach activities and water sports; however, you must expect it to be very touristy here.
The autumn months of September and October are probably ideal; temperatures are around 25-30°C, you can still swim well until early October, and there aren’t as many tourists.
Winter here is quite sunny (even though it rains the most at this time, it’s still little compared to Czech standards), it’s really not for swimming, but it’s peaceful, and you can explore the most beautiful beaches almost without people.
How to get around Faro and the Surroundings?
It’s best to rent a car because local public transport isn’t ideal if you want to see a lot. Bus coverage isn’t perfect, and you’d have to take taxis. Moreover, car rental isn’t usually expensive; we recommend checking RentalCars before you fly to Faro, as you’ll get better deals there than directly at the airport.
Best Accommodation in Faro: Hotel and Apartment Tips
Where to stay in Faro? If you want something cheaper, you’ll find Baron Faro – Guest House near the center, and it’s sufficient as basic accommodation.
If you’re looking for a great apartment, among the best is be Unforgettable Apartment, but they are often sold out during the season.
Want something a bit more luxurious? In this location, nothing beats 3HB Faro, but you’ll pay for it too.
Craving something more grandiose? 10 km from Faro, you can stay in a palace – Pousada Palacio de Estoi – Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
What to See in Faro: Interesting Places
You’ll find a lot in Faro; it has a rich history, beautiful beaches, and a short distance away you’ll also find beautiful natural parks. Let’s take a look at what you shouldn’t miss in Faro.
Centro Histórico (Vila Adentro)
Centro Histórico, known as Vila Adentro, is the heart of Faro’s historic center. It is located right by the docks with views of the beautiful Ria Formosa, which was once the economic lifeline of the area.
Don’t miss visiting Sé Cathedral and the municipal museum, which is housed in a former monastery. And when you’ve had enough of history, enjoy a coffee in one of the cozy squares where you can observe local life.
Sé Catedral De Faro
The dominant landmark of Faro is undoubtedly the cathedral Sé Catedral de Faro. This Roman Catholic cathedral is one of the most important historical monuments in the city.
It was built in 1251, and you can climb up to the tower for 3.5 euros, from where you have a magnificent view of the surroundings.
Igreja Do Carmo
Igreja do Carmo, also known as Igreja da Ordem Terceira de Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo, is an important religious and historical monument in the city of Faro.
It is known for its Chapel of Bones – Capela dos Ossos, which is decorated with human bones and skulls.
You’ll find it in Largo do Carmo square. This Baroque building was completed in 1719 and is known for its impressive interior, richly decorated with gold from Brazil.
The church is open from Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM, on Saturday only from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Praia De Faro
If you’re already in Faro, you shouldn’t miss the local beach, where, besides golden sand and clear water, you’ll also find nice establishments where you can refresh yourself.
Marina De Faro
You definitely won’t miss the marina, as Faro isn’t that big. Take your time to walk through it, and then you can sit in a nearby cafe or restaurant and have a small bite to eat. We recommend the typical Portuguese dessert pastel de nata.
Parque Natural Da Ria Formosa
From Faro, people most often go on a trip to Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, which is a protected area with rich fauna and flora, including lagoons, dunes, and islands.
This park is a paradise for ornithologists, but also for all nature lovers.
Here you can enjoy walks along the trails, bird watching, or boat trips on the lagoon. If you want to explore this park less traditionally, you can book a catamaran cruise (we used the GetYourGuide portal)
Museu Municipal De Faro
The municipal museum, Museu Municipal de Faro, is housed in the Nossa Senhora da Assunção monastery and offers a rich collection of archaeological and historical artifacts.
In the museum, you can not only cool down on hot summer days, but also explore life in Faro from Roman times to the present day.
The exhibition includes mosaics, sculptures, and various artifacts, which provide a detailed insight into regional history.
Rua De Santo António
Rua de Santo António is the main shopping street in Faro. This pedestrian zone is full of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, so you can buy a souvenir here (cork is very popular here) or taste a local specialty.
Jardim Manuel Bívar
Jardim Manuel Bívar is a beautiful, though smaller, park in the heart of Faro. In summer, you’ll appreciate the park because it can be quite hot during walks. There are also markets here where you can buy some local delicacies or souvenirs.
It depends on what you come across. We haven’t quite figured out if the markets are always here or if we just get lucky every visit.
Estádio De São Luís
Are you football fans? Estádio de São Luís is the main football stadium in Faro. The stadium is home to the SC Farense teams and occasionally hosts various sporting events and concerts. You can go and see the stadium.
Vida Noturna
Where to go for nightlife in Faro? Definitely to Vida Noturna, where you’ll find bars, clubs, and restaurants. It’s probably the busiest street in the city. So if you want to go somewhere for live music, definitely head here; you’ll also find dance venues.
18 Best Things to Do and See
Faro is an excellent starting point for various trips. Visitors can discover beautiful islands, historical sites, and nature reserves.
Ilha Deserta
Want somewhere peaceful? Take a boat to Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta Island. It’s an untouched island near Faro, offering peace, relaxation, and clean beaches. You’ll also find the popular restaurant “Estaminé” here, which mainly serves fish.
Ilha Da Culatra
Ilha da Culatra is another picturesque island off the coast of Faro. You’ll find traditional fishing villages and beautiful beaches there. The island is accessible by ferry from Faro port. Besides exploring the fishing village, you can also visit the lighthouse on Culatra.
Palácio De Estoi
Palácio de Estoi is a beautiful palace in the town of Estoi, about 10 km from Faro. It is now a luxury hotel, but it is freely accessible; you can admire its Baroque and Rococo architecture, mosaics, and sculptures, and have coffee or dinner at the on-site restaurant.
Ruínas Romanas De Milreu
Do you like archaeological excavations? Then I have a tip for you. Head to Ruínas Romanas de Milreu, Roman ruins near Estoi. You’ll find the remains of a villa, baths, and a temple there. You’ll also see mosaics and other artifacts from the Roman era.
Tavira
Tavira is a historic town east of Faro. It is known for its medieval streets, beautiful churches, and river bridge. This town is ideal for a day trip, and you’ll also have time to discover the nearby beaches.
Vilamoura
Vilamoura is a luxurious tourist resort west of Faro. You’ll find golf courses, luxury hotels, and a yacht marina there. People mainly come here for water sports and coastal cruises.
Vale Do Lobo
Vale do Lobo is a prestigious resort south of Faro. You’ll find luxury accommodation, golf courses, and beautiful beaches there. There are also popular wellness centers and tennis courts here. If you just want a taste, head there for dinner with an ocean view.
Where Next?
Read our itinerary for 7 days in Algarve, explore with us the historic towns of Silves and Loulé, and check out the most beautiful beaches. We also include tips on what to do in Carvoeiro, our favorite town in the entire Algarve.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
