Faro – Discover the capital of the Algarve
Faro (Algarve) Holiday tips
For some, Faro is just a name that rings a bell thanks to the airport of the same name, where thousands of sun worshippers land and take off every year. But this historical city is more than just an arrival and departure point. Step into the past and discover the village that was converted into a city by the Romans some 2,000 years ago.
Although Faro is not directly on the beach, there are plenty of sights and activities to try. Discover the Ria Formosa park, popular with birdwatchers and beachcombers, the adjacent Praia da Barrinha or explore the old city center full of architectural highlights. From the harbour you can undertake various water activities and around the city you can try the greens at one of the many golf resorts.
On this page you can read my tips for a visit or stay in Faro: the capital of the Algarve. Welcome to Faro!
🚗 Support a local business: rent your car in the Algarve with Luzcar. Click here to open this panel and read more.
The best car rental company in the Algarve is Luzcar: a small family business with a super score of 4.8/5 on Google Maps. The rental prices always include full insurance, you pay no deposit and the car is ready for you at the airport or in Lagos. Moreover, you do not need a credit card!
Discover all the great conditions and excellent prices on this page. Moreover, you will receive free extras from us if you make a reservation directly.
A brief history of Faro
Faro has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The city was originally founded by the Romans and was known as Ossonoba . At that time it was an important port and trading centre. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Faro was conquered several times and ruled by different rulers, including the Visigoths and the Moors.
In the 13th century, Faro was reconquered by the Christian kings of Portugal during the Reconquista . The city received a new impetus under the reign of King Afonso III, who made it the capital of the Algarve.
In the 16th century, the Golden Age of Discoveries brought a period of great prosperity to Faro. The city profited from the trade routes to Africa, Asia and America, and served as a departure point for many explorers. Unfortunately, Faro was also hit by the devastating earthquake in 1755, followed by a tsunami and a great fire. Most of the city was destroyed and had to be rebuilt. Despite this, Faro managed to retain its historical character, with charming streets and old city walls.
Today, Faro is a welcoming city that offers both old world charm and modern amenities. The historic centre, known as Cidade Velha , is a popular tourist destination with its cobbled streets, historic buildings and pleasant squares.
Top 15 Sights in Faro
Although Faro is not as well known as a tourist attraction compared to its neighbours Albufeira or Tavira , a visit to this old town is definitely worth it. You will experience a nice combination of nature, culture, history & shopping.
These are the top 15 sights in and around Faro that I recommend visiting:
1. The cathedral of Faro & the old center
The cathedral of Faro dates back to the 13th century and this is certainly reflected in the architecture, decoration and interior. Around this old monumental building you will find a maze of old-fashioned streets that give you a hint of what it was like in Roman times.
The old centre is not very big, but thanks to the adjacent sea mouth you can still take a nice long walk before trying typical Portuguese dishes in one of the many atmospheric restaurants.
2. Ria Formosa nature reserve
The Ria Formosa Nature Reserve is a beautiful protected area that you probably saw from the plane. In the turquoise water live hundreds of species of animals, from colorful birds to fish of all shapes and sizes.
The best way to visit the Ria Formosa Natural Park is by boat. You will sail through the maze of canals and the guide will tell you about the flora and fauna and the history of the region. Further down the page you will find a number of boat trips that I recommend.
3. Municipal Museum of Faro
The Municipal Museum of Faro is a historic monastery that now serves as a museum with permanent and temporary archaeological exhibitions.
It’s not a big museum, but with an entrance fee of only €2, you can’t complain if you want to learn more about Faro’s history or take shelter from the sun during the hottest part of the day.
4.Igreja da Ordem Terceira de Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo
The cathedral of Faro dates back to the 13th century and this is certainly reflected in the architecture, decoration and interior. Around this old monumental building you will find a maze of old-fashioned streets that give you a hint of what it was like in Roman times.
The old centre is not very big, but thanks to the adjacent sea mouth you can still take a nice long walk before trying typical Portuguese dishes in one of the many atmospheric restaurants.
5. Capela dos Ossos de Faro
At the back of the church you will find the Capela dos Ossos de Faro , a chapel whose walls and ceiling are made up of hundreds of real skulls and bones of Carmelite monks.
Entrance is through the church and a visit to the chapel is included when purchasing an entrance ticket.
6. Algarve Regional Museum
Discover Portuguese traditions at the Museu Regional do Algarve . This small museum costs only €1.50 and inside you will discover the history and culture of the people of Faro.
You will see old paintings and photos of what life used to be like here, and there are a handful of old machines and vehicles.
Some of the explanation is in English, but unfortunately not all. You will be busy here for about half an hour.
7. Faro Marina
A little northwest of the old town you will find the harbour of Faro: the Faro Marina . This beautiful marina is atmospherically lit in the evening and is the starting point for the many water activities that you can undertake in the Algarve.
On the quay you will find all kinds of restaurants with dishes from all over the world, but of course also plenty of Portuguese specialties.
8. Praia de Faro
A visit to Praia de Faro beach is extra fun because besides being a beautiful beach, you can also get there by ferry from the centre of Faro!
For just €3.50 you have a return ticket and enjoy the beautiful surroundings twice for half an hour while the ferry slowly brings you to Faro Island. Once you arrive you can walk along the coastline, or relax in one of the restaurants and bars that can be found on the island.
There is also a campsite, if you are looking for a campsite by the sea in the Algarve.
9. Forum Algarve shopping centre
A short half hour walk from the centre of Faro you will find the Forum Algarve shopping centre. If you come by car, you can park for free and then shop for hours in this outlet shopping centre.
From well-known clothing stores to boutique shops, you may need to book extra hold luggage after a visit to this shopping paradise.
If the weather is bad one day, you can also visit the NOS cinema where they show current films and sometimes also broadcast concerts.
10. Tavisland
Tavira Island is definitely worth a visit thanks to its 11 kilometres of sandy beach, rolling dunes and few buildings. From the nearby town of the same name Tavira you can easily take a ferry for €2.20 return to this island located off the coast.
Walking arrival and departure is also possible via the pedestrian bridge that can be found about halfway across the island. Once crossed by bridge, you can walk to the beach or get on a cute little train that takes you a kilometer through the dunes to the beach for €1.60.
Towards the southwest you will find a nudist beach and towards the northeast a few catering establishments for a snack or drink.
11. Loulé & Castelo de Loulé
Half an hour’s drive from Faro you will find the village of Loulé where you can find the Castelo de Loulé . This old small castle from the second century was rebuilt in the 18th century and has three large towers that keep watch over the city.
This castle is a nice little attraction that you can combine with a visit to the atmospheric streets of Loulé.
From the towers you have a view over the surroundings and the entrance fee is less than €2.00 per person.
12. Tavira (beach)
Situated on the Gilão river and only 30 kilometres from the Spanish border, you will find the quaint town of Tavira . From Faro it is only a half hour drive if you have a rental car .
Besides the fact that you can take the ferry to Tavira Island from here, there are also more than enough sights to see in the old centre of this beautiful settlement.
What immediately stands out are the many church towers that the city is rich in and the atmospheric boulevard along the water where Roman bridges connect the banks of the river. Towards the southeast you will find the colorful salt pans where salt is extracted after a short three kilometer walk.
13. Aquashow Park – Water Park
A day full of water fun for young and old can be found in the Aquashow Park water park. From outdoor and indoor pools to slides, roller coasters and animal shows, your day is over before you know it in this beautiful and spacious water park that also has an adjacent hotel.
Dare to try the many – sometimes steep – slides where you can whizz down alone or together or get on the roller coaster that cruises through the pool with a big splash. If it is just a bit too chilly outside, there are, in addition to a number of water climbing courses, many pools, slides and wellness facilities inside.
Book tickets in advance and avoid waiting in line at the entrance.
14. Olhao
Faro’s neighboring city is Olhão : a pleasant city with a beautiful boulevard. Stroll through the old center and along the market hall to see what life looks like for the average Portuguese.
From the ferry terminal you can take a boat to one of the two islands off the coast and just outside the centre you can visit a salt pan, where you can book a guided tour and swim in a mini Dead Sea.
15. Cerro de São Miguel
The Cerro de São Miguel is a viewpoint located 400m above sea level. By car you can drive here in just 25 minutes from Faro to then enjoy the beautiful view. In the distance you can see Faro and Olhão and the descending and ascending planes that arrive at Faro Airport.
If you are the romantic type, this is an excellent location to take a bottle of wine and optionally your partner for a beautiful sunset moment.
Top 9 activities in Faro (Algarve)
In and around Faro there are many (water) activities that are fun for young and old. Discover the nearby islands & the Ria Formosa nature park while spotting exotic birds or sailing towards the Benagil cave with an organized tour. There are also enough adventures to experience inland, so you will never be bored.
These are the top 9 activities I recommend you do in Faro:
1. Catamaran cruise from Faro to the islands
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Discover the Ria Formosa Natural Park by catamaran with this fun small-scale excursion. Depart from Faro harbour by catamaran on this 4-hour tour.
During this trip you will sail to the islands Ilha da Farol and Ilha da Deserta and you will have an hour per island to view the natural beauty. Bring your binoculars, because you will encounter numerous species of birds along the way, from falcons to redstarts.
Tip: bring a jacket in addition to sunglasses and a cap, as the sea breeze can be chilly while sailing. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own snack or enjoy a delicious Portuguese lunch in the harbour before you leave.
2. Coastline expedition & Benagil cave visit from Faro
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Excursions to the famous Benagil cave also depart from Faro . After meeting your guide, you will depart by bus from Faro to the beautiful area around Algar Seco near Carvoeiro. There you will take a walk along the cliffs and small ‘hidden’ beaches.
The second stop is the Benagil cave, which you will view from above as access without a boat is unfortunately no longer permitted.
The third stop is Praia da Marinha, a beautiful beach where you can see the typical rock formations of the Algarve. Here you have an hour to walk around at your leisure and take pictures of the view.
Then it is time to return to Faro.
3. Dolphin spotting from Faro
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Set sail with marine biologists in search of wild dolphins and other wildlife on this incredibly fun boat trip from Faro.
During 2.5 hours you will search for wild dolphins and learn all about these and other local fauna that lives on and under the water surface. From Faro you will first sail through the beautiful Ria Formosa nature park before you end up in the Atlantic Ocean.
Whale season is between February and May, while dolphins are present all year round. Tip: Bring a jacket as the wind can be chilly even on warm days.
4. Ria Formosa sunset boat trip from Faro
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Enjoy a sunset boat trip in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, where you will learn more about the nature and history of this beautiful lagoon in the Algarve.
Admire the surroundings aboard an eco-friendly solar boat while enjoying a beautiful sunset. The experienced skipper will guide you through the lagoon, its beautiful canals and wetlands, approaching numerous species of birds that inhabit this protected area without any disturbance.
Tip: bring binoculars to see the birds even better!
5. Krazy World – Zoo near Faro
Krazy World is a combination of a zoo, outdoor pool, climbing park, mini golf and go-kart track in one. A fun destination for a day full of fun with the young family.
Discover the different mammals and reptiles in the farm area, then take a dip in one of the pools. It is not as big as the Zoomarine, but therefore a manageable destination for a family with young children.
Book tickets online in advance to receive a small discount.
6. Zoomarine Algarve – Theme park near Faro
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For swimming fun and open-air attractions, head to Zoomarine Algarve . Watch the spectacular dolphin show that is both educational and entertaining. Get up close to sea lions and seals, and walk among birds of prey and tropical birds in the magical forest.
Learn about the oceans at the aquarium, an educational journey to the amazing underwater world. The educational area has more than 20 ecosystems, divided according to the central theme.
End the day by taking a ride on the rapid river rafts, a fun and exciting attraction. Relax on the beach at Zoomarine: a wave pool surrounded by white sand, slides, swimming pools and a water playground.
7. City walk & tasting in the heart of Faro
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The best way to immerse yourself in the local gastronomy is through this walking & tasting tour through the heart of Faro .
Discover 10 different dishes at 4 different locations with a guide while he tells you about the rich history of the city. This culinary discovery tour lasts about three hours and at every stop a drink is of course included.
If you want to get to know the Algarve cuisine in depth, this tour is an absolute must!
8. Birdwatching in the Ria Formosa Natural Park
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Birdwatchers take note! This two-hour boat trip departs from the port in Faro and takes you in search of the numerous water birds that live in the Ria Formosa nature park.
Some common species are storks, little egrets and spoonbills. Wading birds are most common in winter, although birds such as curlew, turnstone and grey plover are constantly present.
On board a local guide will assist with searching and provide information about the flora and fauna, and you can use the binoculars provided.
9. Segway adventure along the coast of Faro
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The Segway is back. Explore the beautiful Algarve coastline by two-wheeler under the guidance of an experienced local guide who will take you along paths that you can’t reach by car.
The Segways are equipped with thick pneumatic tires, allowing you to effortlessly ride off-road over sand and gravel paths. This excursion is suitable for all ages and is very popular with children, who are also allowed to drive a Segway themselves from +-10 years old.
Faro accommodation tips
Faro, the capital of the region, has many nice accommodation options. From luxury hotels to cozy B&Bs and special accommodations such as a city campsite. Faro is an excellent base to discover central and eastern Algarve.
These are my hotel tips for Faro:
1. 3HB Faro
The 3HB hotel in Faro is a true pearl on the Algarve coast and has all the ingredients needed for a successful holiday. The hotel is located in the old town of Faro, making it easy to explore the city on foot before diving into the pool on the roof of the hotel.
As the sun slowly sinks into the sea, order a colourful cocktail at the rooftop bar and enjoy the view until it’s time to dine at the excellent on-site restaurant, or one of the many options around the hotel.
The rooms are spacious and modern and have all the amenities you need. Although there are no kitchens in the rooms, you can make your own coffee and tea and there are bottles of water ready for you in the mini bar.
2. Lemon Tree Stay
Lemon Tree Stay is a super atmospheric guesthouse located on a central square close to the historic center. Hidden behind a yellow door, you enter a small oasis around an old lemon tree.
The small but cozy rooms vary from basic to luxurious, all with a modern bathroom. The friendly hosts provide an excellent breakfast daily to start your day well!
3. Casa da Madalena Backpackers Hostel
Casa da Madalena Backpackers Hostel is a super cozy and atmospheric hostel in the heart of Faro. Thanks to the small scale, it feels very cozy here and you quickly get to know your fellow guests while cooking in the cozy kitchen or on the roof terrace where the hammocks are ready for you.
In the morning you can sit down for a pancake breakfast and in the evening you can enjoy a meal at the large dining table.
The hostel only has 2 rooms with 8 beds so it will never feel crowded here!
Affordable car rental in the Algarve
The best way to discover all the beauty in the Algarve is with a rental car. By renting a car for a few days you can much more easily reach the sights and activities that are not always accessible by public transport.
By renting a car from Luzcar, you are helping a local family business run by Portuguese entrepreneurs. This way you support the local economy and you also get top service, which is often a stark contrast to the large corporations. Luzcar is based in Lagos, but they also offer cars at the airport in Faro. This way you can pick up the car immediately upon arrival and return it at the airport upon departure.
Luzcar’s reputation speaks for itself. Almost 5 out of 5 on Google Maps.
Parking in Faro
In Faro you can find free and paid parking lots where you can park your own or rented car. Below you will find an overview of free and paid parking garages and parking lots that I recommend:
Free Parking in Faro:
- Free large parking lot on the edge of the old center This is simply the best option when visiting Faro. Centrally located, lots of space and free.
Paid parking in Faro:
More of our local tips for your Portugal adventure
⭐ Check out our favourite sights in the Algarve on this page
⛵ Check out this overview of all activities you can do in the Algarve
🚗 This is the best car rental company in the Algarve
📌 Discover the top towns and cities to visit in the Algarve here
🏖 These are our favourite beaches in the Algarve
🛎 Get inspired with our local tips for accommodations in the Algarve
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