- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Faro
Faro's history spans millennia, evident in the Cidade Velha walls. Roman vestiges near Milreu precede Moorish rule. The 1755 earthquake devastated the city, yet the rebuilt Sé Cathedral and Igreja do Carmo (Bone Chapel) define what is Faro famous for, showcasing unique reconstruction.
The Ria Formosa Natural Park, a protected lagoon system, is among the best reasons to visit Faro. Its barrier islands like Ilha Deserta offer birdwatching and pristine beaches, accessible by ferry. Explore the salt pans by bike, spotting flamingos and other migratory birds along the way.
When visiting Faro, immerse yourself in fresh, ocean-to-table cuisine. Try cataplana, a seafood stew cooked in a copper pot, or 'conquilhas à Bulhão Pato,' clams steamed with garlic and coriander. The Mercado Municipal offers local produce; ask for carob sweets - an Algarve specialty.
- FaroPortugal
- FaroPortugal
- FaroPortugal
- FaroPortugal
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octwarm, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintermild, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #PowerAdapterTypeC
- #LightWeightClothing
- #Swimwear
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with beaches & day trips
- Euro (€)
- Portuguese
- English commonly spoken in tourist areas
- #FaroOldTown
- #CarmoChurch
- #RiaFormosaNaturalPark
- #TeatroMunicipal
- #PaláciodeEstoi
- #ArcodaVila
- Stroll through the Old Town
- Visit the Bone Chapel
- Relax at Praia de Faro
- Explore the Ria Formosa
- Enjoy local seafood dishes
Recommended Hotels in Faro by Experience
Things to do in Faro
Discover
See top things to do in Faro, like the captivating Old Town, the National Museum with its rich history, and scenic Ria Formosa. Experience stunning views and unique Faro attractions while wandering through the picturesque streets.
Experience
Engage in things to experience in Faro, from outdoor activities like hiking and cycling to cultural events including traditional festivals and music concerts. There's always something exciting happening in this vibrant city.
Old Town
Historic district with charming cobbled streets.
National Museum
Museum showcasing Faro's rich cultural heritage.
Ria Formosa
Natural park with stunning lagoons and wildlife.
Carmo Church
Baroque church known for its Chapel of Bones.
Faro Music Festival
Annual festival featuring local and international artists.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Faro, fly into Faro Airport (FAO). The Faro airport to city center journey is easy via bus #16 (2.35€, ~20 min) or taxi (~15€, ~10 min). A Faro shuttle bus service is also available, booking ahead is advised.
Getting Around
Public transport in Faro relies on local buses. Walking is best for the historic center. For islands like Deserta, take a ferry from Porta Nova pier. Consider using local taxis for longer distances.
Local Essentials
For exploring beyond Faro, car rental in Faro is recommended; book ahead, especially peak season. Parking in the old town is limited. Many small eateries close for siesta (1-3 PM); plan meals accordingly. Carry cash; not all places accept cards.
Where to Stay in Faro
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Faro's authentic food with dishes like cataplana (seafood stew) and pastéis de nata (custard tart). Enjoy late dinners and a thriving café culture. Check out the best restaurants in Faro for local specialties.
Enjoy
Taste the vibrant food scene in Faro at Tertulia Algarvia for modern Portuguese fare, and don't miss the beach vibes at Vila Adentro. Most places are popular, so reservations are smart. Use this Faro food and drink guide for insights.
Tertulia Algarvia
Modern Portuguese cuisine with a cozy vibe; reserve ahead.
Faaron Steak House
American and Mediterranean dishes; known for steaks.
Wax Restobar
Great seafood and international dishes; waterfront views.
Vila Adentro
Quaint showcase of local seafood amidst a great vibe.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Experience Faro cultural activities through long-standing celebrations like the Festa de São João in June. These gatherings highlight the city's historical roots and living traditions, offering an authentic look at Faro's cultural identity.
Enjoy
Experience Faro's contemporary side through the FIESA International Sand Sculpture Festival, citywide art displays, and outdoor concerts. These highlights capture its creative energy and rank among the key things to do in Faro.
Festa de São João
Traditional June celebration with bonfires and music.
FIESA International Sand Sculpture Festival
World-class sand art exhibition, summer months.
Festival Med
World music festival in August, concerts and culture.
Carnaval de Faro
Pre-Lenten celebration with parades and costumes.
Festival do Marisco
Seafood festival showcasing Algarve's best dishes.
Faro is a proper little gem
The old town is gorgeous - cobblestone streets, pretty squares, and the cathedral views are stunning. Great seafood too. Cataplana de marisco was a highlight!
Loved every bit of this city
Faro is so easy to walk around and the locals are genuinely friendly. The Cidade Velha area is beautiful - old walls, quiet streets, and a really relaxed pace. Perfect for a short break away from the usual tourist crowds.
Great city, underappreciated for sure
Most people just fly through Faro to get to the Algarve resorts, but the city itself is worth staying in. The waterfront along the Ria Formosa is calm and lovely, food is cheap and fresh, and it never feels overcrowded.
Relaxed and authentic - loved it
Faro felt real in a way that bigger tourist cities don't. Walked along the Jardim Manuel Bivar waterfront every evening and it was just lovely. The pastel de nata from the local bakeries near the old town is ridiculously good too.
Perfect beach base with a lot more to offer
Came for Ilha Deserta and the beaches didn't disappoint - clear water, no crowds, just beautiful. But the city side of things kept us busy too. Good restaurants, cheap wine, and a really laid-back feel overall. Solid choice.
Faro totally won me over
Didn't expect much honestly- I mean, I knew it was a gateway city but it's so much more. The historic old town walls, the arco da vila entrance, local food scene - all brilliant. Grilled fish here beats anything I've had on a beach holiday.