Pedro DominguesThe City of Faro is relatively compact, and one morning was enough for me to get to know the entire historic center. Of course, Faro is the capital of Algarve and there is much more to do in the surrounding area. For example, why not take a boat to some of the islands in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, such as the Deserted Island, where the Cape of Santa Maria is located?
I parked next to the walls of Faro and started exploring the historic center on foot from there, walking through the city’s alleys. I visited what for me are the main tourist attractions in Faro, and I will recommend them here to help you create your own itinerary. If you want to know more about all sort of things to do in Faro, please keep reading.
Where is Faro located, in Portugal?
Faro is the capital of Algarve, being its main gateway in the south of Portugal. Its neighbors are Loulé, São Brás de Alportel and Olhão. As a curiosity, here is also the final stage of a possible itinerary along National Road 2, which crosses the country all the way from north to south, providing the possibility of accessing many different landscapes of Portugal.
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Useful tips to visit Faro
1. Rent a Car to visit Faro
To visit Faro, a car will help anyone who wants to explore not only the essentials next to the city, but also the surroundings. I leave you a link to Discover Cars, that I always use when I need to compare prices between rental companies and make my own reservations.
2. How to get to Faro?
As for how to get to Faro, it is very easy, because Algarve airport is located right next to the city, connecting it with Lisbon and Porto, and also other European cities. I recommend using Skyscanner and Google Flights to do some research before buying your tickets, comparing prices and flight conditions.
If you are already travelling in Portugal, you can avoid the planes by using train connections or even buses. Check Rome2Rio website, if you are not sure how to get there from your location. For bus tickets in Algarve, use Rede Expressos or Vamus Algarve; for trains, use CP – Comboios de Portugal.
3. Take out Travel Insurance to visit Faro
I also recommend that you take out travel insurance for your stay in Faro, and I recommend to do it with World Nomads.
>>> Travel Insurance with World Nomads
4. When to visit Faro?
You can visit Faro at any time of the year, depending on what you are looking for. If your goal is just to get to know the city, then you can visit Faro at any time of the year. But if you want to go to the beaches and discover the islands of Ria Formosa, then opt for the summer months, preparing for higher costs, and for more people in the region.
I also leave you a list of the main events and festivities in Faro:
- Santos Populares, during the month of June.
- The International Motorcycle Meeting, in July, 3rd weekend!
- The Festivities of Ria Formosa, a gastronomic event that takes place between the end of July and the beginning of August. Usually for 11 days.
- The Folklore Festival, in the second half of August.
5. What to eat and where to eat when visiting Faro?
In Algarve, you have to eat fish, especially when visiting the coast. How about the Seafood Cataplana, the Octopus, the Tuna Muxama, or even the Grilled Sardines?
For restaurants where to eat when visiting Faro, I leave the following recommendations:
- Restaurante Ria Formosa
- Tasca do Ricky
- À do Pinto
- Portas de São Pedro
- Taberna Zé-Zé
6. Accommodation tips in Faro
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Styles Apartments | 9.6 | Faro Center |
| Sunlight House | 8.7 | Faro Center |
| 3HB Faro | 9.5 | Faro Center |
| Roots Hotel | 9.0 | Faro Center |
| Lemon Tree Stay | 9.3 | Faro Center |
| Opus One – Luxury | 9.2 | Faro Center |
| Faro Guest House | 9.1 | Faro Center |
| Senhor Gigi | 9.4 | Faro Center |
| Happy House | 9.0 | Faro Center |
| Faro Downtown Studios | 9.1 | Faro Center |
| Casa da Madalena Hostel | 9.6 | Faro Center |
| Pousada Palácio de Estói | 8.5 | Estói |
| Vila Milreu | 9.4 | Estói |
Things to do in Faro | Algarve
To help you plan your trip, I share a map below with all the points I will mention. I have divided this article in the same way that I organized the map: Faro’s historic centre, Faro’s beaches and then the surroundings in the interior of the municipality. I tried to write a very complete article about the things to do in Faro and what to see and visit there. 😉 Hope you enjoy it.
Map | Things to do in Faro
Visit Faro Old Town
Consider the order in which I will present each of the sights to visit, as a suggested sequence for your itinerary through the capital of Algarve.
1. Faro Walls
As I already mentioned, I parked the car next to the walls of Faro, namely, in São Francisco Square. It was free when I visited the city.
On one side of this square is the Church of São Francisco, in my opinion totally optional. It is the huge section of the wall that is really interesting to see, with a pleasant garden all around.
The walls of Faro date back to the 9th century, during the Arab occupation, and were built to replace or complement others of late Roman origin. There are still two defensive towers left from the Moors that protected two of the entrance doors to the walled city: the Resting Arch and the Arab door, next to the Town Gate. These two entries will be mentioned in this article.
2. Belmarço Palace
Before entering the old town, crossing the Resting Arch, admire the main façade of Belmarço Palace, nearby. The palace is located in Dom Marcelino Franco square, and was built in 1912, being one of the most beautiful and eccentric buildings in the city of Faro.
3. Resting Arch
Next to the Resting Arch I found some interesting panels about the history of Faro, namely about the independence and reconquest of the city from the Moors, episodes from the 13th century. Did you know that during the Moorish occupation Faro was called Santa Maria do Ocidente?
It is impressive how this Algarve city has such a remarkable history, and it is a pity that the legacies of that history have been seriously damaged by some specific events, such as the 1755 earthquake. What exists today is well preserved in Faro, but you can see that it’s not what it was.
The Resting Arch dates from the 12th and 13th centuries, and has this designation because King D. Afonso III, responsible for the conquest of Faro from the Moors, rested there.
4. Faro Municipal Museum and Dom Afonso III Square
The Resting Arch gives access to Dom Afonso III square, which has a statue in the center in honor of the king. On one side is the Municipal Museum to be visited, located in the former Convent of Nossa Senhora da Assunção.
The Convent itself was female, and cloistered, dating from the first half of the 16th century. After the extinction of religious orders in Portugal, the convent was transformed into a cork factory, before being acquired by the City Council for a museum and municipal library.
The Municipal Museum of Faro is mostly archaeological, with objects from different periods of occupation of this territory, but it also has other types of exhibitions, for example, of sacred art. Of note is the possibility of visiting the convent’s cloisters during the visit to the museum.
5. Old Beer Factory (Faro Castle)
If you follow Rua do Castelo, starting from Dom Afonso III square, you will find the area where the old castle of Faro used to be, today known as Beer Factory. The truth is that the castle lost its military function at the end of the 19th century and was later converted into a brewery. Today it is owned by the City Council.
6. Municipal Gallery of Faro
Also close to Rua do Castelo is the Municipal Gallery, with contemporary art. It is located in a building that was once used for military purposes, much like the castle.
7. New Gate of Faro and Wind Rose
Before exploring every corner of the Cathedral Square, the heart of Faro’s old town, I recommend heading to the 17th-century New Gate, crossing it to the pier outside the walls.
This is a beautiful spot, from where you can admire Ria Formosa next to the city. From here, regular boats leave for Deserted Island, which I will write about later. I also highlight a huge wind rose nearby, drawn on the pavement.
8. Cathedral Square in Faro
In Faro’s Cathedral Square, pay attention to the following places:
- The Church of Santa Maria (Cathedral of Faro), built shortly after the reconquest from the Moors, in the same place where there was a Roman temple and later a Muslim mosque. It has a small chapel of bones and a museum inside, and it is also possible to climb the tower to have the best views of Faro over Ria Formosa.
- The Seminary of São José de Faro, in front of the church.
- The Monument to Bishop D. Francisco Gomes de Avelar.
- Faro Episcopal Palace, from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, currently the official residence of the Bishop.
- And Faro Town Hall building.
9. Faro’s Town Gate and Arab door
The third city gate is the Town Gate of Faro, which dates back to the 19th century. Next to it is the Arab Door, which dates back to the 11th century being original from the walls of Faro.
The Town Gate is undoubtedly monumental, especially from the outside. Of note is the niche with the image of S. Tomás de Aquino, and the Interpretation Center located inside, which can be visited to learn more about the history of Faro.
10. Manuel Bivar Garden and Faro Marina
The Town Gate takes you to Manuel Bivar Garden, the most pleasant place in the city, and also the most central, facing the beautiful marina of Faro. This square was once called Queen Square, and for several centuries it housed important buildings in the city. Therefore, there is no shortage of tourist attractions to visit around here, of which I highlight the following:
- The Bandstand in Manuel Bivar Garden.
- The Church of Misericórdia, from the end of the 16th century, with a small museum of sacred art inside. Noteworthy are the reconstructions it underwent, not only because of the 1755 earthquake, but also because of attacks by English corsairs.
- Bank of Portugal building, built in 1926, on the site of an old vegetable market. The entrance portico stands out, with some Arab influence.
- The letters “I LOVE FARO” overlooking the marina.
- And Café Aliança, one of the oldest in Portugal, with more than 100 years of history. It opened in 1908 and is certainly worth a visit!
11. Bivar Palace and Faro Customs House
Next to Manuel Bivar Garden, you will also find Faro Customs Office and Bivar Palace. It is known that the history of the Customs House dates back to the end of the 15th century, although the current building is more recent (19th century). It still serves the same function.
In turn, Bivar Palace was built in the 18th century and is considered the best example of neoclassical civil architecture in Algarve.
12. Rua de Santo António
The busiest street in Faro is undoubtedly Rua de Santo António. You can easily access this street from Café Aliança, already mentioned. In addition to being the busiest street, it is also the most modern, full of shops and restaurants. One of the best things to do in Faro is without a doubt to visit it.
13. Liberty Square and Algarve Regional Museum
Following Rua de Santo António, you will find Liberty Square and also Algarve Regional Museum, which focuses on Algarve culture. Here you can learn more about the uses and customs of the people of the region, about folklore, legends and the landscape. The museum is made up of around 1400 artefacts.
14. Church of São Pedro
The next destinations will require a considerable detour from the historic center and old town. If you prefer, get back in the car and drive to Carmo Square, discovering the next places from there.
The first location I recommend as a mandatory stop is the Church of São Pedro, but try to pass by the friendly Ferreira de Almeida Square on the way there.
The Church of São Pedro dates back to the 16th century and emerged when the Cathedral was transferred from Silves to Faro. The Church of Santa Maria became the Cathedral, requiring another church for the order of Santiago. That other church would be that of São Pedro.
15. Convent of Santo António dos Capuchos
The Convent of Santo António dos Capuchos dates from the beginning of the 17th century, and has fantastic tiles from the 18th century. It once served as the headquarters of the GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana), jail, and also as a municipal museum, before being transferred to its current premises in the Old Convent of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, in the heart of the old town of Faro.
16. Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo and Bone Chapel
Finally comes the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, with a chapel of bones, in the style of those found in Alentejo, when visiting Évora or even Campo Maior.
The outer façade of Carmo Church is one of the most imposing in Faro, with a robust and not at all elegant appearance. The church was built in the first half of the 18th century, and the chapel of bones was built in the early 19th century. Note that the church closes for two hours during lunch, from 1pm to 3pm. During my visit, it was not open on Sundays, and on Saturdays it was only open in the morning.
Visit the Best Beaches in Faro
After properly visiting the old town of Faro, why not visit the best beaches in the region, right in Ria Formosa Natural Park?
1. Beaches on Culatra and Farol Island
The island is actually just Culatra, but many people divide it into two, considering Culatra Island and Farol Island as separated. It is accessible from Olhão all year round, and from Faro only in summer.
My recommendation is that you buy a one-way ticket to Culatra and a return ticket from Farol. In a whole day, or even in an afternoon enjoying this island, it is perfectly possible to walk between Culatra and Farol, directly on the beach. That’s what I did, and I think it’s really worth it, even if it’s just to get away from the tourist areas and discover a more private little piece of sand! It’s only about 2km from Culatra to Farol.
It should also be noted that the boat does not leave you directly on the beaches, but close to the villages of Culatra and Farol, after which you will have to cross the island to the sea. This island is permanently inhabited by hundreds of people, mostly fishermen, so you will find two villages full of details associated with fishing.
The Lighthouse that gave the name to the supposed “Farol Island”, is from the mid-19th century. It is 46 meters high, and has a range of over 40km. It is possible to visit it every Wednesday, and usually on more days during the summer. From there you have a superb view over Culatra Island and also over Deserted Island, where the southernmost point of mainland Portugal is located. 😉
2. Deserted Island Beach and Cape of Santa Maria
Deserted Island (or Barreta Island) has this name because it is really deserted, being one of the wildest you will find in Ria Formosa, as it is not inhabited. Access is from Faro, and timetables can be consulted through the same link as on the island of Culatra.
The main attraction of this island, in my opinion, is the possibility of walking to Cape of Santa Maria, the southernmost point of mainland Portugal.
3. Faro Island beach
At last, I mention Faro Island Beach. This is different from the previous ones, in that it is not mandatory to reach it by boat, being possible to do so by car or bus through a bridge built for this purpose. This island is inhabited, and is very close to Faro airport.
Other places in Faro surroundings
With regard to places on the outskirts of Faro, but still within the municipality, I will highlight Estói and the Roman ruins of Milreu.
1. Palace of Estói (inn and gardens)
You can’t miss visiting Estói Palace, converted into an inn where you can stay overnight. Check the hotel here.
Estói Palace was built between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries and is clearly one of the most elegant buildings in Faro. I didn’t visit the inside of the palace, because I didn’t sleep at the inn, but I got to know its gardens, and they are really nice.
2. Roman Ruins of Milreu
The Roman ruins of Milreu are also close to Estói, and are what remains of an ancient Roman settlement dating from the 1st or 2nd century, and with occupation until the 6th or 7th century.
3. Km 738 of National Road 2 (EN2)
National Road 2 is considered a mythical Portuguese road, and is also the longest in Portugal, crossing the country from end to end, from north to south. In Faro you will find the ending of it: KM738. Why don’t you start here a journey to the north?
Guided Tours to visit Faro and Algarve
Why don’t you go on a specific tour in Faro region or from Faro? Below are examples of possible guided tours in Algarve with Civitatis, Viator and Get Your Guide, but if you do your own research, you will find even more alternatives on these websites. 😉 Check at least the ones related with Ria Formosa, I highlighted them.
Guided Tours with Get Your Guide: 1 - Tavira Tuk Tuk City Tour 2 - Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour 3 - Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option 4 - From Lagos: Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade 5 - From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour 6 - Benagil Caves and Secret Spots Guided Kayaking Tour 7 - 1-Hour Carrapateira Horseback Riding Tour 8 - From Albufeira: Half-Day Algarve Jeep Safari 9 - From Lagos: Kayaking and Boat Cave Explorer Tour 10 - Loulé: TechSalt’s Rock-Salt Mine Tour 11 - Portimão: Pirate Ship Cave Cruise 12 - Albufeira: Single, Double or Triple Parasailing Tour
Guided Tours with Viator: 1 - Dolphins and Benagil Caves from Albufeira 2 - Boat trip to the caves of Benagil (from Lagos) 3 - Benagil Caves Tour from Portimao 4 - Benagil Cave tour from Faro 5 - Benagil Long Boat tour (From Carvoeiro to Praia da Marinha) 6 - Boat Tour to Benagil Caves from Armacao de Pera 7 - Kayaking in Secret Algarve Benagil Caves 8 - Benagil Area Kayak and SUP (from Albufeira) 9 - Kayak Trip in Lagos and Ponta da Piedade 10 - Parasailing from Albufeira Marina by Boat 11 - Coasteering and Cliff Jumping Near Lagos 12 - 2 hour Off-Road Buggy Adventure Tour from Albufeira 13 - Jeep Safari in the Algarve Mountains (Albufeira) 14 - Sunset Tour on a Luxury Sailing Yacht from Vilamoura 15 - Ria Formosa Natural Park and Islands Boat Cruise from Faro 16 - Boat trip to the 3 Islands of Ria Formosa (Olhão) 17 - Classic Food Tour in Lagos 18 - Wine Tasting Tour from Albufeira 19 - Tandem Skydiving in Algarve 20 - 2 Hour Surf Lesson at the Algarvian West Coast
Guided Tours with Civitatis: 1 - Tuk Tuk Tour in Tavira 2 - Benagil Caves Speed Boat Ride from Portimão 3 - Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Lagos 4 - Ponta da Piedade Caves Boat Trip from Lagos 5 - Albufeira Half Day Safari Tour 6 - Faro Walking Tour 7 - Parasailing in Albufeira 8 - Ria Formosa Eco Boat Trip from Faro 9 - Benagil Caves Boat Tour from Carvoeiro 10 - Deserta and Farol Islands Cruise from Faro 11 - Lagos Dolphin Watching or Dolphin Watching in Albufeira 12 - Sagres Coast Sunset Jeep Tour from Lagos
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Leiria
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
I hope you enjoy visiting this city of my country. 😉 If this article with Things to do in Faro (South of Portugal) was useful for you, please send me your feedback below, in the comment section.
