15 Things To Do In Faro Algarve Portugal

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Things To Do In Faro, Portugal

Welcome to Faro, Portugal, a charming town in Portugal’s Algarve. Beautiful beaches meet interesting history here, making visiting Faro a great experience for everyone. Whether you love nature at Ria Formosa Natural Park or exploring old streets in the Old Town, Faro has lots to see and do. Let’s look at 15 fun things you can do to make your visit special, along with some travel tips.

Getting To Faro Portugal

To get to Faro, Portugal, you can fly directly to Faro Airport, which is the closest airport to the city. Many major airlines offer flights to Faro from various cities in Europe. If you prefer to travel by train, you can take a train to Faro from other cities in Portugal, such as Lisbon or Porto. I recommend spending at least 1 day in Lisbon before making the trip to Faro so you can experience Portugal’s amazing capital city. The train station in Faro is centrally located, making it convenient to reach the city center.

Additionally, you can also drive to Faro using the well-maintained road network in Portugal. The journey by car allows you to enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Dining In Algarve

There are plenty of great places to eat in Algarve, Portugal. Prepare yourself for outstanding seafood, fresh, local produce, and tasty wine.

15 Things To Do In Faro

1. Ria Formosa Natural Park 

The Ria Formosa Natural Park is in the Algarve region. This Park is famous for its islands, marshes, and canals that stretch over 60 kilometers across the southernmost tip of Portugal. The Natural Park has many ecosystems, making it the perfect place to spot wild animals and sea life. Some of the animals that live here are many species of birds, the Portuguese water dog, shellfish, and tuna.

There are also many hikes and activities to do around the Park, such as the Caminho do Ludo – São Lourenço hike, Quinta do Lago – Praia da Ilha de Faro via Caminho do Ludo hike, and lots of kayaking and sailing.

I recommend island-hopping or taking a boat trip around the area to really soak in its beauty. Guests can also opt to take a wheelchair-accessible 2-hour guided bird-watching boat trip. 

2. Cathedral of Faro (Sé de Faro)

This medieval cathedral from the 13th century was originally built as a catholic church until it became a mosque under Moorish rule. Since then, it has been rebuilt as a Roman Catholic Cathedral and consecrated in the Blessed Virgin Mary’s name.

The ceiling and walls of the church’s interior are covered with 17th-century tiles. The church also has a museum with paintings, religious statues, and vestments. One of the best things to do here is climb the tower’s steps and get a view of the city of Faro.

3. Municipal Museum

If you want to learn more about the history of Faro, Portugal, then head to the Museu Municipal. This small museum is located inside the Monastery of the Assumption of Mary. Some of the most important pieces in the museum are the Roman mosaics, prehistoric remains from the area, and many religious artifacts.

There are also paintings by local artists, like Carlos Porfirio. The property’s gardens are a perfect place to relax after a day of learning. If you want to learn more about the history of this area, this is the place to do it.

4. Old Town of Faro

I think a city’s old town is the best way to get to know a city. The Old Town of Faro is full of cobbled streets and old buildings and is surrounded by a medieval wall termed the Old City Walls. Almost everything is located in this part of the city, so if you can, base yourself in or near the old town.

Faro Old Town is entered through the Porta Nova entrance, which leads to the city’s heart. Many cafes and restaurants serve traditional Portuguese cuisine and drinks inside the city walls.

5. Igreja do Carmo and the Capela dos Ossos

In the back of the Igreja do Carmo church is where the Capela dos Ossos (or Bone Chapel) is located. In this 18th-century chapel, you can find over 1,200 human bones from the Carmelite friars who died serving in the church. The bones are all over this little chapel’s walls, ceiling, and even altar.

The Igreja do Carmo is a normal-looking church with a white facade and a stone and wood interior. That makes the Capela dos Ossos hidden inside much more interesting to visit.

6. Palácio de Estoi 

The construction of the Palácio de Estoi began in the 1840s and wasn’t finished until 1909. That’s because the original owner of this property died, and José Francisco da Silva took over the building of this project and made it what it is today.

This luxury hotel is an excellent place to go if you are looking for a fancy place to stay in Faro. It’s a little farther from the city (about 10km), but the beauty of this property is worth the distance. If you’re not looking to stay here, you can visit the gardens surrounding the hotel and admire the hotel from the outside.

7. Faro Marina

If you like yachts and luxury boats, the Faro Marina is the place for you. Here, you can walk around the marina, see the mermaid statue, and watch the sunset from a rooftop bar while enjoying a drink. Also, if you like seafood, then try O Coreto, which is the only restaurant that is actually in the Marina.

There’s also the Museu Marítimo Almirante Ramalho Ortigã, a museum about the boats that have sailed from this port, including the boat that Vasco da Gama sailed to India in 1498.

8. Faro Food Tour

To experience southern Portugal’s food, you need to take a Faro food tour. A food tour will take you around the city to some of the best restaurants that serve the best food.

Some of Faro’s main dishes include Xarém com Conquilhas (corn porridge with clams), Carne de Porco Alentejana (pork and clams, with potatoes), Arroz de Lingueirão (rice and clams), and Raia de Alhada (stingray cooked in garlic). A good food tour will also include drinks like Portugal’s famous port wine.

9. Forum Algarve 

Located just outside the city center, the Forum Algarve is a shopping mall with over 150 restaurants and stores worldwide. It offers everything from luxury department stores to cheap eats like McDonald’s. If you are looking for a place to escape the heat and treat yourself on your vacation, this is the place for you.

The mall has only been around since 2001, but it has grown in popularity with visitors and locals alike. It’s just five minutes from the airport, making it a perfect last stop before heading home.

10. Arco de Vila 

The Arco de Vila was one of the original medieval archways into the city. Then, in 1812, Italian architect Francisco Xavier Fabri built a monument surrounding the arch.

The monument features a statue of St Thomas Aquinas, a 13th-century scholar of religion. The arch has a place where you can climb to the top and enjoy a magnificent view of Old Town. This is not the only archway into the old town, but it is the most beautiful.

11. Praia de Faro

Praia de Faro is a popular beach in the Algarve region of Portugal, known for its extensive sandy shores and clear waters. It’s situated on the Península de Ançãos, which separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Ria Formosa lagoon, offering visitors a unique natural setting.

This beach is particularly appreciated for its beauty and its range of activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and exploring the local natural environment.

Praia de Faro is relatively close to the city of Faro, the capital of the Algarve region. It’s approximately 8 to 10 kilometers (about 5 to 6 miles) from the city center. You can get there by car, public transport, bike or Uber. There is also a ferry service that connects Faro to Praia de Faro.

12. Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve

The Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve is a great place to take your kids to learn about the ocean. It opened in 1997, and its main exhibits are the Know+, Eat Well, Walk Better exhibit, and the From Ria to Rua exhibit. These exhibits discuss everything from physics to geology to food and even meteorology.

The building also has three aquarium rooms with local sea life, flora, and fauna from the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This is a great place to introduce your children to the world of science while learning about Faro’s ecosystems.

13. Take a Day Trip  

There are so many things to see and explore in the Algarve region that are just a short trip from Faro.

Olhao is just a 10-minute train ride and is amazing to visit. It’s a colorful fishing village known for its Mercados de Olhão. On another day trip, you can either go west or east, depending on what you want to see. For example, to the east, Castro Marim has a medieval castle overlooking the small village. Another place in the east is the salt pans, where you can see how salt is made.

Then, in the west, we have Albufeira, famous for being a beach destination with a beautiful boardwalk. Also, in the west, we have Lagos, a walled-in old town like Faro. It also has cliffs, a lighthouse, and a castle. If you do go to Lagos, make sure to take a boat tour. Boat tours are an extremely popular way to see the Algarve. Also, consider a wheelchair-accessible half-day Jeep Safari Tour of the Algarve. There is so much to see around Faro, so leave a couple of days to see the surrounding area.

14. Enjoy Faro’s Nightlife

After the sun sets, it’s time to party! Faro’s nightlife is fantastic, and there’s so much to do even when it’s dark. You can walk around the old town, get dinner, see live music, and stroll down the promenade if you want to have a romantic night with your loved one. Or you could go to a nightclub and dance at a place like Prestige Dance Club and have a great night.

There are also many rooftop bars where you can hang out and try some of Portugal’s famous alcohols like Port Wine and Medronho.

15. A Cocktail at O Castelo

O Castelo is a bar and restaurant in the heart of the old town. It is a great place to try traditional Algarve cuisine and cocktails. It has an amazing ocean view, and the food is some of the best in Faro. If you want to come here to watch the sunset, you must book a reservation before you go.

Some of the best things on the menu here include octopus, tuna, and their cocktails. There is a long list of cocktails that you can order, and all of them taste amazing.

Accessibility In Faro, Algarve, Portugal

Faro is made up of many cobblestone streets, which can prove challenging for those with mobility issues. But these cobblestone streets can be largely avoided in favor of streets covered in Portuguese paving tiles, which are comfortable, regular, and level, with only a few obstacles along terraces, which are easy to get around.

Several accessible features make visiting Faro possible. First, the Faro Tourist Train has been adapted for disabled people with reduced mobility. Visitors can take the train at the Jardim Manuel Bívar, where the journey starts. The tour lasts 50 minutes and takes you through many city areas.

The Porto de Recreio (Recreational Port) (9) has an accessible area that is open to everyone to move around freely without obstacles. The port is located in the Ria Formosa. Here, many tourist companies offer boat rides adapted for people with reduced mobility. Very close to the Ria, the Praia de Faro-Mar, accessible by car or by boat, was awarded ‘Accessible Beach’ status and is equipped with amphibious wheelchairs enabling everyone to enter the water.

Attractions like Arco de Vila, Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve, The Municipal Museum, and Sé de Faro are wheelchair accessible.

Final Thoughts: Things To Do In Faro Algarve

Faro, Portugal offers a mix of beautiful nature, interesting history, and fun activities. From enjoying views at the Cathedral of Faro to trying tasty food on a food tour to relaxing at Praia de Faro, there’s something for everyone. With these 15 things to do, Faro will surely make your trip memorable. Dive into the adventures Faro offers and let it win you over. Ready to pack your bags?

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Faro, Portugal

Is Faro worth visiting?

Yes. Faro combines a medieval old town, traditional Portuguese restaurants, museums, a marina and easy access to the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Many travelers hurry directly from Faro Airport to the Algarve’s beach resorts, leaving Faro to sit there looking charming and wondering what it did wrong.

How many days do you need in Faro?

Two days is ideal for most visitors. Spend one day exploring the Old Town, cathedral, Municipal Museum, marina and Bone Chapel, then use the second for Praia de Faro or a boat trip through the Ria Formosa. Add another day if you want to visit Estoi, Olhão, Tavira or another Algarve destination.

What are the must-see attractions in Faro?

First-time visitors should prioritize the Old Town, Arco da Vila, Faro Cathedral, Faro Municipal Museum, Igreja do Carmo and its Bone Chapel, Faro Marina and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Praia de Faro and the Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve are worthwhile additions when time permits.

Does Faro have a beach?

Faro’s historic center overlooks the Ria Formosa lagoon rather than an ocean beach. Praia de Faro is the closest major beach, approximately eight to 10 kilometers from the city center. It can be reached by car, taxi, bus, and seasonal boat services.

What is the Ria Formosa Natural Park?

The Ria Formosa is a protected coastal lagoon containing marshes, tidal channels, mudflats, barrier islands and sandy beaches. It extends for approximately 60 kilometers along the Algarve coast and supports an impressive range of birds and marine life. Boat tours, island-hopping trips, kayaking and bird-watching excursions depart from Faro.

Is a Ria Formosa boat tour worth it?

Yes. A boat trip provides a much better understanding of Faro’s unusual location between the mainland, lagoon and Atlantic Ocean. Tours may include bird watching, island villages, beaches or sunset views. Choose a shorter excursion if you experience fatigue or motion sensitivity, and confirm whether shade and an onboard restroom are available.

Should I visit Praia de Faro or Ilha Deserta?

Choose Praia de Faro if you want the easiest beach to reach, along with restaurants and other facilities. Choose Ilha Deserta if you prefer a quieter, less developed island reached by boat. Ilha Deserta requires more planning because ferry schedules, boarding conditions, and facilities are limited.

What is the best time of year to visit Faro?

April through June and September through October typically offer warm weather with fewer crowds than midsummer. July and August are hot, busy, and more expensive, while winter is quieter with a greater chance of rain and reduced boat-tour schedules. Travelers with heat intolerance may find spring or fall considerably more comfortable.

Can you visit Faro without a car?

Yes. Faro’s main historic attractions, marina, restaurants, bus station and train station are relatively close together. Buses, trains, taxis and organized excursions can be used for beaches and nearby towns. A rental car helps explore smaller villages and remote beaches but is not necessary for a city break.

How do you get from Faro Airport to the city center?

Faro Airport is approximately six kilometers from the city center. Local buses, taxis, rideshare services, and private transfers connect the airport with central Faro. The airport does not have a train station, so passengers continuing by rail must first travel to Faro’s city-center station.

Is Faro a good base for exploring the Algarve?

Yes. Faro has train and bus connections to destinations including Olhão, Tavira, Loulé, Albufeira and Lagos. Eastern Algarve destinations generally make easier day trips, while Lagos and other western locations involve longer journeys. Check return schedules carefully because evening public transportation may be limited.

Is Faro wheelchair accessible?

Faro is partly wheelchair accessible, but it is not barrier-free. The marina, Jardim Manuel Bívar and several central streets have relatively level routes, while the Old Town contains cobblestones, slopes, narrow passages and uneven paving. Portugal’s official tourism website provides a suggested accessible tour of Faro.

Is Faro Cathedral wheelchair accessible?

No. Portugal’s official accessible-tour information states that the cathedral entrance requires stairs, making the interior inaccessible to many visitors with reduced mobility. The tower and upper areas also require climbing additional steps. Cathedral Square can still be visited, although the surrounding paving and slopes require care.

Is the Bone Chapel wheelchair accessible?

The entrance to Igreja do Carmo is accessible, but the Bone Chapel is not fully wheelchair accessible because visitors encounter steps and a narrow corridor. Contact the church before visiting if access to the chapel is essential.

Is the Faro Municipal Museum wheelchair accessible?

The Municipal Museum has an accessible entrance and wide spaces on its ground floor, allowing visitors to see a substantial part of the collection. Access to every room or floor should not be assumed because the museum occupies a historic former convent. Contact the museum to confirm any exhibits or facilities you require.

Are wheelchair-accessible boat tours available in Faro?

Some Faro operators offer Ria Formosa boat trips adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. Accessibility depends on the vessel, gangway, tide, boarding location and mobility-device dimensions. Ask whether passengers can remain in their wheelchairs, whether transfers are required, and whether an accessible restroom is available before booking.

Is Praia de Faro wheelchair accessible?

Praia de Faro-Mar has received Portugal’s “Accessible Beach” designation and may provide amphibious wheelchairs during the supervised bathing season. Equipment and assistance are seasonal and subject to availability. Confirm current facilities before traveling rather than arriving in full beach mode and discovering the chair has already gone swimming with someone else.

How much walking is involved in sightseeing in Faro?

Central Faro is compact, but exploring the Old Town, marina, churches and museums can still involve several hours of walking or rolling. Cobblestones, slopes and summer heat can make short distances more tiring. Travelers with limited stamina may prefer to divide the city attractions across two days or use Faro’s adapted tourist train.

Is Faro suitable for travelers with a chronic illness?

Faro can work well for travelers with chronic illnesses because its main attractions are concentrated within a relatively small area. Plan indoor stops during the hottest part of the day, leave time between the Old Town and waterfront activities, and avoid combining a long boat tour with extensive sightseeing. Staying near the marina or Jardim Manuel Bívar can reduce transportation and walking demands.

What food should you try in Faro?

Look for grilled fish, cataplana, octopus, sardines, clams, and other seafood from the Algarve. Regional dishes may include xarém com conquilhas, razor-clam rice and pork with clams. Faro also has bakeries serving Portuguese pastries, which are obviously important for historical research and should be approached with dedication.

What should you pack for Faro?

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Author bio: Yvonne is a Canadian who calls Portugal home (at least part-time). She’s been living in the country since 2020. She owns a small house in rural Portugal and loves to write about Portugal travel on her blog, nowinportugal.com