Faro Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Faro Island Beach showing general coastal views and a sandy beach
Faro featuring a lighthouse and a sunset
Faro which includes a beach, a sunset and a lighthouse
Faro
Faro Cathedral featuring interior views, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

A gateway to the Ria Formosa nature park, this city has a walled core of historic buildings surrounded by scenic sandbars, beaches and marshlands. 

Medieval city walls encircle the churches and palace in the heart of Faro, while beaches surround the nearby islands. Divide your time between the walled relics of Faro’s Old Town and the marshes and mudflats of the nature park.

Initially constructed by the Romans, the Faro City Walls are a well-preserved set of ramparts enclosing Old Town. Pass through the walls via the 19th-century Vila Arch, which is carved into the base of a neoclassical façade with a belfry and an elegant clock face. See the whitewashed building enclosing the Repouso Arch in the district’s eastern wall.

The Faro Cathedral is among the highlights of Old Town. Study the religious relics in the museum and notice the mix of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque styles. Climb to the roof for views of the neighboring attractions and the mudflats beyond the walls.

Wander through the spacious Largo da Sé plaza and admire the 16th-century Episcopal Palace of Faro. Nearby, you’ll find the Algarve Living Science Center, the Archaeological Museum of Faro and the Antiga Fábrica da Cerveja, a castle and brewery.

North of the walls, learn about local history at the Algarve Regional Museum and stroll through the University of Algarve. Among the high points is the Carmo Church, with its stained-glass windows and gilded interior. Delve into the eerie Chapel of Bones, whose walls are lined with skulls.

Take advantage of the hot summers, with a trip to Ilha da Barreta Beach and Ilha da Culatra Beach. The most popular strand is Faro Island Beach, where kayaks and surf boards are available to rent.

The city occupies the indention in the central parting of Portugal’s southern coast, about 160 miles (257 kilometers) south of Lisbon. Fly to Faro Airport, a 10-minute drive west of the city center. You can also travel by train to the Faro or Bom João stations.

Beaches, islands and mudflats complement the historic treasures of Faro’s walled Old Town.

Where to stay in Faro

Faro Cathedral showing heritage elements

Faro City Centre

Faro City Centre is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Faro Marina and Faro Cathedral while in the area.

Faro City Centre
Faro which includes a beach, a sunset and a lighthouse

4.5/5(157 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Sé, Faro Cathedral and Old Town Square are top sights worth seeing.

Faro Old Town as well as a small group of people

Faro Old Town

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Faro Old Town. Make a stop by Faro Cathedral or Old Town Square while you're exploring the area.

Faro Old Town
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São Pedro

If you're spending some time in São Pedro, Faro Marina and Forum Algarve Mall are top sights worth seeing.

São Pedro
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Praia de Faro

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Praia de Faro, Faro Island Beach and Ria Formosa Natural Park are top sights worth seeing.

Praia de Faro
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Quinta das Raposeiras

While Quinta das Raposeiras isn't home to many top sights, Algarve Stadium and Old Town are some notable places to visit nearby.

Quinta das Raposeiras
Stay Hotel Faro Centro
Stay Hotel Faro Centro
3 out of 5
Rua de Portugal 17, Faro
The price is £91 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£91
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Faro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (992 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Stay Hotel Faro Centro
Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto
Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto
3 out of 5
Caixa Postal 409-A, Estrada Nacional 125-10, Faro
The price is £119 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
£119
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Faro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Good hotel, close to airport.
"The hotel reception is open 24/7, which is useful for a late flight. The receptionist was very helpful and polite. The room was noisy from road traffic and the bed very hard. The room was clean and supplied toiletries. Breakfast was an additional £12 each, but for a vegetarian it was basic. Although ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto
Alameda Exclusive House
Alameda Exclusive House
2.5 out of 5
Rua da PSP 12, Faro
Stay at this hotel in Faro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Faro Marina and Faro Island Beach are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (118 reviews)
Amazing staff
"Super nice place with very friendly and welcoming staff who made check in and area recommendations easy and straight forward"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Alameda Exclusive House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Roots Apartments
Roots Apartments
3 out of 5
R. Gil Eanes, 39, 41, Faro, Faro
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Faro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Popular attractions Faro Marina and Faro Island Beach are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
A lovely home away from home in Faro, Portugal
"Thank you so much Nelson and Roots for your hospitality. Our stay in Faro Portugal was lovely. The apartment was HUGE and the terrace was divine for morning coffees. This was ideal for our family. The kitchen, dining areas and washer were much used. We highly recommend Roots and the apartment. Thank ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Roots Apartments
Cardeal Suites & Apartments
Cardeal Suites & Apartments
4 out of 5
Rua Dr. Coelho de Melo 1, Faro, Faro
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Faro. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a garden and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (184 reviews)
"The place is very clean, comfortable and elegant. Highly recommend for friends."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Cardeal Suites & Apartments
Faro, Algarve, Faro Beach, Beach House Literaly on the dunes
Faro, Algarve, Faro Beach, Beach House Literaly on the dunes
Praia de Faro, Faro
Stay at this holiday home in Faro. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Faro Island Beach and Faro Marina are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
Paradise
"Had the most wonderful stay at this property. Owner was most helpful and communicative, property was everything that was advertised and more. Will be returning."

Reviewed on 23 May 2025

Faro, Algarve, Faro Beach, Beach House Literaly on the dunes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Faro

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
66
5 - Excellent 45%
4 - Good
63
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
18
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Due to timing, there was a degree of anxiety, and some facilities were closing down. The public transport system worked well, and the boat trip to Isla deserta was fabulous

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Faro has great restaurants, bars and shopping facilities. The old town and the marina are lovely places to visit. Excellent and varied boat trips to the Ria Formosa Natural Park are available. It's still relatively unspoilt by excessive tourism.

3/5 - Okay

Catherine

Faro definitely needs investment. It was run down in places and lots of graffiti. We took a boat ride which was amazing. The chapel of bones is also worth a visit! Lots of history and heritage... the people and culture are very welcoming!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Fantastic food If you want to learn about the science of the area go the the aquarium on the front Good place for an hour if it rains

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A quiet city but plenty to do. Shopping, restaurants, culture,history. It has great atmosphere. Well worth a visit before you travel on to your holiday destination.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely and quaint.

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