Faro Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Faro featuring a lighthouse and a sunset
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 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
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.

Carmo Church which includes heritage elements

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)

While Praia de Faro isn't home to many top sights, Faro Island Beach and San Lorenzo Golf Club are some notable places to visit nearby.

Praia de Faro
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Gorjoes

While Gorjoes may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Algarve Stadium and Estoi Palace.

Gorjoes
AP Eva Senses
AP Eva Senses
4 out of 5
Avenida da Republica, 1, Faro
The price is £117 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
£117
per night
23 Mar - 24 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Faro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (996 reviews)
"Staff service was very good, and the food, both at breakfast and dinner, were delicious!"

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2024

AP Eva Senses
Hotel Faro & Beach Club
Hotel Faro & Beach Club
4 out of 5
Praca D Francisco Gomes 2, Faro
The price is £132 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
£132
per night
27 Mar - 28 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Faro. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"A very good choice for a Faro stopover. Competent and professional front desk staff. Great location."

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2024

Hotel Faro & Beach Club
3HB Faro
3HB Faro
5 out of 5
Rua Vasco da Gama nr 33, Faro
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £196 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
£196
per night
21 Mar - 22 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Faro. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (288 reviews)
Great Stay
"Beautiful hotel. Our room was immaculately clean. Very helpful staff. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2024

3HB Faro
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.
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 free parking, a terrace and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (103 reviews)
"Great location for exploring Faro. Old Town, marina and shopping districts all easily walkable as well as the market and the Chapel of Bones."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

Cardeal Suites & Apartments
Beautiful Villa with private pool
Beautiful Villa with private pool
Faro, Faro
Stay at this villa in Faro. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools and barbecues. Popular attractions Santa Barbara de Nexe Church and Old Town are located nearby. Discover ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
Excellent getaway.
"Everything you would wish for in a rural villa. Good location, well equipped and great communication with the host. A really relaxing break. Would definitely recommend."

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2023

Beautiful Villa with private pool
wonderful villa with beautiful view of the mountains
wonderful villa with beautiful view of the mountains
Estoi, Algarve
Stay at this family-friendly villa in Faro. Enjoy private pools, WiFi and on-site parking. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (67 reviews)
Beautiful Place
"We truly enjoyed this location. The host was very responsive to requests. The home is beautiful, as is the property."

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2024

wonderful villa with beautiful view of the mountains
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 44.89795918367347%
4 - Good
63
" "4 - Good 42.857142857142854%
3 - Okay
18
" "3 - Okay 12.244897959183673%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
19 Mar 2020

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

Frank
9 Mar 2020

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
21 Jan 2020

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
17 Jan 2020

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
3 Jan 2020

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
17 Dec 2019

Lovely and quaint.

Cities near Faro