Faro

Travel Guide
Faro showing a sunset and a lighthouse
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
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
Hotel Faro & Beach Club
Hotel Faro & Beach Club
4 out of 5
Praca D Francisco Gomes 2, Faro
The price is S$214 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$214
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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 our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"Location is great."

Reviewed on 28 Mar,2024

Hotel Faro & Beach Club
AP Eva Senses
AP Eva Senses
4 out of 5
Avenida da Republica, 1, Faro
The price is S$230 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$230
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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 our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"Staff service was very good, and the food, both at breakfast and dinner, were delicious!"

Reviewed on 6 Mar,2024

AP Eva Senses
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 S$334 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
S$334
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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 our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (292 reviews)
Outstanding Stay
"My husband and I stayed for 5 nights and it was the perfect stay. Great location to the old town, marina and restaurants. The room was spacious and very clean with attention to detail. Beautiful rooftop terrace. The breakfast was amazing, a lot of variety with quality ingredients used. The staff ..."

Reviewed on 22 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.
Faro Central - Holiday Apartments
Faro Central - Holiday Apartments
3 out of 5
Rua Castilho 77, Faro
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Faro. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle, and bicycle rentals on site. Popular attractions Algarve Regional Museum and Repouso ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (27 reviews)
"We arrived a little after 6 pm. Their office was closed. Dragged luggage over cobblestones but was unable to connect with them through phone or texting. Finally rented accommodations at another hotel. Would expect a refund and an apology."

Reviewed on 12 May,2023

Faro Central - Holiday 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 free parking, a terrace, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (104 reviews)
"We were greeted by Claudia. She was so lovely and helpful. The place was immaculate and spacious. Definitely would recommend 10/10"

Reviewed on 23 Mar,2024

Cardeal Suites & Apartments
Lemon Tree Apartments
Lemon Tree Apartments
4 out of 5
Travessa Castilho 12 - 18, 1 Esq, Faro
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Faro. Enjoy free WiFi, a terrace, and bicycle rentals on site. Popular attractions Faro Marina and Faro Island Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (9 reviews)
"Great location for a quiet area. Communication was great. Was perfect size for 7-8 people. The courtyard outside was a perfect for this apartment. The apartment could use some updating on the floors, as there was several loose wood pieces that come up. But otherwise good for the price we paid. Thank ..."

Reviewed on 4 Sep,2023

Lemon Tree Apartments
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.