Things To Do In Faro: The Capital Of Algarve, Portugal

Although not as popular when compared to the likes of Albufeira and Lagos, the capital of Portugal’s Algarve region, Faro, is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting places to explore. While most travellers to Algarve have their eyes set on golden sands and striking rock formations, the ones that make time for Faro are charmed by the beautiful old town and incredible Ria Formosa Nature Reserve – which are just two of the many fabulous things to do in Faro.

Don’t pass through Faro Airport on your way to a resort without considering spending time here because it certainly is a destination that justifies a closer look – especially because it is so underrated. Compelling history, delicious cuisine and proud maritime heritage will take a hold of you. 

The things to do in Faro are diverse and breathtaking, but of course, anyone visiting this part of the world is naturally also seeking the beach. No matter what some may say, this gateway to southern Portugal does not prevent you from lying before calming waves. In fact, I think it is an excellent base for exploring the fabulous Mediterranean coastline. Besides Faro beach, you have access to all the blue-flag beauty you can desire within one hour of the city – including the iconic Praia da Marinha and Praia do Carvalho.

So, as you watch a sunset from the Faro Marina and wander the quiet cobblestone streets with a glass of wine in hand, take time to appreciate how it’s always the undervalued places that sometimes bring us the most joy. 

PS. I visited Faro in January and I cannot recommend doing this enough. Portugal is granted sunshine and warmth no matter the time of year, and while January does present cooler temperatures, 15 degrees Celsius with no tourists is a great compromise to 30 degrees Celsius and unbearable crowds.

Travel and Accommodation 

Faro is the only entrance into Algarve by air, so flights are frequent and direct from many countries in and around Europe. 

When staying in Faro, I recommend remaining close to the marina and to transport links – that way you are in walking distance to most attractions or a bus stop for those a little further away.

Good options include:

• Best Western Hotel Dom Bernardo
• AP Eva Senses Hotel

Nine Amazing Things To Do In Faro 

Arco da Vila 

Arco da Villa is the intricate 19th-century landmark arch leading into Faro Old Town. It is a grand entrance by the marina, so it always has people passing through and provides wonderful photo opportunities as the most distinctive parts of the city. 

Cidade Velha (Faro Old Town)

Encircled by dusty medieval walls built over Roman ruins, wandering around the old town is one the most popular things to do in Faro. In about 30 minutes, you can walk from one end to the other, passing beautiful arches, orange trees, and old buildings set over winding stone streets that match the traditional architecture of many European towns. Cidade Velha is also a wonderful place to have a meal, especially in the evenings when the few restaurants here draw in a crowd and bring the area to life.

The 13th-century Faro Cathedral (built upon an Arab mosque) is also located in the old town, and although it does not look like much from the outside, the interior stands out with a glittering chancel coated with azulejos panels, gilded and lacquered wood carvings and inlaid marble. Best of all, if you climb the medieval bell tower, you can soak up the stunning seascape before you.

Carmo Church

The 18^th-century structure dominates the Faro city centre with its twin-towered façade, Baroque style architecture and white and yellow exterior. It is like any other European church; however, it is a nice place to be on Sunday afternoons as the square outside the church brings forth a lively market featuring fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Ria Formosa Nature Reserve

Faro is blessed with sublime natural assets, from lively beaches to deserted islands, but nothing quite compares to the magnificence that is the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. Following 60 kilometres of coastline from Praia de Faro to Cacela Velha, the park encloses 18000 hectares of shimmering lagoons and marshland, salt pans, islets, and channels, which in turn are sheltered from the open sea by a chain of barrier islands. 

Hiking through the nature park is the highlight of any adventure in Faro (and definitely a European bucket list item) for its valuable and fragile ecosystem is one of the most important wetland habitats in Europe. As you walk the trails through lush pinewoods, around bright blue lakes, and past world-class golf courses, you will fall in love with an environment bursting with wildlife. I found myself in complete bliss watching the spoonbills fly overhead and flamingos dance in the water. 

Although touring the park by boat is a popular choice, I believe the hike is the better option because there is so much more to admire when on your own two feet – and it makes the experience even more rewarding. 

If you are flying in from London and hope to catch a birdseye view of the nature reserve, book seats on the right side of the plane. 

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Ilha Culatra and Ilha Deserta 

Ilha Culatra and Ilha Deserta are two of the few incredible barrier islands that protect and maintain Ria Formosa, and bless tourists with nearly untouched nature in a tranquil atmosphere to help you disconnect from the rest of the world. 

Ilha Deserta, a.k.a Barreta Island, was definitely my favourite as this uninhabited space in the middle of the Mediterranean is a paradise for anyone searching for raw landscapes and complete serenity. It is one of the more isolated islands in the Algarve and is, before anything else, a serene habitat for birdlife. Still, the island is a great place to swim in clean waters and enjoy a lovely 2km boardwalk with picturesque views. 

Both islands are accessible by catching a ferry or speedboat from Porta Nova, with travel time taking between 15-40 minutes, depending on your transport choice. 

Faro Beach 

Faro Beach is one of the less glamours beaches in Algrave, but located 10 minutes from the airport, its soft sand and crystal-clear sea is the perfect place to say goodbye as you await the dread of catching your flight and leaving the region behind. However, if you want to spend more than an hour here, the beach is also a popular site for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking. 

Capela Dos Ossos

While Carmo Church is quite ordinary, the Capela Dos Ossos beside it is most certainly not. Translating to the Chapel of Bones, visiting this attraction is one of the more ghoulish things to do in Faro as you find yourself stepping into a place entirely lined by 1250 monk skulls and other bones to create bizarre symmetry. 

You might be wondering: where did the skulls come from and why were they turned into unique design pieces? Well, turns out that they were removed from the friars’ cemetery in 1816 due to the common practice of using bones to embellish ossuaries throughout Catholic Europe at that time.

Palácio de Estói 

Palácio de Estói is located 20 minutes out of Faro in the village of Estoi and is a unique neo-Baroque and neo-Rocco style structure from the 1840s featuring dusk pink walls, traditional blue tiles, and gorgeous French-inspired gardens. Admiring the palace gardens is free, however, if you want to wander the lavish staterooms, antique paintings, and majestic foyers, make sure to book your stay as it has now been converted into a hotel!

Church of São Lourenço 

This church is a hidden treasure and one of the most gorgeous of its kind in Algarve, located 15 minutes from Faro in the quaint civil parish of Almancil. The shimmering gold leaf altar is surrounded from floor to ceiling by glorious azulejo, and as you admire the artistry that surrounds you, it does feel like you’ve stepped into a painting. 

Average Cost For Four Days In Faro Per Person

Transport (flights from London + local travel): £70

Accommodation: £65 (£130 per double)

Attractions: £12

Food and amenities: £80

Keep In Mind

The one thing I need to get better at when travelling is carry cash for using on public transport. After living in London for so long, I’ve forgotten that most places don’t offer the option for card payment, and Faro is one such city. So, I withdrew from a ATM, which was simple enough, but cost we 4 euros per transaction! It’s such rip off.

Luckily the second time round, I withdrew from a bank ATM and was not charged any fees. So remember, if you need to withdraw cash is Faro, walk straight past the yellow euro ATMS and head over to the ones connected to a bank. 

Practical Information About Faro

Location: Portugal, Europe

National Languages: Portuguese  

Currency: Euro

Neighbouring Countries: Spain