FARO - PORTUGAL: YOUR ULTIMATE ITINERARY
- Jun 26, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Faro is the capital of the Algarve and the main international gateway to the region, known for its historic centre and direct access to the Ria Formosa Natural Park. The city offers a relaxed atmosphere and works well as both a short stay destination and a convenient base for exploring nearby islands, beaches, and towns.
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FARO HIGHLIGHTS
If you're short on time, here are the spots you shouldn't miss:
Cidade Velha (Old Town) – The historic centre of Faro, known for its cobbled streets, city walls, and small squares that can be explored easily on foot.
Arco da Vila – One of the main entrances to the Old Town, marking the transition between the modern city and the historic centre.
Faro Cathedral (Sé de Faro) – Located in Largo da Sé, this landmark offers views over the rooftops of the Old Town and the Ria Formosa lagoon.
Igreja do Carmo – A well-known church recognised for its baroque architecture and the Capela dos Ossos (Bone Chapel).
Ria Formosa Natural Park – A protected lagoon system known for its wildlife, walking paths, and access to barrier islands.
Praia de Faro – A long sandy beach located on a barrier island, offering a different coastal landscape from the cliff formations found in the western Algarve.
GETTING TO AND AROUND FARO, PORTUGAL
Getting to Faro:
By air – Faro Airport (FAO) is located about 10–15 minutes from the city centre by car and is the main international gateway to the Algarve. Several European cities offer direct flights, particularly during spring, summer, and early autumn.
By train – Faro is well connected by direct trains from Lisbon, with journeys taking around 3 hours. Regional trains also connect Faro to other towns across the Algarve, including Olhão, Tavira, Albufeira, and Lagos.
By car – The journey from Lisbon to Faro takes about 2h30–3h via the A2 and A22 highways. Having a car can be useful if you plan to explore other towns in the Algarve at your own pace.
By bus – Direct buses from Lisbon typically take around 3–3h30 and arrive near the city centre. Bus connections are also available from other Portuguese cities and from Seville in Spain.
Getting around Faro:
Faro is easy to explore on foot, particularly around the Old Town, the marina, and Igreja do Carmo, where most of the main sights are located within short walking distance.
To reach Praia de Faro, you can take bus 16 or drive, both of which cross the bridge connecting the mainland to the barrier island.
Boat transfers depart regularly from Faro marina to several islands in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, including Ilha Deserta, Ilha do Farol, and Ilha da Culatra.
For visiting nearby towns such as Olhão, Tavira, or Loulé, trains and buses provide convenient connections. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt are also widely available.
FARO ITINERARY
Spending a day or two in Faro? This itinerary has you covered.
DAY 1
Morning: Explore Cidade Velha (Old Town), the historic centre of Faro, where most of the main sights are located within walking distance.
Enter through Arco da Vila, one of the main gateways into the walled city, then walk to Largo da Sé, home to Faro Cathedral and views over the Ria Formosa lagoon.
Take a short walk along the old city walls, which offer open views over the lagoon and the rooftops of Faro.
Continue toward Igreja do Carmo, one of Faro’s most well-known churches, recognised for its baroque architecture and the Capela dos Ossos (Bone Chapel).
Lunch: Head to the area between the marina and the Old Town, where several restaurants offer convenient options for lunch. Taberna Modesto is a good choice for a simple and traditional meal in a central location.
Afternoon: Take a boat trip into Ria Formosa Natural Park, which takes you through the channels of the natural park with stops on barrier islands such as Farol or Ilha Deserta, known for their wide sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
Alternatively, head to Praia de Faro, located on a barrier island about 15–20 minutes from the centre by bus or car.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset walk along the marina promenade, then head for dinner at O Coreto, a casual waterfront restaurant overlooking the marina.
DAY 2
If you prefer a slower Day 2, spend more time at the beach. If you’re up for more exploring, here are some great options:
Museu Municipal de Faro – Located inside Cidade Velha, this museum provides insight into Faro’s Roman and Moorish past and can be visited quickly.
Benagil, Marinha and 7 Valleys tour – A full-day trip from Faro visiting some of the Algarve’s most famous coastal landscapes, including Benagil Cave, Praia da Marinha, Algar Seco, and viewpoints along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
Dolphin watching boat tour – A boat trip into the Atlantic Ocean offering the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat, typically lasting around 2–3 hours.
Olhão – Located about 15 minutes by train from Faro, this coastal town is known for its waterfront market and access to islands in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, including Armona and Culatra.
WHERE TO STAY IN FARO
Staying overnight? Here are some great places to stay in Faro:
Casa Algarbe – A budget-friendly guesthouse located in the historic centre of Faro, offering simple accommodation within walking distance of Cidade Velha and the marina.
Hotel Made Inn Faro – A budget-friendly hotel near the train station, offering colourful rooms in a convenient location about 10 minutes walking from the Old Town.
Faro Clara Suites – A mid-range stay close to the marina, offering modern suites within easy walking distance of Cidade Velha and the main restaurants.
Roots Hotel – A mid-range aparthotel near the centre of Faro, offering contemporary studios with kitchenette facilities within walking distance of the marina and Old Town.
3HB Faro – An upscale hotel located near the marina, offering modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and easy access to Cidade Velha and boat tours in the Ria Formosa.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Is Faro in Portugal worth visiting?
Yes, Faro is worth visiting for its relaxed atmosphere, and easy access to the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Unlike some of the busier resort towns in the Algarve, Faro offers a more local feel while still providing access to long sandy beaches and nearby islands. It also works well as a base for exploring places such as Tavira, Olhão, and Estoi.
What is the best month to visit Faro?
The best months to visit Faro are typically May, June, September, and October, when the weather is warm and the region is less crowded than in peak summer. July and August are the hottest months and ideal for beach time, while spring and early autumn offer pleasant temperatures for sightseeing and boat trips in the Ria Formosa.
Is 2 days in Faro enough?
Yes, 2 days in Faro is usually enough to see the main highlights at a comfortable pace. This allows time to explore Cidade Velha (Old Town), visit Igreja do Carmo, enjoy a boat trip in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, and relax at Praia de Faro. An extra day can be useful if you want to visit nearby towns such as Tavira or Olhão.
Is Faro warm in winter?
Faro remains relatively mild in winter compared to much of Europe. Temperatures typically range between 16–20°C (61–68°F) during the day, making it suitable for walking and sightseeing. While it may not always be warm enough for swimming, winter is a good time to explore the Old Town and enjoy the quieter atmosphere of the Algarve.
BEYOND FARO
Got extra time? Here are a few more places in the Algarve that are well worth exploring.
Tavira – Known for its historic centre and riverside setting, this relaxed town is located about 40 minutes from Faro and provides access to Ilha de Tavira, one of the longest sandy beaches in the Algarve. Want to know more? Take a look at our Tavira guide.
Estoi – Located around 20 minutes from Faro, this small town is best known for the Palácio de Estoi and its landscaped gardens.
Lagos – About one hour away, Lagos is known for its distinctive coastline, where cliffs and rock formations create some of the most recognisable landscapes in the Algarve. Highlights include Ponta da Piedade and nearby beaches such as Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo, all located close to the town centre. Planning a visit? Take a look at our Lagos guide.
Albufeira – A larger town with a central beach and busy old town, offering a more active atmosphere than Lagos, with plenty of restaurants, activities, and boat trips along the coast. Planning a visit? Take a look at our detailed Albufeira itinerary.
Carvoeiro – A coastal town known for its cliffside walking paths and nearby rock formations, including well-known viewpoints along the shoreline.
Loulé – A traditional town known for its covered market and small historic centre, where narrow streets, local shops, and cafés create a more authentic atmosphere away from the busier coastal areas.
