Faro travel guide (2025)

Discover Faro, the Algarve’s vibrant capital, where history meets modern charm. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, unwind on pristine beaches, and savor local cuisine. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a haven for birdwatching and serene landscapes. Throughout the year, Faro buzzes with free events and concerts. Faro is the kind of place that quietly captures your heart. Dive into our guide to uncover Faro’s must-see attractions and hidden gems.​

In this article about Faro you will find:

• Handpicked local tips you won’t find anywhere else
• Best beaches and natural attractions​
• Top historical sites and cultural landmarks​
• Top recommendations for hotels, dining, and excursions

Why visit Faro

• Authentic Algarve vibe – unlike some tourist-heavy towns, Faro retains a laid-back charm with a thriving Portuguese community.
• Historic Old Town (Cidade Velha) – wander through medieval arches, centuries-old churches, and whitewashed alleys steeped in history.
• Gateway to Ria Formosa Natural Park – a stunning lagoon system with unspoiled islands, ideal for boat trips, birdwatching, and beach escapes.
• Vibrant food and nightlife scene – discover cozy tapas bars, seafood restaurants, and live music venues that mix locals with in-the-know travelers.
• Excursion hub – book unforgettable boat tours, cultural experiences, or day trips to nearby spots like Tavira, Loulé, or Seville.

Are you excited to visit Faro? Watch the short video below to see the highlights of the city.

What to see in Faro

Faro is a small city, where all the main sights are within walking distance. Below you can find the most important highlights of Faro.

Old town

Faro has a beautiful, historical old town, where also many restaurants and cafes are situated. A great starting point to discover the old town is the garden Jardim Manuel Bivar (near the marina).

Arco da Vila

From the garden Jardim Manuel Bivar, walk through the town’s gate Arco da Vila. This gate was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755. Notice the statue of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Patron Saint of Faro, above the gate. On the left of the gate you can find the tourism office.

Largo da Sé

Go through Arco da Vila. After about 100 metres you arrive at Largo da Sé. This is the main square. On the square, you can find the statue of Dom Francisco Gomes do Avelar, who was a bishop of Faro in the 18th and early 19th century.

Town hall

Near the main square you can also find the town hall. This building was built in the 19th century.

Cathedral of Faro

Near Largo da Sé you can see the Cathedral of Faro, also known as Sé Catedral de Faro and Igreja da Sé. It was built in the 13th century and is one of the most important historic buildings in Faro. You can climb up the bell tower by taking 68 steps. From the bell tower you have a breathtaking view over the surrounding area and the Ria Formosa.

Especially the interior of the cathedral is really beautiful. Entrance costs about € 3,50, but is highly recommended.

Porta nova

In the southwest of Largo da Sé there is a small gate in the city wall. It is called Porta Nova (New Gate) and was built in the 15th century. It connects the waterfront with the old town. Through the gate you can see the coast of Faro with lagoons and sandy islands.

Statue of Dom Afonso III

There is another important square in the old town, called Praça Afonso III. Here you can see the statue of the Portuguese king Afonso III. Afonso III was the first king of Portugal. He expelled the Moors from the Algarve by conquering Faro in 1249. As a result, the Algarve became part of the kingdom of Portugal.

Museu Municipal de Faro (archeological museum)

On the southern side of the Praça Afonso III square you will find the Museu Municipal de Faro, also known as the archeological museum. The museum is housed within a former convent, called the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Assunção. It was built from 1518-1523. The museum is a great place to learn about the history of Faro. Entrance costs only about € 2. In the museum you will see Roman Mosaics from Ossonoba, Roman statues from the excavations of Milreu, glazed tiles dating from the 16th century and much more.

Arco do Repouso

Another entrance to the old town is through the Arco do Repouso (also known as the Arc of Repouso). Together with Arco da Vila and Porta Nova, this is one of the three entrances to the old town. The area around Arco do Repouso is very interesting to walk around. There are narrow cobbled streets and you can see an old lamp, which adds character to the area.

Marina

Near the centre of Faro you can find a marina. Here you can admire many beautiful boats and enjoy a drink in one of the bars nearby. During summer, it is very nice to just walk around here in the evening. Near the marina you can also find the Porta Nova Pier, which is the place where boats take you to the natural park of Ria Formosa or one of the islands.

There is a pathway next to the marina of Faro. It is a popular place for walking, especially in the evening.

In front of the marina you can also find the famous Faro sign.

Igreja do Carmo & Capela dos Ossos

We recommend you to visit the Igreja do Carmo (Carmo Church). It is one of the most beautiful churches of the Algarve. It is known for its beautiful gilt carved woodwork. The church was built in 1719, but the earthquake of 1755 heavily damaged it. The reconstruction of the exterior only finished in 1878. Entrance costs only € 2.

Inside the Carmo Church you can find the Capela dos Ossos (the bones chapel). The walls of this chapel are covered with human skulls and bones. It is kind of a surreal feeling to stand in a room which is made from human bones. Above the entrance of the bones chapel, you can find the text: pára aqui a considerar que a este estado hás-de chegar. This text translates to: stop here and consider, that you will reach this state too. The Capela dos Ossos is undoubtedly the highlight of Igreja do Carmo, but at the same time one of the creepiest attractions of Faro.

Belmarço Palace

Belmarço Palace is one of the most beautiful buildings in Faro’s city centre. It was built between 1912 and 1917 for local businessman Manuel Belmarço and shows a mix of Art Nouveau and Portuguese styles. Today, the palace hosts municipal offices and occasional exhibitions, but the exterior is the real showpiece.

Faro train station

Faro’s railway station (Estação de Faro) is the main hub for the Algarve train line. From here you can ride frequent regional trains to Lagos (west) and Vila Real de Santo António (east), plus direct trains to Lisbon. The compact station has a traditional white façade with azulejo details, a staffed ticket office, self-service machines, a small café, restrooms and local bus connections. From the Faro train station it is a 10 minute walk to the marina and old town.

Roman ruins of Milreu

About 9 kilometres above Faro (near the village of Estoi), you can find the Roman ruins of Milreu. These are the ruins of a Roman villa, that were discovered in 1877 by the Portuguese archaeologist Estácio da Veiga. The town of which the villa was a part of, was constructed in the first century. It was probably continuously occupied until the 10th century. You can see beautiful mosaics with fishes and geometric shapes. These ruins are one of the best preserved places that indicate the Roman presence in the Algarve. Entrance is only € 2.

Palace of Estoi

About 11 kilometres above Faro (near the village of Estoi), you can find the Palace of Estoi. This beautiful palace was built in the second half of the 19th century and has been turned into a hotel. Sleeping in this historical place can be an amazing experience, but is quite expensive. If you are not a hotel guest, you can still enter and walk around the building for free. The building is painted in pink and blue. You can take some beautiful photographs of the palace from the outside.

The Palace of Estoi is surrounded by beautiful gardens. It is really relaxing to walk around here. There is a small cafe outside. It is a great place to have a drink and watch the sunset. Definitely worth a visit.

Soccer stadium

There is a soccer stadium between Faro and Loulé, known as Estádio Algarve. It was built for the 2004 European soccer championship and has a capacity of more than 30.000 people. It used to be the stadium of Farense and Louletano (soccer clubs from Faro and Loulé), but nowadays it is (temporarily) the home ground of the Gibraltar national soccer team. Sometimes the stadium is also used for big concerts and music festivals, but in general, the stadium is rarely used. The stadium is easily accessible by car.

Beaches

If you are in Faro, you have several great beach options. Below you can find our favourite beaches in the area of Faro.

Ilha da Culatra

Ilha da Culatra is a beautiful island that separates the sea from the natural park of Ria Formosa. You arrive in either the village of Culatra and Farol, both of which are situated on the same island. From there, it is only a short walk to one of the best beaches in the Algarve. The sand is white and the sea water here is exceptionally clean. Also a great place for diving or snorkeling. Great for a day trip.

Praia de Faro

Praia de Faro is is the main beach of Faro. It is a wonderful beach, stretching for about 5 kilometres. Praia de Faro is located near the airport and the natural park of Ria Formosa. There is a bridge to this beach, so it is possible to reach it by car or by bus.

Ilha Deserta

The name of  Ilha Deserta translates to Deserted Island. This is because there are no people who live on the island permanently. The island has one of the most amazing beaches in the Algarve. Ilha Deserta can only be reached by boat.

Ilha do Farol

Although Ilha do Farol is the same island as Ilha da Culatra, the area around the village of Farol is often referred to as Ilha do Farol. It is famous for its unique lighthouse and its amazing beach. It is a favourite among locals as well.

Best hotels

Looking for the perfect stay in Faro? The best hotels here sell out fast, especially in high season. We have handpicked our top recommendations: highly rated, well-located, and loved by travellers. Book now to secure the ideal base for your Algarve getaway.

Upscale

• Hotel Faro & Beach Club. This modern 4 star hotel offers spacious rooms and good service. There is a great buffet breakfast every morning. The hotel overlooks the natural park of Ria Formosa and the marina of Faro. The views are great. Perfectly located in the city centre.

Mid-range

• Stay Hotel Faro Centro. This 3 star hotel has all the basic facilities you need for a great holiday in the Algarve. The rooms are clean and comfortable. Located in the city centre.

Budget

• Baixa Terrace Hostel by My Choice Algarve. This hostel in the heart of Faro offers shared dormitories, as well as private rooms. It is a great place to meet other travellers. Good value for money.

Transfer to the hotel
Whatever hotel you choose, it is important to think about how to get there. If you don’t have a car, make sure to rent a car. Alternatively, you can book an airport transfer from Faro Airport directly to your hotel.

Best restaurants

Faro has many restaurants and it will not be difficult to find a good affordable restaurant. A lot of restaurants serve Portuguese food, but there are plenty of other options as well. Below you can find our favourite restaurants in Faro.

Local cuisine

• Tasca do Ricky. This traditional Portuguese restaurant offers delicious food and good service. The restaurant is quite small, so you have to make a reservation in advance.
• Peixe Assado Moinhos do Grelha. This Portuguese restaurant offers amazing fresh grilled fish. There is no menu. It is an all you can eat of fresh grilled fish concept. Side dishes as tomato salad, potatoes, bread and olives are included. Great value for money, as it is not expensive at all. A favourite among locals.

Other cuisines

• Pizzeria Atlantis. This Italian restaurant serves perhaps the best pizza of Faro. The quality of the food is really good and the staff is very friendly.
• Alef Burger Bar. If you love burgers, this is your place. All burgers are fresh and homemade. It is not a fast food place. They have several tasty burgers, including vegetarian options.

Fine dining

• Ptit Bistro Republique. This superb French restaurant offers the highest quality fresh food. The French chef makes sure you won’t forget this dining experience. One of the most upscale restaurants in Faro. Located near the marina.
• Ria Formosa Restaurant. This restaurant is located on the rooftop of Hotel Faro, overlooking the marina. The food is amazing and the service is outstanding. If you want delicious food with a great view, go here.

Nightlife

With its large student population, Faro has a vibrant nightlife. Nightlife in Faro begins late and ends late. In the summer, you can find people outside in the city center enjoying a beer. The centerpiece of the nightlife in Faro is Rua do Prior, which has several bars and clubs. There is a variety of music genres that you can enjoy in Faro. If you prefer more traditional music, you can visit a performance of Fado.

Shopping

Faro is one of the best towns in the Algarve for shopping. You can find many shops in the old town and you can easily spend a couple of hours shopping here.

In addition, there are also two separate shopping malls in Faro.

Forum Algarve

Forum Algarve is a shopping mall in Faro, located about 2 kilometres from the old town. It has 120 shops and a food court with about 20 restaurants. Some of the stores you can find here are Zara, C&A, Apple Store, Fnac, and Sportzone. There is a huge supermarket (Jumbo), where many locals do their day to day shopping. There is also a cinema for entertainment. If you are tired of walking around with shopping bags, there are plenty of seating areas. During summer, you can enjoy free concerts in the evening here. A huge parking garage underneath makes sure you will easily find a parking spot.

Mar Shopping

Mar Shopping is a relatively new shopping mall, located between Faro and Loulé. It combines a shopping centre with a designer outlet. Some of the stores you can find here are IKEA, Primark, Starbucks, Bershka, H&M and Zara. Mar shopping is quite unique, since it has the only IKEA in the Algarve, the largest Primark in Portugal and the first Starbucks in the Algarve. It also has a cinema and a food court. The designer outlet is located outside and feels like a small town. Mar Shopping has their own food concept called the Algarve Chef Experience. Here you can enjoy a top dining experience by a Portuguese chef, for not a lot of money.

Municipal market

You can visit the municipal market (in Portuguese: mercado municipal) in Faro to check out fresh products from the region. There is a fish section, as well as a fruits and vegetables section. The municipal market is open every day (until 1 o’clock PM), except on Sunday. On Saturday it is extra crowded, since many locals come here to buy products. The municipal market is about 10 minutes walking from the centre. Address: Largo Doutor Francisco Sá Carneiro 52, Faro.

In the fish section you can see many of different sorts of fish. Usually the fish are caught the previous night or the same morning, otherwise Portuguese people do not consider it fresh. There are two exceptions to the freshness of the fish: on Sunday and Monday. This is because fishermen usually rest on the previous nights (Saturdays and Sundays). That is the reason not many people buy fish on those days. This is also interesting for you if you intend to eat fresh fish in restaurants: do it from Tuesday to Saturday. If you eat fish in a restaurant on Sunday or Monday, the fish is likely not fresh and refrigerated for 1 or 2 days.

Ria Formosa

The Ria Formosa is a natural park in the Algarve, that stretches from Tavira all the way to Faro. It is really beautiful. You can see a variety of wildlife there, including flamingos. Moreover, the lagoons are ideal for birdwatching. It is highly recommended to take a boat trip and enjoy it yourself.

Excursions

Faro is a great town, but there are also many other things to see and discover in the area. For example, you can take a trip to the Ria Formosa by boat. There are organized trips along the channels, marshes and islands of the Ria Formosa. If you have a good guide, you can get a lot of insight into the geography, wildlife and the traditional activities of the Ria Formosa. Some of these excursions you can already book online. Below you can find our favourite excursions in the area of Faro.

Faro Airport

Many tourists come to the Algarve every year. Almost all of them arrive in Faro, which has the only international airport of the Algarve. Faro Airport (FAO) handles more than 8 million passengers a year. The city of Faro has an excellent location in the Algarve and is the ideal first place to visit when you come to the Algarve. The airport is located about 4 kilometres to the west of the city.

Events

Next to beaches, highlights and restaurants, you can enjoy several events in Faro. Our favourite events in Faro are:

• Festa da Ria Formosa. This 11-day-long festival in July/August celebrates the gastronomy of the Ria Formosa. You can enjoy seafood and regional specialties. There are concerts for entertainment as well. Held in Largo de São Francisco.
• FolkFaro. This is an international Folklore festival in August. It lasts for several days. During these days, you can find all sorts of entertainment on the streets of Faro.
• Feira dos Doces, Frutos Secos e Bebidas Regionais. This is a fair where you can buy regional sweets and dried fruits, as well as local drinks. It is held in August and lasts for two weeks.
• Feira de Santa Iría. This fair in October honours St. Irene with several exhibitions of craft work. Also, you can enjoy different kinds of entertainment. It lasts for 9 days and is held in Largo de São Francisco.

During summer there are also several free concerts in Forum Algarve. Check their website for the dates. Probably you will also see posters all around Faro promoting these concerts.

General information

Faro is the capital of the Algarve, with a long history. It has Roman and Arab ruins, but most of the town was built after the earthquake of 1755. The city has more than 50.000 inhabitants and is the biggest city in the Algarve. Faro serves as the administrative centre of the Algarve. Faro is also the home to the University of the Algarve, which has more than 8000 students. The municipality of Faro is divided into several civil parishes, also called freguesias:

• Faro (Sé e São Pedro). This includes the city of Faro and the old town.
• Conceição e Estoi. This includes the village of Estoi, which is famous for the Palace of Estoi and the Roman ruins of Milreu.
• Montenegro. This is a residential area outside the city. Also the University of the Algarve is located here.
• Santa Bárbara de Nexe. This is an old village where you can visit the Parish Church, which was built in the 15th century. In this region, there are some luxury villas of foreign residents and some Portuguese who like to live in the beautiful and quiet countryside, but not too far from the coast.