A Guide to the Best Things to do in Faro
Last Updated on 1st November 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
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Home to the main airport which serves the South of Portugal, the city of Faro is often overlooked in favour of its more popular counterparts such as Albufeira or Lagos. However, those who take the time to discover Faro will uncover its many treasures such as a charming old town complete with cobbled streets, and a handful of cultural attractions. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Faro, as well as travel tips for visiting.
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What is Faro known for?
Known to the Romans as Ossonoba, Faro is most famous today for being the site of the international airport which serves the Algarve coastline. Home to a population of around 60,000 residents (making Faro the largest city in the Algarve), Faro is also the capital of the Algarve region of Portugal.
Best things to do in Faro
Walk along the harbour
Faro can be found on the edge of the Algarve coastline and still today boasts a colourful marina and fishing port. Wander along the edge of the harbour and you can expect to be greeted by the sight of fishing boats bobbing in the wind.
While the water in front of you appears to be the sea, it’s actually the waters of the lagoon of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Although Faro harbour is best viewed on a sunny day, the harbour is worth seeing whatever the weather or time of the year.
Stroll around the old town (Cidade Velha)
Like many historic settlements in Europe, most of Faro’s main attractions can be found centred around its old town (known in Portuguese as Cidade Velha) which comprises of cobbled lanes and dates back centuries.
Pastel hued houses are adorned with shutters and some homes even boast the Portuguese tiling that is so synonymous with the European country. The charm of the old town also presents the best photo spots in Faro.
Discover the Ria Formosa Faro Islands
Of course, one of the best ways to enjoy the water surrounding Faro is by heading out on a boat such as this one. This catamaran tour allows visitors to see the islands of Farol and Deserta and sail through the channels in Ria Formosa Natural Park. Find our more details here.
Admire the city walls
Constructed atop of former Roman fortifications, much of the old town city walls remain standing in Faro to this day. Notable highlights include the 19th-century Arco da Vila Moorish gate and the Casa do Arco do Repouso.
Faro Cathedral (Largo da Sé)
One of the more unique looking buildings in Faro is that of its cathedral, which was constructed on the site of a former mosque in the 13th-century. Though almost completely destroyed by the English towards the end of the 16th-century, subsequent construction work has led to a building with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque features.
It’s possible to visit the cathedral for free, though even if you visit during the day, it’s not guaranteed that the ecclesiastical building will actually be open.
With this being said, if the cathedral is fortuitously open during your Faro visit, then you should make sure to climb the cathedral tower which offers views of the old town and onto the lagoon.
Directly opposite the cathedral, visitors will soon spot the Paço Episcopal (Bishop’s Palace). Constructed in the 18th-century, this charming building is unfortunately not open to visitors, but can nonetheless be admired via its exterior.
Municipal museum (Museu Municipal)
Set against the backdrop of a former convent (Nossa Senhora da Assunção), those wishing to learn more about the history of Faro and its surrounds should be sure to head to the Municipal Museum which exhibits various archaeological gems and displays.
The museum is arranged in a chronological order from the time of the Romans and right up until the present day. Also worth casting a glance at while inside is the outstanding Renaissance cloister, which is an architectural gem in of itself.
Bone Chapel (Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Carmo)
One of the best-kept secrets and hidden gems of Faro is that of the bone chapel, which can be found hidden within the walls of the church of Igreja do Carmo. The church itself is characterised by twin towers and was constructed in the 18th-century.
For a small fee, visitors can visit the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) which was created in the 19th-century. The remains of over 1200 monks excavated from a friars’ cemetery in 1816. Another smaller bone chapel is located in Alcantarilha.
How long do you need to spend in Faro?
As there are plenty of things to do in the South of Portugal, I would suggest simply seeing Faro over the course of a day, or perhaps even less.
We personally spent a few hours in Faro and felt that it was an adequate amount of time for discovering the city’s main attractions. Unfortunately Faro definitely isn’t the most attractive town in the region (though, of course, it isn’t without its merits), and, as such, I would prioritise spending time in places like Lagos or Tavira over more time in Faro.
Thanks to the city’s position next to the airport (just a ten minute drive away), it can easily be seen shortly after arrival in Portugal or just before your departure. I would personally see the city on arrival as I often find that we’re always on the minutes when trying to return our car rental on the way to the airport!
Frequently asked questions about Faro
If you’re planning a trip to this stunning destination for yourself, be sure to read our Portugal travel tips guide to help you avoid common travel mistakes that visitors to the South Western European country make!
What is the population of Faro?
As of 2021, the population of Faro is around 61,000, making it the biggest city in the Algarve region of Portugal.
What are the best free things to do in Faro?
Those visiting Faro on a budget will be pleased to know that there are a number of low cost activities and attractions on offer. Some of the best free things to do in Faro include wandering the streets of the old town, visiting Faro Cathedral (though you’ll have to pay to go up the tower), and admiring the boats swaying in the harbour.
Is Faro safe to visit?
The tourist areas of Faro are generally as safe as most other destinations in Europe. With this being said, visitors should be wary of various scams that target tourists, as well as pickpockets (which are present all over Europe). Never leave your valuables lying around or attended. I personally recommend always wearing a crossbody bag like these ones.
Where to stay in Faro
If you fancy a central Algarve location with plenty of restaurants in which to base yourself to explore the wider region, then Faro isn’t necessarily a bad choice, particularly considering how many hotels are in the city and surrounding area. Here are some of the best places to stay in Faro based on web-reviews and location:
Budget- Tilia Hostel: This no-frills hostel has a series of different rooms to suit different traveller’s needs. As well as dormitory style bedrooms, there are private double rooms, as well as family rooms. Check prices and availability here.
Mid-range- Casa Saudade: This centrally located hotel includes amenities such as a fridge, a kettle, a walk-in shower, a hair dryer and a wardrobe. There are family rooms available and some rooms have their own balcony. Check prices and availability here.
Luxury- 3HB Faro: For an unforgettable stay during your time in Faro, be sure to book yourself into this five-star hotel. Highlights include an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a spa. Check prices and availability here.
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