Faro
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Top attractions in Faro

See all tours & things to do in Faro

The 7 Best Things to Do in Faro

Faro offers visitors attractions that encompass the idyllic holiday on the Algarve Coast. Its historical center exudes an old-world charm, and it's close to picturesque villages and a unique nature reserve. What's more, a deserted island is a boat ride away.

Old Town

Old Town

Enter through the Arco da Vila and stroll along the cobblestone streets. The city walls, which envelop the old town, date as early as the Roman era and later under Moorish rule.

Faro Cathedral

Faro Cathedral

Initially built in Gothic design, the cathedral suffered severe damage during the earthquake of 1755. The tower and the door are all that remain from the original structure.

Museu Municipal Arqueológico

Originally a 16th-century convent in the former Jewish Quarter, the museum houses artifacts from the region, including the Mosaic of the Ocean from the 3rd century.

Church of São Lourenço

Church of São Lourenço

The noteworthy church in the town of Almancil is famous for its exquisite interior, which illustrates the life of Saint Lawrence in traditional Portuguese tiles of blue and white.

Castle of Silves

Castle of Silves

Built between the 8th and 13th centuries, it's the best-preserved Moorish fortress in Portugal. The robust structure dominates the hill over the town of the same name.

Ria Formosa

Ria Formosa

The natural park, which comprises lagoons and islands, extends 37 miles along the coast. It's home to migrating and nesting birds, including flamingos, during spring and fall.

Barreta Island

Barreta Island

Also known as Deserted Island in the Ria Formosa Park, it's a boat ride away to this perfect place to cast your cares away on unspoiled beaches of a sun-drenched coastline.

Planning Your Faro Visit

How many days to spend in Faro?

You could spend up to one week or even 10 days in the area. Faro is a great place to base yourself, in order to explore not only its cultural riches but also those of the region. Miles of beaches and a unique natural reserve are at your fingertips.

Getting around

It's very easy and fun to explore Faro's old town. If you plan to explore the surrounding region, it's best to have a car and enjoy your independence. You can also find affordable train connections, however, to towns in the surrounding area.

Where to stay in Faro

There are accommodations just outside Faro's old city walls. Though, if you're looking to stay seaside, you'll find hotels in small towns along the Algarve coastline.

Getting to Barreta Island

There are four daily departures by boat to Barreta Island. It takes about 1/2 an hour to reach it and costs only 10€ round-trip.

Good to know

  • Language
    Portuguese
  • Currency
    Euro (€)
  • Time Zone
    UTC (+00:00)
  • Country Code
    +351
  • Best time to visit
    The weather is warm enough to swim from April to October, so planning when to go depends on how hot and crowded you want the city to be. July and August offer hot temperatures, but also bigger crowds.

Things to Do in Faro

  1. 1Activities
  2. 2Nature & adventure
  3. 3Nature & Panorama
  4. 4Rentals
  5. 5Boats & Yachts
  6. 6Tours
  7. 7Cruises & Boat Tours
  8. 8Water Sports
  9. 9Sailing Trips & Boat Tours
  10. 10Summer

Top Attractions in Faro

  1. 1Faro Airport
  2. 2Ludo Hiking Trail
  3. 3Archaeological and Lapidary Museum Prince Henry the Navigator
  4. 4Cathedral of Faro
  5. 5Arco da Vila
  6. 6Arco do Repouso

Cities in Portugal

  1. 1Lisbon
  2. 2Fátima
  3. 3Sintra
  4. 4Cascais
  5. 5Porto
  6. 6Obidos
  7. 7Evora
  8. 8Funchal
  9. 9Albufeira
  10. 10Tavira

Other Sightseeing Options in Faro

Want to discover all there is to do in Faro? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Faro

Very good and fun experience, we have never used a SegWay before, the guide was very kind and patient his name is Andre, he gave us a quick lesson on how to operate the SegWay. We had our tour at 8AM so there was nobody else apart from my partner so it was more like a private tour. The guide showed us around the city and explained the history behind the famous buildings and sites. The guide Andre spoke really good in english. Overall the experience was really pleasant and fun would definitely do it again. I recommend it to anyone even the elderly to try it as it is very intuitive and easy to learn the SegWay.

Cultural Faro 90-Minute Segway Tour Reviewed by Adam, 27/09/2020

Wonderful tour of the Lagon and clear description of the different species that are present. Free time in both islands that allowed us to visit them at our own pace. But there is a species that you absolutely need to meet that is full of knowledge, very didactic and super funny: it is Pedro the marine biologist who was our guide! He is the gem of Ria Farmosa. Thanks again for this unforgettable visit.

Faro: Ria Formosa National Park Boat Tour Reviewed by ASSMA, 31/08/2020

Me and my 10 year old daughter had the most perfect time together. At first we thought it would me a bit hard to find our balance on the Segway, but within less then 10min our guide proofed us wrong. It was such a fun thing to do and we specially enjoyed the route through nature, the addition information during the journey and of coarse seeing amazing contemporary architecture. We will be back!!!

Faro: Ria Formosa Natural Park Segway Tour & Birdwatching Reviewed by Dave, 19/10/2020

Paulo was a brilliant guide and a very trusting and competent sailor. He let me helm his very speedy racing yacht out to Farol Island. All the whilst reassuring my non-sailor partner that his boat could never capsize. What a great morning sailing we had. Thanks Paulo, thoroughly recommend this trip for a little adventure.

From Faro: Private Ria Formosa Sailing Trip Reviewed by Lindsay, 18/10/2020

The experience for this tour has been excellent! The tour is beautiful to discover Ría Formosa and the beaches of Faro and the trip is very nice. Ricardo, our local guide was fantastic and very kind. I would repeat for sure! :)

From Faro: Ria Formosa Faro Islands Catamaran Tour Reviewed by Carmen, 31/08/2020
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