A view of the coast of Faro District

Things to do in  Faro

The hidden gem of the Algarve

Often overlooked by travelers who think its only draw is the airport, Faro is so much more than just the gateway to Portugal’s stunning Algarve region. In its bright and airy Old Town, vestiges of grand 18th-century architecture combine with traditional Portuguese restaurants serving freshly-caught fish and decadent pastries. Its long, golden-sand Praia de Faro (Faro Beach) is far less crowded than the beaches further down the Algarve coast, even in the peak summer months of July and August.

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Top 10 attractions in Faro

#1

Barreta Island (Ilha Deserta)

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A sandy, uninhabited island off Portugal’s Algarve coast, Barreta Island (Ilha Deserta) is a popular beach destination and wildlife refuge inside Ria Formosa National Park. With freshwater lagoons, salt flats, sand dunes, and more, the park has a diverse range of habitats—each with its own resident population of birds and other species, including chameleons.More
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#2

Ria Formosa Natural Park

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Located at the southernmost tip of Portugal’s Algarve, Ria Formosa Natural Park (Parque Natural da Ria Formosa) is a scenic swirl of freshwater lagoons, sandy islands, and lush salt marshlands. The park hugs the coast between Manta Rota and Vale do Lobo, and is best known for its varied topography and diverse bird life.More
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#3

Olhão

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Olhão is a beautiful and very popular seaside tourist town in the Algarve region of Portugal. The biggest fishing port in the area, the town is a summer vacation destination for those looking for great seafood, wide beaches, and sunny weather.More
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#4

Falésia Beach

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Backed by pine-topped ombré cliffs that fade from ochre to beige, Falesia Beach stretches for more than 3.7 miles (6 kilometers, making it one of Portugal’s longest beaches. It’s also one of the Algarve’s most loved strips of sand, with its colored cliffs and clear waters attracting strollers and swimmers alike.More
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#5

Mt Fóia

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Rising to a height of 2,959 feet (902 meters, Mt. Fóia is the highest peak in the Algarve. The views from its summit are staggering: on a clear day, you can see as far as Cape Saint Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente, the wave-battered headland on the Algarve’s southwestern coast that was once believed to be the edge of the world.More
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#6

Monchique

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Dominating the landscape on the border between the Algarve and Alentejo regions is the Sierra de Monchique, a forest-covered mountain range. The small town of Monchique is hidden within the hills, offering visitors a look into rural life in the region.More
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#7

Praia de Faro

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Hailed as one of the best beaches in the Algarve, Praia de Faro boasts soft, golden sands that stretch for more than 3 miles (5 kilometers) along Faro Island. One side of the beach overlooks the sea, while the other side offers views of Ria Formosa National Park, home to mud flats and wetlands that can be explored by bicycle or boat.More
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#8

Tavira

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Tavira is thought to be the oldest settlement in Portugal—with signs of life dating back to 2000 BC. Whether you delve into the town’s history or simply enjoy the nearby beaches, there’s plenty to see and do here.More
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#9

Alcoutim

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A pretty red-roofed town on the banks of the Guadiana River in southeastern Portugal, Alcoutim has a laid-back rural charm. Come here to get an authentic taste of small-town Portuguese life, and to visit the medieval castle.More
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#10

Camera Obscura

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Situated inside the Tower of Tavira on the Algarve in Portugal is Tavira's Camera Obscura, a dark room that uses mirrors and lenses to project images from the city below out onto a screen. During each session, a local guide talks about the history, culture, and monuments of the city while showing visitors different highlights through the camera.More
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Explore Faro by interest

Top activities in Faro

Ria Formosa Natural Park and Islands Boat Cruise from Faro

Ria Formosa Natural Park and Islands Boat Cruise from Faro

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Algarve Buggy Tours

Algarve Buggy Tours

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$200.91
per group
Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop

Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop

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$17.92
Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro

Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro

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168
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$38.01
From Faro: Visit Benagil Cave, Marinha Beach, Algar Seco & More

From Faro: Visit Benagil Cave, Marinha Beach, Algar Seco & More

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$54.30
Small Group Dolphin and Wildlife Watching Tour in Faro

Small Group Dolphin and Wildlife Watching Tour in Faro

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$59.73
4 Stops | 3 Islands & Ria Formosa Natural Park - From Faro

4 Stops | 3 Islands & Ria Formosa Natural Park - From Faro

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$43.44
Private Catamaran Boat Tour - Ria Formosa

Private Catamaran Boat Tour - Ria Formosa

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$857.93
per group
Benagil Cave Tour From Faro - Discover The Algarve Coast

Benagil Cave Tour From Faro - Discover The Algarve Coast

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$54.30
Ria Formosa - Boat trip to the 3 Islands: Armona | Culatra Island | Lighthouse

Ria Formosa - Boat trip to the 3 Islands: Armona | Culatra Island | Lighthouse

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$43.33
Lisbon & Algarve Private Luxury Road Trip

Lisbon & Algarve Private Luxury Road Trip

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$304.07
Bordeira Beach - Horse Riding Tour Sunset or Sunrise

Bordeira Beach - Horse Riding Tour Sunset or Sunrise

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$152.04
Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr

Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr

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$18.46
Dolphin Watching + 2 Islands Tour - From Faro

Dolphin Watching + 2 Islands Tour - From Faro

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$65.16
Private Surf Lessons

Private Surf Lessons

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$54.30
Group Surf Lessons

Group Surf Lessons

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$38.01
Ria Formosa & Ilhas: Private Tour for Two or in Group

Ria Formosa & Ilhas: Private Tour for Two or in Group

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$228.06
per group
Faro airport - Albufeira: Private Return Transfer

Faro airport - Albufeira: Private Return Transfer

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$107.23
per group
Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner

Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner

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$65.16
Private Sightseeing Boat Tour in Ria Formosa at Olhão

Private Sightseeing Boat Tour in Ria Formosa at Olhão

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$238.92
per group
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All about Faro

When to visit

Travelers from across Europe flock to the Algarve in the thousands during the school holidays in July and August, when the region is most crowded, and hotel prices soar. For better deals and fewer people, visit during June, September, or October, when temperatures are ideal for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities. If you’re a fan of classical music, visit Faro in late May to catch its International Music Festival, which sees performances from some of Portugal’s leading orchestras.

Getting around

Though most people visiting the Algarve tend to hire a car, it's easy to explore Faro and its surrounding towns on public transport. Buses 16 and 56 transport you to and from Faro International Airport to both the Old Town and Faro Beach within about 15 minutes, while trains from Faro station transport you as far as Lisbon and Porto via popular Algarve holidays destinations such as Portimao, Lagos, and Albufeira.

Traveler tips

Faro is the ideal launchpad for exploring Ria Formosa National Park, a biodiverse area comprised of mineral-rich marshes and wetlands. You can explore the area on nature hikes or by boat, the only way to access the stunning Faro Islands—five small islands with white sand and refreshing, turquoise waters ideal for swimming. During the winter months of November through March, you can see hundreds of powder-pink flamingos feasting on the shellfish the Ria Formosa is famous for.

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People Also Ask

Is Faro worth visiting?

Yes—Faro’s traditionally Portuguese atmosphere, impressive historical quarter, and close proximity to the Ria Formosa National Park make it worth visiting. Top attractions include the Gothic Faro Cathedral (Sé de Faro), which dates back to the 13th century, and Praia de Faro (Faro Beach), with its less-crowded golden sands.

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Is there a lot to do in Faro?

There is a lot to do in Faro. You can explore the historic quarter, home to the 13th-century Faro Cathedral (Sé de Faro) and Bishop’s Palace (Paço Episcopal); take a boat trip or hike around the wetlands of Ria Formosa National Park; or enjoy a day trip to the whitewashed town of Tavira, just a few train stops away.

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How many days do you need in Faro?

Three days in the Algarve’s capital is recommended. Explore the historic quarter, whose entrance is marked by the Arco da Vila, and see the spooky Igreja do Carmo church made from bones. Then, spend a day exploring the Ria Formosa National Park and the other feasting on seafood, and relaxing on the golden sands of Praia de Faro (Faro Beach).

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Is Faro or Lisbon better?

That depends on what you’re after—as Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon is big and bustling and packs a punch when it comes to grand historical landmarks such as Castelo Sao Jorge, Sé de Lisboa, Belem, and nearby Sintra. Faro, on the other hand, is much smaller, more laid-back, and far closer to the blond beaches of the Algarve.

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What day trips can you take from Faro?

There are plenty of day trips you can take from Faro. Top picks include the colorful town of Loulé, with its Arabian-inspired market; the fishing port of Olhäo, famous for its seafood and the islands of Armona and Culatra; and Tavira, a charming town characterized by whitewashed architecture on the banks of the Gilão River.

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How far is Faro from the beach?

Praia de Faro (Faro Beach) is only 2 miles (3.5 kilometers) from Faro Airport or 5 minutes by car. You can reach the main beach by bus number 16, which also goes through the Old Town. Other nearby beaches include the Cape of St. Mary, with its famous red-and-white lighthouse, and Ilha Deserta (Desert Island), whose white sands are only accessible by ferry.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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