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Faro, Portugal
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Must-include attractions sorted by popularity
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Most popular attractions in Faro, Portugal
1. Faro Old Town (Cidade Velha)
Cidade Velha
Medieval walls and winding cobbled streets make Faro Old Town a peaceful step back in time. Wander the cathedral rooftop, quiet plazas and waterfront cafés for sunset views.
2. Faro Cathedral (Sé de Faro)
Sé de Faro
Climb Faro Cathedral's bell tower for sweeping views over the Old Town and Ria Formosa. Explore carved altars, tiled sacristy, and a peaceful cloister.
3. Arco da Vila
Gateway to Faro's Old Town, Arco da Vila frames the cobbled entrance and marina views. Walk through the stone arch, photograph the walls and climb nearby streets for cathedral panoramas.
Book a FREE walking tour in Faro, Portugal
The best way to experience a city with a local tour guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
4. Igreja do Carmo (Chapel of Bones / Capela dos Ossos)
Chapel of Bones / Capela dos Ossos
Atmospheric 18th-century chapel lined with human bones, offering a stark look at faith and mortality. Walk the dim nave and read the inscriptions carved into the ossuary walls.
5. Museu Municipal de Faro (Paço Episcopal)
Paço Episcopal
Discover Faro's Episcopal Palace for its collection of regional art and Roman archaeology. Wander cloisters, see mosaics and enjoy views from the cathedral rooftop.
6. Ria Formosa Natural Park (Parque Natural da Ria Formosa)
Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
Salt flats, winding channels and abundant birdlife make the lagoon worth visiting. Paddle, birdwatch and stroll the barrier islands' white sand.
7. Ilha Deserta (Barreta Island)
Barreta Island
Long white sands and quiet dunes just a short boat ride from Faro. Swim in shallow clear water, stroll the spit and relax in near solitude.
8. Praia de Faro (Faro Beach)
Faro Beach
Wide golden sands and calm shallow water just minutes from Faro's old town. Expect long sandy walks, seaside kiosks, and glowing sunsets over the Ria Formosa.
9. Marina de Faro
Harbor-side charm and Ria Formosa access make Marina de Faro worth a stop. Watch colorful boats, eat fresh seafood, or catch the ferry to the barrier islands.
10. Mercado Municipal de Faro (Faro Municipal Market)
Faro Municipal Market
Fresh Atlantic seafood and vibrant local produce attract food lovers. Sample petiscos, watch fishmongers, and snap colorful stalls.
11. Rua de Santo António
Charming pedestrian street with colorful shops and lively cafes near Faro's old town. Stroll cobblestones, local boutiques, pastel de nata stops and street scenes.
12. Faro Coastal Trail
Salt-marsh vistas and Atlantic coastline make the Faro Coastal Trail a refreshing escape. Walk flat boardwalks, spot flamingos and waders, and end at Praia de Faro's sandy beach.
13. Santa Bárbara de Nexe Viewpoint
Top of a gentle hill with sweeping views over Faro and the Ria Formosa. Expect wide panoramas, colourful skies at sunset and a few local birds.
Additional popular things to do in Faro, Portugal
Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Dom Rodrigo
A convent-era sweet popular in the Algarve, made from egg yolks and sugar spun into glossy threads and often wrapped in colorful paper for festivals and gift-giving.
Fios de Ovos
Delicate strands of egg yolk poached in sugar syrup, used extensively across the Algarve to decorate cakes and tarts and traced back to monastery confectionery.
Morgado de Amêndoa
A dense almond cake or pastry typical of the Algarve, prized for its intense almond flavor and a traditional presence at weddings and religious celebrations.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Cataplana de Marisco
A hallmark Algarvian seafood stew cooked in a closed copper cataplana pan, which traps steam and intensifies the flavors of clams, prawns and fish.
Xerém
A comforting porridge made from coarsely ground maize, often simmered with clams, pork or chouriço and herbs, reflecting the region's peasant-to-table tradition.
Sardinhas Assadas
Simple grilled sardines seasoned with salt and olive oil, they are a fixture of Faro's summer streets and religious festivals and celebrated for their smoky, fresh taste.
Traditional Beverages
Aguardente de Medronho
A potent local brandy distilled from medronho, the fruit of the strawberry tree, it is a rugged rural spirit often homemade and emblematic of the Algarve.
Vinhos do Algarve
The Algarve's regional wines, including bright whites and fuller reds, reflect maritime soils and pair beautifully with Faro's seafood, and some producers make fortified sweet wines too.
Amarguinha
A sweet almond liqueur rooted in the Algarve, commonly served as a digestif or used to flavor desserts and cocktails across Faro.
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Day trips
Ria Formosa Islands
Protected lagoon, sandbar islands, great for wildlife.
Google MapsComments (7)
Want the best beaches? Catch the first Ria Formosa ferry from Faro marina, boats fill up by noon and island cafes close early.
Went in March and got a lot of rain, beach plans canceled, but museums and cafes saved the trip. Pack a good jacket.
Local tip: the bus from the airport needs exact change and runs infrequently after 10pm, pre-book a transfer or have cash for a taxi.
Crowds in July made the marina and streets hectic, but the sunsets were unreal, just expect queues for restaurants.
Faro's old town is charming, seafood is incredibly fresh, and two days gave us the perfect quick taste of the Algarve.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
Algarve line; connects to Lisbon, Lagos, Tavira, Vila Real de Santo Antonio
Algarve line; local connections across eastern Algarve
From Faro Airport take the regular bus, Aerobus or taxi; about 10-15 minutes to the center.
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