33 Best Things To Do In Faro, Portugal: An Extensive Guide On What To Do & See In Faro

Faro is on the southernmost tip of Portugal and forms the Capital of the Algarve Region, known for being arguably the most beautiful part of the country. While often referred to as an island, technically Faro is a peninsula connected to Portugal’s mainland by road. Curiously, Faro is well-known as a popular beach destination despite not having any beaches of its own.

However, just because Faro itself does not have any beaches on the mainland doesn’t mean there aren’t many spectacular beaches nearby that cater to all of the avid beachgoers' needs. Most of the beaches are a short scenic boat ride away, however, if the travel seems like more of a hindrance than an adventure, the Praia da Faro island is a short taxi drive over the bridge that connects the island to the mainland. Because of its accessibility, Praia da Faro island is incredibly popular and can become overcrowded quickly. We suggest indulging in the spirit of travel and looking at the unique experiences the other islands have to offer.

There is certainly no shortage of swimming and sunshine to be experienced on the many islands surrounding Faro. From exploring caves to diving into crystal clear waters, or experiencing virtually undisturbed nature, there is an island experience to suit your wanderlust.

One of the best beaches to visit is Ilha da Barreta (Deserta), where the beach experience is in the name – the entire island is virtually deserted save for one permanent structure, O Estamine Restaurant. The restaurant is highly regarded for its cuisine and many tourists who spend a day on the island hope to indulge in the delights created in the eco-friendly, completely solar-powered kitchen. The island is fairly small being only 7 km long, with one side of the island overlooking the Ria Formosa lagoon while the other side faces the great expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.

Another beach to add to your itinerary is Ilha da Cultura, a small island that forms part of the greater Ria Formosa nature reserve. With an expanse of sand and crystal waters, it's a popular stop for those looking for a beach experience with added bonus of sightseeing. Unlike Ilha da Barreta (Deserta) there are residents on the island in the town of Farol, where there are many restaurants and cafés to explore while enjoying the sleepy coastal town.

To round off our top 3 beaches, we’ve chosen Praia do Almargem. Although this Blue Flag beach is a walking distance away from the nearby resort, the beach is surprisingly secluded and untouched. Instead of the bustling view of apartments, restaurants, and hotels, this beach offers russet dunes and shade from pine trees. While this beach is tranquil and on the quieter side, it does still boast all the necessary facilities to ensure beachgoers' comfort.

Now that you're all fired up and ready to explore Faro like a local, let's get started on the adventure. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or just soaking up the local culture, these exciting experiences have got you covered.

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It's not all Beaches and fun in the sun, there is a wealth of exploring to do in Faro that is sure to keep your itinerary full. From historic landmarks to wine tasting and golden hour sun-downers, Faro has so much to offer travellers looking for excitement. Step into the City and experience Portugal’s coastal charm.

Your venture into the City will take you away from the islands and meander you through times gone by. Faro has a rich heritage and landmarks dating further back than the Roman Empire! Faro Cathedral is a well-known stop for tourists, and it’s easy to see why, built in 1251, the cathedral has seen changes to its facade after being ravaged by war. The original gothic tower and various remains serve as a reminder of how this building has stood the test of time. The rich interior gives a history into the varying styles over the centuries, each adding more opulence and gilding than the last.

A structure sporting no gilding or interior of any kind is the Milreu Roman Remains, these structures, or what is left of them, still proudly stands as a reminder of the Roman occupation in the City. A short hike up the mountain from the City will lead you to the ruin of a villa dating as early as 300 AD. The villa still boasts the Mosaics and inner workings of the baths, as well as signs of the occupants who used the villa over the following centuries.

Stepping back into a time that predates even the Romans, Muralhas de Faro is a wall the encloses the City of Faro, and proudly stands as a reminder of the City’s very earliest occupation. Although the wall has been repaired over the centuries, the last additions and repairs were done in the 12th century. Tiles along the wall reveal the secrets the wall has held,and the history the wall has been a part of. Take a slow scenic walk and soak in Faro’s heritage.

While soaking in Faro’s heritage, there is nothing quite like going off the beaten track to the spots that locals know well and love. From hidden gems to cosy corners, stepping away from flashy tourist spots really shows the quant beauty of this old City.

Hidden away from prying eyes in Old Town Faro, at the heart of the city, are local shops and Boutiques nestled into the facades of old building and hidden in narrow alleys. There are an array of shops to explore including boutiques with hidden treasures that are worth taking the time to find. Each store boasts a unique ambiance, and even if shopping is something you dread, take the time to poke your head in and look around anyway, the magic of Old Town is worth the effort.

If shopping has your head buzzing, and all the trinkets have left your feet sore and your purse lighter, grab a drink and find a cosy spot of grass in Orange Grove Square. This old orange grove is quite popular for its spectacular beauty nestled within the gothic buildings. Enjoy the lush green scenery and warm weather and take a moment to simply soak in the atmosphere and tranquillity.

After a relaxing rest in the shade, when your stomach makes its needs known, meander a little further and grab a bite from one of the many Café’s in Old Town. There is something for even the most discerning palate and the merry chatter from fellow patrons and from people bustling by, adds to the charm.

After all of your cultural curiosities have been piqued make some time for an Island adventure. Albufeira is an Island that is just as famous as Faro itself and not many tourists visit Faro without planning a trip out to Albufeira. With surreal rock formations, unreal turquoise waters, Dolphin’s and caves, it’s hard to imagine not adding this list to your itinerary.

No Visit to the Island is complete without exploring the Benagil Cave, Tourist have the option to travel by boat, however the cave is accessible from Benagil Beach (which is a spectacular must see all on its own). The cave has amazing openings and alcoves created slowly by erosion and nature over millennia, the most picturesque of which, is the ceiling opening, allowing the sun to illuminate the interior. It should be noted that the cave opening is only accessible by boat. Boats are not allowed in the cave, so while you can book a chartered trip by boat, you will miss being able to explore inside the cave, instead we suggest that you rent a kayak on Benagil Beach and make your own way into the cave to get the most of the experience.

If you were blown away by exploring the caves and think that your day is complete, we suggest visiting Portugals most beautiful beach. With a limestone backdrop, turquoise clear water and a view of some otherworldly rock formations standing proudly from the water, Marinha Beach is the best way to wind down. While swimming and lounging are the most popular activities, we urge you to take the time to scale the cliff on a 1.5km hike to see the view in all of its glory, take a photo at the Arco Natural (a heart-shaped rock formation) along the way.

A day of exploring and lounging wouldn’t be complete without making the most of a sunset. Take a chartered boat trip from Albufeira Marina to the São Rafael Caves, where a small private beach serves as the prime viewing point for spectacular sunsets. Enjoy some drinks and rustic bbq food on the sandy beach while exploring the surrounds. It’s the perfect end to a day exploring Albufeira before heading back to Faro.

While it seems like Faro and the surrounding islands offer many of the same activities, and we can’t argue the beautiful allure many of these activities hold, there are some truly unique activities that we suggest taking the time to experience.

While heading off the beaten track in Faro, you may be surprised to hear that one of its hidden gems is the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of bones)​​, built next to the entrance of the Church of St. Francis​​, the chapel is lined and decorated with the bones of an estimated 5000 bodies. There are many who believe that the souls haunt the chapel, and there are those who claim to have seen and heard the ethereal beings. With intricate carvings and decorations said to date back to the mediaeval era, we suggest that you take the tour through the chapel and decide for yourself.

If you are still in the mood for unique experiences, and you are lucky enough to be in Faro over the festive season, don’t miss out on the Medieval Fair Of Paderne. For four days Paderne turn back the clock to the neighbourhoods very earliest days in the city. The Neighbourhood takes this festival seriously with everything from the food to decor and participants looking the part. A lavish procession tells the neighbourhood and cities’ story to onlookers, and this annual celebration is anticipated by locals and tourists alike.

After a day of experiencing the unique side of Faro, why not end off your sightseeing with some history and a view of the City that houses it. Nestled into the ancient city walls (Muralhas de Faro) is a restaurant called Castelo Bar. The Castelo Bar, while known for its unique location in Old Town Faro, is also known for its seemingly endless array of live entertainment in the evenings. Be sure to grab a comfortable spot before sunset to really get the most of the view and the experience before the bar becomes busy.

While looking out for things to do in Faro, keep in mind all the fascinating things Faro has to offer our younger travel companions. Indulge in the island experience through the eyes of a child. As an Island that takes its ecology and marine life seriously, Faro offers a lot of fun ways to teach children about the unique things they will see, and how to engage with them.

The first stop in giving your children the most engaging, fun experience should definitely be the science centre. Children learn all about the unique ecology of Faro in a fun hands-on way that is sure to make sure they have an experience they will never forget. Children are encouraged to go to the touch pool and indulge in tactile sensations and exploration, while live animals like scorpions give children the chance to prove they might just be braver than their parents. With live animals and a variety of displays, your children will be occupied for hours.

While continuing your search for family fun, we suggest planning a day trip to Albufeira where a 20-hole course awaits. A fun challenge for golf enthusiasts, young and old, is set in beautiful surroundings with waterfalls and rivers. Finish off your game with a light lunch and perhaps brave a second go!

We can't think of a better way to end a day of family adventure than taking your kids on the Pirate Ship Leãozinho! Children and adults alike can experience the history and views of the Algarve in the most exciting way. The boat will take you to spectacular beach spots where you can frolic in the waves and nap on the sand as the pirates do. Your guide (yaaarrr we mean captain) will share knowledge and fun facts along the way. For those who are good swimmers there is the tradition of “walking the plank”.

To round off our Unique experiences to seek out in Faro, we’ve added some more experiences that are seasonal, and take a little more planning, but are well worth planning your trip around, or adding to your itinerary. Faro is so much more than a destination for swimming and tanning.

For one of the most memorable experiences in Portugal, this colourful carnival (planned around Easter) is a must see if you happen to be in Faro between February and March. For an entire two-week period thousands of locals and tourists dress up and party, with singing, dancing and merriment filling the streets. There are food stalls scattered in the streets offering many delicacies as well as a staggering amount of entertainment from balls, concerts, theatre and comedy to Parades that keep the festivities going.

We head from the parties in the streets of Faro to the beaches of Lagoa, where the festival of FIESA (the largest sand castle festival in the world) takes place from March through to October, when the weather is at its finest. So many thousands of sculptors travel from across the globe creating sculptures that are so large, that buggy tours are offered so that tourists are physically able to see the large sand sculptures. True to its name, the sand sculpture festival also includes delicious food, dancing, acrobatics and other performances nestled between the 40 foot creations.

The fauna that surrounds Faro is protected conservation land, and with good reason, the Ria Formosa reserve is home to an extensive list of wildlife, including some endangered species like the chameleon. Booking the Ria Formosa Catamaran Cruise is an adventurous way to venture out to the lagoon and see the protected wildlife. Remember to bring a swimsuit as there are many opportunities to swim on the quiet secluded beaches on the way. From colourful groups of birds to the ever changing colour of the chameleon, you won’t regret sitting back and enjoying the cruise.

We have made several mentions already of the delicious food that is available year round in Faro, and that’s no coincidence. Being part of Portugal and along the coast, Faro boasts some world renowned cuisine. We urge you to dive in and try the many delicacies you will come across on your travels through the Algarve.

While the origin story of Peri Peri is still under debate, there is no question that Peri Peri chicken has found a comfortable home in southern Portugal. African Bird's-eye chillies (the star ingredient of Peri Peri) grows abundantly in the area and adds a definitive kick to the marinade used to infuse chicken pieces with an unbeatable flavour. No matter which restaurant you find yourself in, you are likely to find the dish on the menu, savour the experience, and keep a chilled glass of milk handy.

If you would like to have a traditional culinary experience in Faro, search for a traditional local restaurant and indulge in Javali. While Faro is known for seafood, Javali is a meat-based dish that finds its origins in Faro and the nearby islands. The dish is made from wild boar and is usually seasoned and prepared over open fire.

If you have an unsatisfied craving for seafood, then you've come to the right place, Faro is renowned for its fresh seafood. Known for its shellfish farms, Faro offers some of the worlds finest oysters, served crisp and fresh. There are many dishes like Caldeirada (made from white fish and shellfish) and arroz de lingueirão (a rice dish flavoured with clams) that really show just how versatile seafood can be, and the flavours are truly morish.

Since we have set your taste buds tingling, it's only fair that we give you a list of the best places to eat and find the mentioned dishes. From alfresco seating to restaurants that offer generous portions for the ravenous traveller, there is no shortage of wonderful restaurants to choose from.

If you are going to try Peri Peri chicken Churrasqueira o Recife restaurant is rumoured to have the best in the city, with succulents flavourful meat and unlimited chips and rice, you are bound to leave satisfied. Although the restaurant itself is very rustic, both locals and tourists say that the ambience and service is just as good as the food.

This café is known for serving lovingly crafted seasonal dishes, but the main speciality, and reason for its popularity is that they specialise in javali. Any way you can dream of javali being served, they can probably prepare it. Nestled along a cobbled pavement, take a quiet reprieve from sight seeing to indulge in a mouthwatering meal.

If you are heading out to find the famed seafood dishes, then we suggest enjoying a meal at Tasquinha Cruzeiro, rumoured to have the best seafood in Faro. Tasquinha Cruzeiro offers more of a fine dining experience, in a quant old style building. There is no shortage of both traditional and unique seafood dishes, enjoyed with good wine and friendly service.

To Round off a day of fun in Faro, there is plenty to do at night to keep the spirit of excitement going. From booking a bbq on a secluded beach and dinner cruise to dancing in a nightclub, Faro has something for everyone of all ages to enjoy once night falls over the Algarve.

Once the sun sets this pedestrian street comes alive, with sidewalk cafés spilling over and mingling with locals and tourist parting along the quant street. It’s worth going even just to sit in one of the restaurants to people watch, the atmosphere is lively and fun, immerse yourself in the experience.

If a street party isn’t quite your idea of fun, Columbus is a chic cocktail bar situated in Old Town Faro. The cocktail bar is known for its signature drinks, and music, which makes it a popular spot for dancing.

Baixa is a district situated in the city centre where many of the bars and clubs are grouped together. If a bar hopping or a bigger party is what you are after, we suggest exploring this area and seeing where the night takes you.

Your sleep should be as peaceful as your day of sightseeing was exciting. Faro has many options for travellers to choose, from staying in quant historic buildings to beachside resorts, there is the perfect accommodation waiting for you.

Conveniently located in the heart of the city centre, Baixa Terrace Hostel has a timeless vintage feel from the street view. Although it has hostel in the name, it offers both private rooms and dormitories. While the exterior may have a vintage feel, the interior is sleek and modern, and while minimal, the accommodations offer everything you could need in a prime location at reasonable cost.

If you are looking for luxury, but still hoping for a convenient location, Guest House_Opus One is also located in the city centre. Guest House_Opus One marries old town charm with modern art and facilities that give the guesthouse an extra edge of opulence. With shared spaces that include a bar, swimming pool, jacuzzi and luxurious recreation and dining spaces and private rooms filled with rustic coastal inspired furniture, you might find it hard to set foot in the city streets when you wake in the morning!

Sporting a breathtaking panoramic view of the city from a rooftop infinity pool, it’s easy to see why 3HB Faro is one of Faro’s most popular hotels to stay in. The hotel features a luxurious, clean modern feel, with facilities that are equally modern and luxurious. If the infinity pool didn’t pique your interest (the hotel has two pools) then a trip to the sauna might be your kind of relaxing activity. The Hotel also has two restaurants to choose from with highly rated cuisine, room service and fully equipped rooms to cater to a traveller’s every need.