Faro, Portugal: travel guide
Walled old town and the lagoon islands of the Ria Formosa
Capital of the Algarve, gateway to the Ria Formosa lagoon and its islands, with a walled old town and cathedral.
About Faro
Faro is the capital of the Algarve and the airport city for most visitors, yet its compact old town and the lagoon beside it deserve more than a transfer stop. Inside the walls, cobbled lanes lead to the cathedral and a quiet square or two.
The Ria Formosa Natural Park is the main draw, a maze of channels, salt flats and sandbar islands you can reach by boat, with birdlife and empty beaches on Ilha Deserta. Back in town, the Igreja do Carmo and its Capela dos Ossos, the cathedral tower and the municipal museum fill a relaxed afternoon.
Faro suits nature lovers, birdwatchers and anyone wanting a calmer corner of the Algarve. Spring and autumn are the best time to visit Faro for mild days on the water.
- Country
- Portugal
- Currency
- EUR
- Time zone
- Europe/Lisbon
- Nearest airport
- FAO
Last updated
Top places to visit in Faro
Faro Old Town & Arco da Vila
Heritage · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Walled historic quarter entered through the neoclassical Arco da Vila, with cobbled squares and storks.
Faro Cathedral (Sé)
Church · about 0.8 h · entry €4 (≈ ₹430)
Medieval cathedral rebuilt after earthquakes; climb the tower for views over the Ria Formosa.
Ria Formosa Natural Park
Wildlife · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Sheltered lagoon of salt marsh, barrier islands and birdlife; boat tours from Faro marina.
Igreja do Carmo & Capela dos Ossos
Church · about 0.5 h · entry €2 (≈ ₹210)
Baroque church with a macabre bone chapel built from the remains of monks.
Ilha Deserta (Barreta)
Beach · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Uninhabited barrier island of dunes and empty beach reached by ferry from Faro.
Praia de Faro
Beach · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Long Atlantic beach on a barrier island connected to the mainland by a bridge.
Museu Municipal de Faro
Museum · about 1 h · entry €2 (≈ ₹210)
Archaeology museum in a former convent, with Roman mosaics and a fine cloister.
Things to do
- Ria Formosa Islands Boat Tour Nature · 3.5 h · from EUR 35 per person
- Faro Old Town Walking Tour Walking Tour · 2 h · from EUR 18 per person
- Ria Formosa Kayak Tour Water Sports · 3 h · from EUR 40 per person
Day trips and tours
- Ria Formosa Islands Boat Tour 4 h · from EUR 35
Where to stay in Faro
- Downtown / Marina about EUR 80 per night
Central Faro by the marina and old town, handy for the airport and islands.
Hotels
- Casa d'Alagoa Hostel 2-star · EUR 20 to EUR 70 per night
- Stay Hotel Faro Centro 3-star · EUR 60 to EUR 120 per night
- Hotel Faro & Beach Club 4-star · EUR 110 to EUR 220 per night
Where to eat
- Faz Gostos Portuguese, Algarvian · about EUR 30 per person
- Tertúlia Algarvia Algarvian, Portuguese · about EUR 25 per person
- A Venda Portuguese, Tapas · about EUR 14 per person
Getting to Faro
Airport: Faro (FAO)
Getting around
- Bus
- Walking
More in Portugal
Frequently asked questions about Faro
- What are the main places to visit in Faro?
- Places covered in our Faro guide include Faro Old Town & Arco da Vila, Faro Cathedral (Sé), Ria Formosa Natural Park, Igreja do Carmo & Capela dos Ossos, Ilha Deserta (Barreta).
- Where should I stay in Faro?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Faro: Downtown / Marina.
- How do I get around Faro?
- Ways to get around Faro covered in our guide: City bus, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Faro?
- The nearest airport to Faro has the code FAO.