As the region’s capital, Faro has a very different atmosphere from the rest of the Algarve. It isn’t built around large resorts or nightlife. You will find a city with centuries of history, a lively marina, quiet streets, excellent restaurants and easy access to the Ria Formosa Natural Park. A place where locals still gather for coffee in traditional cafés, and if they miss something at home, they just pop into one of the independent shops or family-run businesses, and life generally moves at a slower pace.
Whether you have a few hours before your flight or are planning a weekend break, Faro is well worth exploring. Here’s how to make the most of your visit.
1. Wander through the Old Town
The best way to discover Faro is by walking.
Behind the old city walls lies Cidade Velha, the historic heart of Faro. After you enter through Arco da Vila, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, you’ll notice how peaceful it feels compared to many of the Algarve’s coastal resorts.
The narrow cobbled streets, traditional Portuguese doors, orange trees, and small cafés where people sit outside long after lunch has finished.
The old town is also home to several of Faro’s most important historic buildings, which makes it the perfect place to start your visit.
2. Visit Faro Cathedral
Standing in Largo da Sé, Faro Cathedral has watched over the city for more than 700 years.
Originally built in the 13th century, the cathedral has been altered several times following earthquakes and attacks, giving it a fascinating mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
From the top of the bell tower you’ll enjoy one of the best views in Faro, looking across the rooftops of the old town, the marina and the lagoons of the Ria Formosa.
3. Visit the Bone Chapel
One of Faro’s most unusual attractions is hidden behind the Igreja do Carmo.
From the outside, the 18th-century church looks fairly traditional, but behind it is the Capela dos Ossos (Bone Chapel), where the walls are decorated with the bones and skulls of more than 1,200 Carmelite monks. It’s one of Faro’s most visited landmarks and only takes a few minutes to explore.
4. Spend a day at Faro Beach
Many visitors are surprised to discover that Faro has one of the Algarve’s best beaches.
Praia de Faro stretches along Ilha de Faro, a barrier island connected to the mainland by a bridge. The atmosphere of the island feels completely different compared to the city, with colourful beach houses, seafood restaurants, and long stretches of golden sand.
Only a small community still lives here throughout the year, but the island has become increasingly popular thanks to its beachfront restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood.
Getting there is also much easier than it used to be. For years, traffic was slowed by a single-lane bridge that often caused long queues during the summer months. Since 2025, a new two-way bridge has made access much smoother.
Praia de Faro is also the only barrier island in the Algarve that can be reached directly by car.
5. Walk the Ludo Trail
If you enjoy walking in nature, make time for the Ludo Trail.
Starting between Faro Airport and Faro Beach, this walk passes through the wetlands of the Ria Formosa, one of southern Portugal’s most important birdwatching areas. Flamingos, storks, spoonbills and many other species can often be spotted throughout the year.
The official route follows a series of linear trails, meaning you’ll need to return the same way if you follow the map at the entrance. It’s also possible to do a circular walk of around seven kilometres, which takes roughly two hours.
One of the most unusual moments comes at the beginning of the trail, where you can watch planes taking off and landing.
6. Relax in Jardim da Alameda João de Deus
Jardim da Alameda João de Deus is Faro’s largest public park and a pleasant place to take a break after exploring the city. With shaded paths, colourful flowers and a children’s playground, it’s popular with both locals and visitors.
7. Go shopping at Forum Algarve
If you’d like to do a bit of shopping while you’re in Faro, Forum Algarve is just a few minutes from the city centre. The open-air shopping centre is home to a wide range of international and Portuguese brands, cafés, restaurants, a cinema and a large supermarket. It’s also a handy place to pick up anything you may have forgotten before your holiday or a great place to grab a quick lunch.
8. Discover Faro’s art scene
Over the last few years, the city has also become home to a growing contemporary art scene, with several galleries and creative spaces worth visiting.
One of the most interesting is GAMA RAMA Gallery, led by Toma Svazaite and Miguel Neto. More than just a gallery, it also provides studio space for artists and regularly hosts exhibitions, talks, workshops, screenings and open studio sessions, helping to support contemporary art in the Algarve.
Another long-established gallery is Trem Gallery, founded in 1990. It showcases work by some of Portugal’s leading contemporary artists, with exhibitions changing throughout the year.
Where to eat
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, Alameda is one of Faro’s standout restaurants and one of the Algarve’s Michelin-starred establishments.
Led by Chef Rui Sequeira and his young team, the restaurant focuses on local ingredients, particularly fresh seafood, prepared using modern techniques. The stylish interior, open kitchen and relaxed atmosphere make it feel less formal than traditional fine dining restaurants.
Guests can choose from four tasting menus, with optional wine pairings, offering the chance to discover seasonal Algarve flavours in a more contemporary way.
For something much more traditional, Xic is a favourite with both locals and visitors.
The restaurant is particularly well known for its francesinhas, with versions made with beef, pork, tuna and even a vegetarian option. If this famous Portuguese sandwich isn’t for you, the menu also includes cataplanas, grilled fish, bacalhau, clams and plenty of other Portuguese favourites.
Where to stay
If you’re looking for a hotel right in the centre of Faro, Occidental Faro is hard to beat.
Located between Faro Marina and the historic centre, it puts most of the city’s main attractions within easy walking distance. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace overlooking the city, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa offering a range of treatments and a gym.
Around ten minutes from Faro, Pousada Palácio de Estoi is one of the Algarve’s most unique places to stay.
Set inside an 18th-century palace painted in soft pink tones and surrounded by gardens inspired by Versailles, the hotel combines history with modern comfort. The palace was once the country residence of a nobleman connected to the Portuguese royal household before becoming part of the Pestana Pousadas collection in 2009.
Today, guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa, a restaurant serving Algarve cuisine and elegant rooms while staying in one of Portugal’s historic buildings.
Faro is worth more than a stop at the airport
Faro is often overlooked by visitors who arrive at the airport and immediately continue their journey to another part of the Algarve. But spend a day here, and you’ll quickly discover that the city has plenty to offer, from its historic streets and fascinating landmarks to beautiful beaches, nature trails, excellent restaurants and a growing cultural scene.
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