Faro: Complete Guide — Things to Do & See in 2026
Why visit Faro
Faro is the capital of the Algarve and the gateway to southern Portugal, yet most tourists pass through without giving it a chance. That’s a mistake. Behind the airport and motorways lies a historic city full of character, with a walled Old Town, a pleasant marina, and direct access to the Ria Formosa — one of Europe’s most impressive natural reserves.
Faro isn’t a resort city like Albufeira or Vilamoura. It’s a real city, with a university, local life, good restaurants, and more affordable prices. For those wanting to know the Algarve beyond the tourist beaches, Faro is an excellent starting point.
Things to see and do in Faro
Old Town (Vila-Adentro)
Faro’s historic centre is enclosed by medieval walls, accessed through the imposing 19th-century Arco da Vila. Inside, cobbled streets lead to the Cathedral (13th century), from which you get a panoramic view over the Ria Formosa and the city’s rooftops. The Old Town also houses the Municipal Museum and quiet little squares — a total contrast to the tourist bustle of other Algarve towns.
Faro Cathedral (Sé)
Built in the 13th century on the site of a mosque, the cathedral mixes Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The highlight is climbing the bell tower, which offers one of the best panoramic views in the Algarve — the Ria Formosa, the city, and the sea beyond. Entry: around €3.50.
Faro Marina
The marina is Faro’s social heart. Along the waterfront promenade you’ll find restaurants, bars, and terraces where locals and tourists mix. This is where boats depart for the Ria Formosa islands. In the late afternoon, it’s one of the best spots for sunset in the Algarve.
Ria Formosa
The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a 60 km coastal lagoon stretching from Faro to Cacela Velha. It’s one of Portugal’s richest ecosystems, home to flamingos, seahorses, and hundreds of bird species. From Faro, you can explore it by boat, kayak, or on foot. Read more in our Ria Formosa article.
Desert Island (Ilha Deserta / Barreta)
Desert Island is exactly what the name promises — a virtually deserted island, accessible only by boat from Faro (20 minutes). With 7 km of pristine sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s one of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in the Algarve. There’s just one restaurant on the island.
Ancão Beach (Quinta do Lago)
Ancão Beach is in the Quinta do Lago area, about 15 minutes by car from Faro. An extensive beach with golden sand and calm waters, surrounded by Ria Formosa’s natural landscape. Quieter than Albufeira’s beaches, perfect for families.
Garrão Beach
Between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, Garrão Beach is one of the prettiest in the Faro area. Extensive and surrounded by dunes and pine trees, with calm waters and fewer visitors than the more famous Algarve beaches.
Carmo Church and Bone Chapel
The Carmo Church has an imposing Baroque façade. Behind it, the Bone Chapel — built from the bones and skulls of over 1,000 monks — is a macabre but fascinating visit. It’s Portugal’s second most visited bone chapel, after Évora’s. Entry: €2.
Best beaches near Faro
- Desert Island (Barreta) — 7 km of pristine sand, boat access only. The most unspoilt in the Algarve.
- Ancão Beach — In the Quinta do Lago area, extensive and peaceful. Perfect for families.
- Garrão Beach — Between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo. Dunes, pines, and calm waters.
- Faro Beach (Ilha de Faro) — The most accessible, connected to the mainland by bridge. Popular with locals, with bars and restaurants.
Where to eat in Faro
Faro has excellent and more authentic dining than the tourist zones. Around the marina and Rua de Santo António you’ll find restaurants with good value. For fresh fish and seafood, try the restaurants near the municipal market or along the marina.
Must-try dishes: conquilhas à algarvia (clams in coriander sauce), seafood cataplana, and grilled sardines in season (June to October).
Where to stay in Faro
- Centre / Marina — Hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of everything. Good base for exploring.
- Old Town — Few options but unique atmosphere inside the walls.
- Quinta do Lago / Vale do Lobo — Luxury resorts 15 min by car. Golf, spa, and exclusive beaches.
Compare prices on our hotel search engine.
How to get to Faro
Airport: Faro Airport (FAO) is just 6 km from the city centre. A taxi or transfer costs around €10-15 and takes 10 minutes. Urban buses (line 16) also run from the airport.
By train: Faro station is the Algarve’s main hub, with regional connections to Lagos (1h30), Albufeira (30 min), and Tavira (40 min), plus Alfa Pendular trains to Lisbon (3h).
By car: Faro is served by the A22 (Via do Infante) and EN125.
Practical tips
- How long to stay: 2-3 days for Faro city. With more days, explore Ria Formosa, Olhão, and Tavira.
- Airport as base: Faro is the best base if arriving by air without a rental car — everything is walkable or reachable by boat.
- Best time: May to October for beaches. Year-round for culture and food. See our best time guide.
- Ria Formosa: Set aside at least half a day for a boat trip. Tours leave from the marina, €15-25 per person.
For official information, visit Faro Municipality. To visit Ria Formosa, see ICNF — Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Frequently asked questions
Is Faro worth visiting or is it just for the airport?
Faro is very much worth visiting. The Old Town, marina, and access to the Ria Formosa make it an interesting city in its own right. It’s more authentic and affordable than tourist areas like Albufeira.
How many days do you need in Faro?
Two to three days are ideal to explore the city, visit Desert Island, and take a Ria Formosa trip. With more time, use Faro as a base for the eastern Algarve.
How do you get to Desert Island from Faro?
Boats leave from Faro marina several times daily (more frequent in summer). The crossing takes about 20 minutes and costs €5-10 return. The last boat back is typically at 5-6pm.
Does Faro have good beaches?
Yes, but they’re different from the cliff-backed beaches of the western Algarve. Faro’s beaches are barrier islands of the Ria Formosa — extensive, with golden sand and calm waters. Desert Island is considered one of the most beautiful in the Algarve.
Is Faro good for families?
Yes, especially for families who value culture and nature alongside beach time. The Ria Formosa is educational and fun for children, and the beaches are safe. Quinta do Lago, 15 minutes away, has excellent family resorts.
