Is Faro Portugal Worth Visiting?
Written by Nadia Podrabinek
Hello, my name is Nadia. I usually write about traveling (there are so many places to fit all the lifestyles), relocation, and living in a foreign country (adapting to a different culture). My travels stretch beyond Spain, with journeys to the US, Italy, Norway, Portugal, and France. Relocating to Spain in 2018, I lived in cities from Barcelona to Madrid, currently calling Valencia home. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn! ... show more
The short answer is Yes, Faro is worth visiting. I wish I had known about it earlier!
Key takeaways
- See the Old town, Sé Cathedral, and take the Ria Formosa boat trip.
- Head to the west of Faro for amazing Benagil Caves or Ponta da Piedade cape.
- Have a good time at the beautiful beaches of Faro district (Algarve region).
- See the islands and the lighthouse, the Faro’s highlight.
- The food is so good in Portugal!
- There is a 3-hour train from Lisbon to Faro.
Deciding to visit Faro
Have you ever heard of Faro before?
I know, I would answer the same thing. Before buying a plane ticket, I had no idea where it was and why Faro should be my next holiday destination.
It started with a glass of wine on a girls’ night out (okay, two glasses). We felt the irresistible urge to escape for the weekend (moms will understand me!).
As we do not normally carry a globe to a party, we started scrolling the Ryanair website looking for cheap tickets. Faro appeared in our field of vision with a round trip that cost only €35!
Faro, the Algarve district, we ventured, is somewhere in Portugal – time to investigate!
There were three of us – three graceful and sophisticated young ladies, I might add – which is an optimal number from an economic and organizational point of view as we could share one apartment and all taxi costs.
The second step was to book an apartment. Although Faro is a relatively small city, the options on Airbnb and Booking.com are quite extensive, and the prices are, obviously, lower compared to Lisbon or Porto.
If you go for more than a weekend, you will need a car, as the most beautiful places are within an hour drive from Faro.
Important: rent a car in advance. Otherwise, you will not get a good offer, as the number of rental cars is limited. It is also a good idea to learn the driving do’s and don’ts in Portugal.
Where is Faro?
Faro is a charming Moorish-looking town on the Atlantic Ocean coast in the south of Portugal, the capital of Algarve province. It is a perfect base for exploring beautiful lagoons, sandy beaches, river routes, and hidden bays.
Read also: How to get from Lisbon to Algarve
A marine natural park, Ria Formosa, surrounds the town and stretches from Tavira to Faro. A variety of wildlife can be found here, including flamingos (perfect for bird-watching lovers).
I only had a 3-day vacation, so planning was crucial.
Useful Video
Best things to do in Faro, Portugal
Wondering what to do and see in Faro? Read my three-day itinerary and you can decide what suits you best.
Day 1
The Old town (Cidade Velha)
Faro’s history is compelling, and the Romans’ legacy is tangible. The greatest historical monuments date from the 16th and 17th centuries, and they are clustered together in the walls of the Old Town.
Start walking from Marina Faro, a busy and colorful port, towards the Old Town.
Passing Arco da Vila, a 19th-century gateway, you will find yourself on a cobbled pedestrian street, which like the rest of the roads in the Old Town, leads to the Cathedral (Sé).
Do not forget to look back at the gateway when you walk up the street. You will see two colossal stork nests with a family of storks.
These beautiful birds became the symbol of Faro for me. They nest high up in the belfries of churches and even on wires.
Sé (Cathedral)
Built on the site of an Arab mosque, Faro Cathedral was consecrated in the late 13th century. A mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque features gives a building’s exterior a rather haphazard look.
From the terrace of the medieval bell tower, you can soak up a beautiful view of Ria Formosa and the Old Town red roofs and almost touch the beady-eyed seagulls that glide effortlessly overhead.
- From February to November, the Cathedral is open for visits from Monday to Friday, 10 am – 6:30 pm. Saturdays 9:30 am – 1 am.
- In December and January, the Cathedral closes at 6 pm.
- The entrance fee is €3.50.
Read also: best day trips from Lisbon.
Museu Municipal
It is the former Nossa Senhora da Assuncao convent, with a beautiful Renaissance cloister. The museum has a permanent collection of Moorish, Roman, and medieval artifacts. In the Summer, the monastery converts into a small artisanal market with an authentic Portuguese vibe.
If you are lucky enough, you may briefly get acquainted with Fadu, a Portuguese music treasure. Just 45 minutes of traditional Portuguese singing accompanied by guitar will touch every soul.
- “Fado no Meseu” events take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and include three daily music sessions: at 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm.
Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve
This spot is located close to the Marina of Faro. If you are traveling with kids, they will absolutely love this place! All the interactive activities are aimed at promoting technological and scientific awareness in a fun-filled way.
Kids are engaged in many games and experiments like getting to grips with the earthquake simulator and climbing into an observatory for a voyage around the universe, discovering the magic of electricity, “unraveling” DNA, cooking with solar energy, or following the paths of light.
Learn more at http://www.ccvalg.pt/public/
Enjoy a sunset boat trip in Ria Formosa
The natural park of Ria Formosa is among Europe’s most important natural habitats, which attracts a dazzling array of sea birds and other wildlife.
Following 37 miles (60 km) of coastline from Praia de Faro to Cacela Velha, the park encloses 18,000 hectares of lagoons, marshland, salt pans, islets, and channels. These, in turn, are sheltered from the open sea by a chain of barrier islands – in effect, huge wind-sculpted dunes. This valuable and fragile ecosystem is protected and constitutes one of the most important wetland habitats in Europe.
You can choose a private boat or group tour lasting up to 3.5 hours. If you are, like me, an average birdwatcher, I recommend trips from 45 min to 1.5 hours long.
It is important that you choose an electric boat for this tour as, apart from being sustainable, it does not produce any noise and allows you to enjoy nature fully!
Day 2
Cuevas de Benagil (Benagil Caves)
Benagil, a small fishing village on the southern coast of the Algarve, has gained fame in recent years thanks to its incredible sea cave. A boat tour is the best way to get there safely, and those looking for something more challenging can choose SUP (Stand up Paddle Board) tours.
A spectacular view opens inside the cave with sunlight streaming through the natural roof and beautiful azure waters around you. It is a true natural wonder that you cannot miss! We could not get off the boat as the sea was a bit rough, but still, all the beauty was there!
I highly recommend planning the whole day for visiting Cuevas de Benagil, especially if you are not renting a car. The boat tours to the cave depart from the Port of Portimão, a town 70 km away from Faro.
You can kill two birds with one stone and explore Portimão with its beautiful Marina promenade and the Museum of Portimão.
The museum is located in a 19-20th-century former sardine and mackerel canning factory. It has a superb interactive re-creation of the production lines and the daily working life in the sardine cannery during its heyday, utilizing extensive video and sound effects within the original, restored space.
Apart from a boat trip along the coast and to the caves, you might opt for spending a couple of hours on the beautiful beaches of Bengali or nearby villages. That is why choosing a morning or early afternoon tour makes sense. Moreover, it gets pretty crowded later in the day, as this place is a local Mecca.
- Remember that the ocean is no joke, and you need to be extremely careful getting into the water and swimming. Also, do not sit or stand below the cliff as rock falls can happen.
- Put on flip-flops and prepare the towels – you might get all wet in the boat, especially when the wind comes from the South.
- The train from Faro to Portimao comes almost every 2 hours, and I can assure you it is a fast, easy, and cheap way to travel.
- Please note the cave tours also depart from Lagos, Albufeira, and Vilamoura.
Day 3
Islands of Faro
The boat is the main source of transportation to explore the natural beauties of Ria Formosa. A tour of the Islands – Deserta, Farol, Culutra, and Hangares – is our plan for the third day of our Portuguese escape.
Actually, Farol, Culutra, and Hangares are located on the same island – Culatra Island, but the locals call all areas Islas (Islands). This island is a barrier that protects the Ria Formosa natural park.
Along the island’s southern side, there are golden beaches that calm crystal water, while the lagoons are on the northern side. Natural scenery and abundant wildlife, coupled with uncrowded beaches, is the main attraction.
Isla de Farol refers to the village Farol and its area. People live on the island permanently, most of whom are fishermen or work in tourism.
Tourists like me, who are looking for a lighthouse in Faro (as Faro in Spanish is “lighthouse”), will finally find it here.
The lighthouse is called Farol do Cabo de Santa Maria and is 50 meters tall. It was built in 1851, and was the first lighthouse in Portugal at that time.
Close to the lighthouse, you can enjoy drinks and snacks in a chill-out beach bar called Maramais, with great views over the beach.
Ilha Deserta
A deserted island, this pretty much describes the spot since there are no people who live on this island permanently. The island is a laid-back destination on a stunning stretch of white dunes. Apart from one restaurant, surrounded by swathes of sandy beach, there are no buildings on the island.
Actually, there is not much to do on the island but enjoy the sun and swim in (literally) transparent water.
If you decide to visit only Ilha Deserta, the ferry departs daily from Faro and tours the lagoon waters up to the island.
To make your experience even more memorable, have lunch in Estaminé restaurant, which is open all year round and offers impeccable seafood dishes.
Instagram Review
Faro attractions map
Where to stay in Faro
- Casa Saudade luxury rooms, a cozy hotel with wooden floors, in the city center. Booking.com rating: 9.0
- Sunlight House, a Breakfast & Bed hotel, in the center of Faro, really close to the Old town. Booking.com rating: 8.7
- 3HB Faro, a 5-star hotel with family rooms, two restaurants, 1 bar, and beautiful city views. 250 m from the city center. Booking.com rating: 9.5
- Monte Borboleta. Beautiful location: Not far from Faro, on a hill, within 20-min drive from the airport. Stunning rating at Booking.com: 9.7
Best restaurants in Faro, Portugal
Last but not least! A few places to eat, drink and hang out in Faro:
Breakfast
Baixacaffe. A lovely café with a good choice of pastry, fresh juices, toast, and English breakfast, of course, as there are many British tourists in Faro.
This friendly and cozy little cafe/bistro is located in central Faro, just across from the memorial to Ferreira d’Almeida obelisk near the marina. Portuguese pastries, like the famous Pasteis de Nata, fresh juices, and eggs are everything you crave for breakfast.
Lunch
Faro e Benfica
The place is nice, located at the marina, so you are surrounded by water which provides a pleasant atmosphere while eating. Try the sea bass, garlic shrimp, and oysters.
It is a typical rustic Portuguese restaurant for locals with simple plastic tables but truly delicious food. Try the cataplana or grilled sardines.
Dinner
It is a contemporary Mediterranean restaurant inspired by Italian cuisine (without forgetting its Portuguese roots). The pasta dishes are divine, and traditional pizza goes with a crunchy base and is rich in flavor and textures. It offers modern and stylish design, along with impeccable service.
Located right in the heart of Faro and with a cozy wine-cellar vibe. Se7e Pedras is a local favorite. Come here with a group of friends or for date night to revel in traditional Portuguese dishes with a contemporary twist. Each plate comes in tapas-style portions so you can mix and match. The dishes are accompanied by an extensive Portuguese and Spanish wine list.
Is Faro good for nightlife?
Yes, hanging out in Faro is a perfect way to end the day. Consider going to these spots:
Aperitivum
A popular place on a pedestrian street to start your night out in Faro, it offers a decent selection of cocktails.
A cocktail and wine bar which you will not regret visiting. Their signature drinks are: Sr. Professor – the best overall drinking experience, Marajoka – a cocktail with amazing flavor, and Asia Mojito – the best cocktail I have ever had in my life.
O Castelo
A restaurant/bar with good vibes in the Old Town. It is a great place to view the sunset with a glass of something chilled.
A place to end the night with shots, live music, and a fantastic atmosphere with people dancing and singing along to Oasis and Coldplay!
What people say on Reddit
Faro isn’t right on the beach, you have to catch a bus or ferry there, so I wouldn’t do Faro. Lagos is about a billion time better, but I would stay a week max, and as much as I love it, month in the Algarve region.
Lochrann
You could eat very well in Faro at reasonable prices. For lunch I recommend Paparassi as they have a Prato do Dià. My favorite is Restaurante Chefe Branco for evening food. It is great. Do not get confused if a waiter takes your order and then get inside to reappear 2 minutes later and offer to take your order. They are twin brothers.
NanukBen
Faro is a beautiful city, full of small courts and squares and interesting, twisty little streets. Just going exploring there is great fun. There are loads of nice, cheap places to eat and drink, find one of the many with tables and chairs out in a little square and go for it. You can also explore the nature reserve nearby which is supposed to be stunning, I never made it there when I was visiting though.
MugglewumpTheMonkey
I would highly recommend visiting Isla Deserta! There are several boat companies based on the Faro Marina/Harbour that will take you there by ferry (cheap, under €10, but slow) or speed boat (slightly more expensive, but faster). They run on a schedule, and will also pick you up from the island to bring you back, but be sure to not miss the last pick up time. We chose the speedboat for the added adrenaline and I couldn’t recommend it more!
human0004
Going to Faro FAQ
In Portuguese, it is pronounced as ['faah-rooh].
The winter is the warmest across the country, with 61°F (16°C) in January. The Spring is 68-73°F (20-23°C), the Summer is 79-86°F (26-30°C), and September is mild also – 80°F (27°C). The total amount of rainy days is zero from June to October, with 3-5 rainy days every other month.
Faro, Portugal offers a variety of beautiful beaches. Praia de Faro is a popular sandy beach close to the city with amenities like restaurants and water sports. Ilha Deserta and Ilha da Culatra, both part of Ria Formosa Natural Park, provide tranquil escapes with pristine waters and unique flora and fauna. Ilha de Tavira, also in the park, is known for its landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. Praia da Quinta do Lago – for pine forests and chic beachfront restaurants. Finally, Praia do Ancão as a family-friendly beach with calm waters and golden sand.
There is a direct train from Lisboa-Entrecampos station to Faro, and it will take you there in 3 hours and 20 minutes. Expect to pay $20-$29 for a one-way trip.
You can get from Faro to Lagos by train in roughly 2 hours. Expect to pay $6-$9 for the ticket purchased at Comboios De Portugal website. The train runs every 3 hours. If you rent a car, the ride will take around 1 hour.
Tavira, a historic town near the beach, is a great day trip east of Faro. Olhao, also to the east, offers waterfront dining and makes for a pleasant one or two-day stop. West of Faro, Lagos boasts a charming old town, stunning cliffs and secluded beaches of Ponta da Piedade. Finally, Alvor, features long beautiful beach and lots of restaurants. It is also far quieter town than Albufeira and Portimao.
Final thoughts
Faro is a beautiful town in the southernmost part of Portugal. It is known for beautiful beaches, colorful architecture, delicious food, and adventurous spots. While relatively small, Faro offers plenty of locations to see and is definitely worth visiting.
If you have ever been to Faro, share your thoughts in the comments below!
My Other Posts About Portugal
- What happened to Portugal?
- Cheapest Places to Live in Portugal
- Portugal or Spain?
- Best Time to Visit Portugal
26 replies on “Is Faro Portugal Worth Visiting?”
Thanks for your insights on Faro. I’ve got a 14-day trip to Portugal for September. I’m definitely spending time in Lisbon, but I’m also considering adding either Coimbra, the Azores, or the Douro Valley to the itinerary. I doubt we could fit all of them in – probably just one or two alongside Lisbon and Faro. The way you’ve portrayed Faro has me hooked – I could see us spending a good 2 days there!
Hey Kim! That’s quite a long stay. Good luck on your Portugal escapade!
Hey there! Your piece on Faro was a joy to read. I need your advice. I’m planning a trip and came across these ‘guided tour packages’ online. I’m wondering if they’re really worth the money? Any suggestions?
Hi Fritz! I must say that Faro is worth the visit. I think it would be better you roam the place by yourself – DIY as they called. Aside from you do it on your own pace, I think you trip will be more fun and adventure.
Hi there. I’m traveling from Australia to Portugal soon. Can you give me a rough estimate of daily expenses in Faro? Meals, a bit of snacking, maybe drinks, and getting around town. I’ve got a 3-day stay in Faro planned after 3 days in Porto. Hotel’s all set. Any advice would be awesome. Thanks!
It is safe to say that you’ll be spending around 269.65 € (300.40$) per day on your trip to Faro District (Portugal) for one person and 311.31 € (346.80$) for two when traveling. This budget includes accommodation costs for 2 adults in a good 4-star hotel (228.00 € 254.00$), lunch in a local restaurant, street food and drinks for a day (32.51 € 36.20$) and some entertainment (50.81 € 56.60$) for two.
Could you share the details of the apartment you stayed at in Faro? It looks absolutely gorgeous! Would you recommend staying in the old town or near the beach?
This article is just what I needed, so informative. I recently spent a few months in Portugal and I’m planning to go back for a long-term stay, so I’ve been consuming all the information I can about the process. The way you’ve outlined the life there is both reassuring and exciting. Much appreciated!
Hi Elena! Thanks for taking time to read.
Outstanding piece on Faro. You’ve really captured the charm and vibrancy of the place. Thanks for the insights!
Hi! What dishes would you recommend trying at the Forno Nero restaurant?
Try there pasta! The pasta dishes are divine, and traditional pizza goes with a crunchy base and is rich in flavor and textures.
Hi, Nadia, I just finished reading this and, man, who wouldn’t want to visit Faro? thanks for this article
Hello, Sam! I appreciate you reading the article. And yeah, Faro is a worthy place to visit!
Hi, your info on Faro was great – so useful! We’re visiting Lisbon, Porto, then finally making our way to Faro in August, where we’ll spend a week exploring the Algarve coast. I’ve planned a day trip to the Ria Formosa Natural Park from Faro. Do you think a day would be enough as we have 4 days in Faro? Should we rent a car or use public transport? I figure if we drive, we could perhaps visit a couple of beaches. Apart from a boat ride to explore the stunning landscapes and maybe a swim, I hadn’t planned much else. So my questions are really 1) what do you think is the best way to get around, and 2) how should we best spend our day?”
Hi, Buckley! I believe that renting a car is the best option because it enables you to travel across the area at your own pace.
Hi! This article has me seriously rethinking my travel bucket list. Faro’s got charm, nature, and killer food. Are there other hidden gems in Portugal I should be aware of?
If you’re up for extreme adventure, you can try the Skydive Algarve. Skydive landing onto the breathtaking Alvor Beach. It is the only skydive center in Portugal.
My husband and I are planning to live in Faro for 2-3 months. Any additional recommendations?
The city’s central area, or downtown Faro, is perhaps the most visited tourist attraction there. It draws a lot of interest because it is one of the most well-known Portuguese attractions, and like the historical center, its streets are paved in the classic Portuguese “calçada” style. Hope that helps. Safe travels!
it’s high time we gave Faro its due as a destination and not just a gateway
Hey there, thanks for all the great insight about Faro. I am planning a trip to Portugal and this has been super helpful. Can you share any advice about train travel around Portugal and maybe to neighboring countries? Is there some sort of rail pass available to save some bucks? Appreciate any tips!
Hey, Bob. Trains in Portugal are on time, clean, and efficient. Train tickets for most trains may be purchased online, saving you time and allowing you to easily schedule all of your trips. The Interrail One Country Pass (Portugal) and the Interrail Pass are two options to take into consideration if want to see much of Portugal (and possibly even Europe). The cost of the tickets varies depending on how long the journey is, although children under the age of 28 receive discounts. The Interrail Pass is also valid for use with participating boats and other public transportation providers.
I’ve been to Faro once before and it’s definitely one of my top destinations. I’ve been considering it for my retirement location as I’ve been feeling a bit disillusioned here in the States. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Nicholas!
The one thing I remember about Faro is the coastline walk and cobbled streets during my last visit in March ’22 . Nice chilled out vibe. Going back in December ’22 and guess what , even we are 3 girls visiting this time.