Your guide to Faro
Faro highlights
Hike the coast
Portugal’s dramatic coastline comes alive in Ria Formosa Natural Park, a must-see on any trip to Faro. Book a cruise on a traditional fishing boat, then follow the hiking trails to scenic outlooks around the park. If you’re willing to go deeper into the region’s natural beauty, drive 90 minutes north to the trails of Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park.
Discover the history
History is everywhere in Faro. Stop for a photo op under the Arco da Vila gate in Old Town (Cidade Velha), then visit the Faro Castle to see walls dating back to Roman times. You won’t want to leave without laying eyes on the whitewashed Se Cathedral de Faro — built in 1251 — and its working organ.
Savour the seafood
You’ll taste seafood dishes perfected over centuries in this former fishing village. The best way to get acquainted is to sample the ‘marisqueiras’ (seafood restaurants) near the Faro Marina. If you want to keep costs down on your stay in Faro, look for budget-friendly menus at traditional seafood eateries in Old Town, or try local specialities like grilled squid and octopus.
Faro: Know before you go
| Language | Portuguese |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (WET) and UTC+1 (WEST) |
| High season | July - August |
| Low season | December - February |
Find the best time to go to Faro
Weather in Faro
March – May: Spring weather can be warm, but water temps are still on the chilly side. Consider a summer trip if swimming in the sea is a priority.
June – August: The beach season enjoys temperatures upwards of 27°C and more than 12 hours of daily sunshine.
September – November: September can still be a great beach month, but there’s a chance of rain as the season progresses. Pack an umbrella.
December – February: Winters in Faro are mild, with average temperatures around 16°C. It’s the wettest season, so be prepared for indoor activities once the weather turns.
Events in Faro
Festa da Ria Formosa (July to August): If you’re a seafood lover, this festival is for you. Get ready for food stalls selling regional specialities made with freshly caught fish, as well as live music and family-friendly activities.
FolkFaro (August): As southern Portugal’s largest folklore festival, this event celebrates traditional music, dance and cultures from around the world. Settle in for live shows, parades, and music and dance workshops.
Festival F (September): Set in the city’s historic centre, this cultural festival showcases emerging Portuguese musicians, as well as performances by comedians and visual artists.
The best neighbourhoods in Faro
Faro Old Town
With its tiled streets and whitewashed buildings reflecting the sun, the Old Town is where to stay in Faro for a taste of local culture. Stop at the unique Faro Story Spot, a museum with multimedia exhibits on the town’s history, and find some of the best boutiques in town on Rua de Santo Antonio.
Good for: Sightseeing, shopping, history
Praia de Faro
If you’re heading to Faro to get the most of the coast, make Praia de Faro your base. Choose between the lagoon on one side of the narrow peninsular and the beach on the other. Kick back on the sand, or try surfing the clear waters. This is also a great neighbourhood for nightlife. See the sunset and catch live music at clubs along the waterfront.
Good for: Beach, nightlife, water sports
Faro Marina
Faro Marina is the best area to stay in Faro for convenience. Walk from your hotel to the Porta Nova Pier to book a day cruise. Or explore Faro’s seafaring traditions at the Maritime Museum. Enjoy a coffee or cold drink at the waterside cafes, or order pizza at alfresco restaurants.
Good for: Boating, dining, getting around on foot
Things to do in Faro
Family friendly things to do
The beaches are the obvious draw, but you’ll find other great things to do with family in Faro. Set sail on a dolphin-watching tour. Or visit Quinta do Lago nature reserve, famous for its resident flamingos. Take the kids to Albufeira to board the Leaozinho Pirate Ship for a unique cruise down the coast.
Shopping
For shopping in Faro, hit the Forum Algarve to browse local designers and international brands. Walk down Old Town’s Rua de Santo Antonio for everything from the high-end to the handcrafted. For a traditional experience, visit the Mercado Municipal de Faro, a great place to pick up handmade chocolate and artisanal foods.
Take in the culture
Museums in Faro focus on history and art. See artefacts and artwork from the region at the Museu Regional do Algarve. Learn about Faro’s natural history and marine life at the Algarve Living Science Center. Dive into Algarve’s art scene with the rotating exhibitions of contemporary works at the Galeria Municipal do Trem.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Faro offers up a selection of bars, clubs, restaurants and lounges. You’ll find the most lively options in the city centre. Or you can sip Portuguese wine in the bars and taverns in the Old Town. Looking for a relaxed evening? Head to the Marnia to catch a blazing sunset over the water.
Places to eat
When eating out in restaurants in Faro, try traditional Portuguese dishes such as ‘bife na pedra’ (steak on stone), a local speciality served at Adega Nova. You’ll find a lot of seafood on the menus in Faro — shellfish, sardines, sea bream and skates are some of the most popular ingredients. Time your stay in Faro for July to try amazing local seafood at the Festa da Ria Formosa.
Beaches
Praia de Faro is the most convenient beach in Faro. For a more secluded setting, take the ferry to Ilha Deserta for white-sand beaches without umbrellas or restaurants. Praia da Quinta do Lago mixes uncrowded sand with amenities like restaurants, bars and sun loungers. It also has calm water for swimming and paddleboarding.
Get ready for Faro
Budget
With so many lodging options available, an affordable trip to Faro is easy. Especially if you focus your days on the city’s beaches and the Old Town. When budgeting your trip, plan to spend around 15 euros (€) on a simple meal in a restaurant and under €5 on a local beer. Need a taxi? A short ride should cost around €5.
Day trips from Faro
Spot flamingos in Praia da Quinta do Lago’s wetlands, around 30 minutes from the city by car. Or spend a day exploring Tavira’s Gothic and Renaissance churches and hilltop castle ruins, just 40 minutes away. Need a break from the coast? Head inland by bus to Loulé, a market town known for its Moorish castle and medieval streets.
Getting around Faro
Faro is a walkable city with many car-free streets. Ferries connect the mainland with Praia de Faro and nearby islands. The boats leave from Porta Nova Pier in the Faro Marina area. You’ll find train and bus stations for regional transit service on Avenida da Republica. Taxis are also safe and reliable in the city.
FAQs about visiting Faro
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