Hands up if you thought Faro was just an airport and not a city? We’ll forgive you for that one since most arrivals are soon spirited off to those tempting resorts. This beguiling southern Portuguese city, though, has plenty of appeal of its own, from its chocolate box-pretty old town and seafood restaurants, through to art galleries and museums that unveil the story of the Algarve. Then there is an architectural creation by the man behind the Eiffel Tower, as well as boat trips out to a deserted island where you can be Robinson Crusoe for a day. The resorts can wait…
9 reasons to visit Faro, Portugal in 2019
1. Hit the beach
No, not after you’ve been to your hotel, but straight from arrivals! We’re serious. Just follow the road behind Faro airport, which quickly leads to Praia de Faro beach, a wide sweep of sand sprinkled with cafés and bars. Switch straight from travel mode into the more relaxed Algarve vibe.
You may have your first swim straight off the plane on Faro beach, but the choice doesn’t end there. Here are 5 beautiful beaches near Faro in the Algarve.
2. Delve into Faro Old Town
Dip under the grand Arco da Vila and the cobbled streets of the old city await. The gaggle of buildings are a cocktail of architectural styles, the result of numerous earthquakes and British bombardments. Cast your eyes up to find storks nesting in the rooftops.
There is also a sprinkling of cafés and bars, with O Castelo our pick. This is not just a bar, café and restaurant, they also stage a range of cultural events and club nights in their courtyard. Or just join the locals enjoying the views out over the lagoon through the floor to ceiling windows with an ice cold Sagres beer.
3. See the Se
The Se, or cathedral, is Faro’s most beguiling building. It sprouted up on the site of an old Roman temple that later became a Moorish mosque. Today Romanesque Gothic is the pervading style. Dip inside to view the baroque organ and climb up to the viewing point to remind yourself what a great decision you made in visiting Faro. If you’d been up here in 1596 you’d have been able to spot the Earl of Essex en route to sacking the cathedral.
4. Gen up on history
The Municipal Museum is worth visiting for the building that houses it alone, the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Assuncao. Don’t miss the 3rd century Mosaic of the Ocean and the busts of Roman Emperor Hadrian and Empress Agrippina.
We’ve picked the Algarve as one of our top value-for-money warm Easter breaks. Weather you choose the quieter Tavira, or the area’s most popular resort town of Albufeira, spring weather is bound to be a delight.
5. Art attack
The free Trem Municipal Gallery of Art has brought new life to a slew of old city buildings. It showcases a range of local, Portuguese and international artistic talents with an ever changing array of temporary exhibitions. They can fill you in on other cultural events happening in Faro too.
6. Go church spotting
Faro is blessed with an array of whitewashed, azulejo tile-sprinkled buildings and none are more impressive than its churches. Our favourites are the Igreja de Misericordia, a 16th-century church with a feature portico that survived the 1755 earthquake, and the 18th century Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, with its hulking twin towers and interior laden with Brazilian gold. Behind it, don’t miss the Capela dos Ossos, which was rather creepily built from the bones and skulls of more than 1200 monks.
7. Feast on fish
Fishermen still eke out a living in the Algarve, although some of the more touristy restaurants in Faro can be average. Head instead to Restaurante Faro E Benfica, where you can watch the fishing boats putter by on the Faro waterfront. Let the amusingly brusque waiters steer you to the fish of the day, which they’ll let you see first. For something quintessentially Algarvian opt for the lobster cataplana, a delicious feast of rice, seafood and herbs.
8. See Eiffel’s fish market
Gustav Eiffel (yes, that one!) designed the striking metal fish market that sits on the waterfront in the neighbouring town of Olhao. Hop on a train and you’ll be there in ten minutes. After checking out the frenetic retail frenzy, linger at the wee stalls where you can taste the wares too. At nearby Vai e Volta you can dine on as much freshly grilled fish as you can handle for a few euros.
9. Be Robinson Crusoe for a day
The Ilha Deserta is a sand island in the Rio Formosa National Park that is as deserted as it sounds. It’s one of the necklace of sand islands that slip all the way along the coast east towards the Spanish border. Catch the ferry from Faro, or if you’re feeling flash, hire a boat and do a few of the islands in style.
If you’re thinking of going to Portugal, you’ll like these: check out the top 10 things to do in Porto and the 10 best beaches in Portugal.
The 9 best things to do in Faro, Portugal in 2019
| 1. Hit Praia de Faro straight off the plane |
| 2. Delve into Faro Old Town |
| 3. See the Se |
| 4. Gen up on history at the Municipal Museum |
| 5. See Portuguese and international artistic talents at the Trem Municipal Gallery of Art |
| 6. Go church spotting |
| 7. Feast on fish |
| 8. See Eiffel’s fish market in Olhao |
| 9. Be Robinson Crusoe for a day at Ilha Deserta |
*Updated April 2019. Information correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
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