Faro

Travel Guide

Faro Island Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach
Faro which includes a sunset and a lighthouse
Faro which includes a sunset, a lighthouse and a sandy beach
Faro Island Beach showing general coastal views and a sandy beach
Faro Cathedral featuring heritage elements, a church or cathedral and interior views

A gateway to the Ria Formosa nature park, this city has a walled core of historic buildings surrounded by scenic sandbars, beaches and marshlands. 

Medieval city walls encircle the churches and palace in the heart of Faro, while beaches surround the nearby islands. Divide your time between the walled relics of Faro’s Old Town and the marshes and mudflats of the nature park.

Initially constructed by the Romans, the Faro City Walls are a well-preserved set of ramparts enclosing Old Town. Pass through the walls via the 19th-century Vila Arch, which is carved into the base of a neoclassical façade with a belfry and an elegant clock face. See the whitewashed building enclosing the Repouso Arch in the district’s eastern wall.

The Faro Cathedral is among the highlights of Old Town. Study the religious relics in the museum and notice the mix of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque styles. Climb to the roof for views of the neighboring attractions and the mudflats beyond the walls.

Wander through the spacious Largo da Sé plaza and admire the 16th-century Episcopal Palace of Faro. Nearby, you’ll find the Algarve Living Science Center, the Archaeological Museum of Faro and the Antiga Fábrica da Cerveja, a castle and brewery.

North of the walls, learn about local history at the Algarve Regional Museum and stroll through the University of Algarve. Among the high points is the Carmo Church, with its stained-glass windows and gilded interior. Delve into the eerie Chapel of Bones, whose walls are lined with skulls.

Take advantage of the hot summers, with a trip to Ilha da Barreta Beach and Ilha da Culatra Beach. The most popular strand is Faro Island Beach, where kayaks and surf boards are available to rent.

The city occupies the indention in the central parting of Portugal’s southern coast, about 160 miles (257 kilometers) south of Lisbon. Fly to Faro Airport, a 10-minute drive west of the city center. You can also travel by train to the Faro or Bom João stations.  

Beaches, islands and mudflats complement the historic treasures of Faro’s walled Old Town.

Where to stay in Faro

Faro Cathedral showing heritage elements

Faro City Centre

Faro City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Faro Marina or Faro Cathedral.

Faro City Centre
Faro which includes a sunset, a lighthouse and a sandy beach

4.5/5(54 area reviews)

While visiting Sé, you might make a stop by sights like Faro Cathedral and Old Town Square.

Faro Old Town as well as a small group of people

Faro Old Town

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Faro Old Town. Make a stop by Faro Cathedral or Old Town Square while you're exploring the area.

Faro Old Town
Carmo Church showing heritage elements

São Pedro

If you're spending some time in São Pedro, Faro Marina and Forum Algarve Mall are top sights worth seeing.

São Pedro
Whole beach to ourselves! The beach in Faro is often overlooked in favour of the other beaches along the Algarve, making it quiet and unspoilt. Close to the airport, it's definitely worth a visit!

Praia de Faro

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

While visiting Praia de Faro, you might make a stop by sights like Faro Island Beach and Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Praia de Faro
Default Image

Poço do Mouro

Poço do Mouro might not have many top sights, but Algarve Stadium and Loulé Municipal Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Poço do Mouro
Stay Hotel Faro Centro

Stay Hotel Faro Centro

3 out of 5
Rua de Portugal 17, Faro
The price is ¥18,066 per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
¥18,066
¥19,839 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Faro. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (994 reviews)
"Great and fast check in process"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Stay Hotel Faro Centro
Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto

Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto

3 out of 5
Caixa Postal 409-A, Estrada Nacional 125-10, Faro
The price is ¥16,120 per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
¥16,120
¥17,776 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Faro. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"everithing was lovely!"

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto
AP Eva Senses

AP Eva Senses

4 out of 5
Avenida da Republica, 1, Faro
The price is ¥30,536 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥30,536
¥32,885 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Faro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Great hotel"

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

AP Eva Senses
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cardeal Suites & Apartments

Cardeal Suites & Apartments

4 out of 5
Rua Dr. Coelho de Melo 1, Faro, Faro
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Faro. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (186 reviews)
"Claudia is absolutely amazing, fabulous property we will definitely be returning here."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Cardeal Suites & Apartments
Roots Apartments

Roots Apartments

3 out of 5
R. Gil Eanes, 39, 41, Faro, Faro
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Faro. Enjoy free WiFi and air conditioning. Popular attractions Faro Island Beach and Olhao Harbour are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
A lovely home away from home in Faro, Portugal
"Thank you so much Nelson and Roots for your hospitality. Our stay in Faro Portugal was lovely. The apartment was HUGE and the terrace was divine for morning coffees. This was ideal for our family. The kitchen, dining areas and washer were much used. We highly recommend Roots and the apartment. Thank ..."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Roots Apartments
Villa Clara do Sol - Four Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 8

Villa Clara do Sol - Four Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 8

Estoi
Stay at this villa in Faro. Enjoy private pools, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Olhao Harbour and Ruins of Milreu are located nearby.
Tolle Unterkunft mit viel Platz und Möglichkeiten
"Anfangs waren wir wegen der vielen 10/10-Bewertungen etwas skeptisch – doch völlig zu Unrecht. Das Haus ist genauso wunderschön, wie es in den Fotos und Beschreibungen dargestellt wird. Unser Aufenthalt war rundum gelungen.Da das Dorf etwas abgelegen ist, empfehlen wir ein Auto – in der großzügigen ..."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Villa Clara do Sol - Four Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 8
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Faro

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
28
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
32
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
9
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I wish we had taken the "red umbrella tour" at the beginning of our week in Faro rather than on our last day. The guide was great and gave us a lot of tips about the area and we wished we had more time to explore. I guess we will need to return.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

The airport is all we saw of Faro. It was an easy airport to navigate.

5/5 - Excellent

Kim

Very cute little town with great food options

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Faro was beautiful! A very beachy town with a super relaxed atmosphere!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Certainly a Relaxing/ calming area next to the water.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Nice place with lots of shops and eateries. Lots of twisty turn roads, but not too difficult to drive around.

Cities near Faro