What to Do in Faro: 10 Places to Visit in the Capital of the Algarve

Faro is often seen as just the city where the Algarve airport is located. It's a mistake. The Algarve capital combines a walled historic center, monuments, gastronomy, beaches and privileged access to the Ria Formosa.

If you're planning a visit, these are 10 places and experiences worth including.

10. Stroll around Faro Marina

Start near the Marina de Faro, one of the most pleasant areas in the center. From here you can easily explore downtown, Jardim Manuel Bivar and the shopping streets.

9. Visit the Municipal Museum of Faro

Hosted in the former Convent of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, it allows you to better understand the history of the city, with archaeological collections and remains from different periods.

8. Discover the Carmo Church

The Carmo Church is one of the best-known religious monuments in Faro. In the same complex you will find the famous Capela dos Ossos, lined with human bones and skulls.

7. Walk along the walls and Arco do Repouso

The historic area preserves several testimonies of the old fortifications. The Arco do Repouso is one of the most interesting entrances to discover this part of the city.

6. Pass through Arco da Vila

The monumental Arco da Vila is one of the most recognizable images of Faro and one of the main entrances to the Old Town. Inside, elements associated with the old walls are still visible.

5. Discover the Old Town of Faro

Known as Vila Adentro, it is the historic heart of Faro. Cobbled streets, historic buildings, small squares and orange trees make this area perfect for exploring on foot.

4. Climb to the Cathedral of Faro

Located in Largo da Sé, the Faro Cathedral is worth a visit for the interior and the view. Climbing the tower allows you to observe the rooftops of the Old City and the landscape of the Ria Formosa.

3. Go to Faro Beach

Faro Beach offers an extensive beach on a barrier island in the Ria Formosa. It's an excellent option to combine a cultural morning in the center with an afternoon by the Atlantic.

2. Visit the Desert Island

Also known as Ilha da Barreta, it is one of the most special experiences near Faro. It has no permanent population and offers kilometers of sand, nature and an atmosphere very different from urban beaches.

1. Explore the Ria Formosa by boat

If you have to choose just one experience, take a trip along the Ria Formosa. From Faro there are connections and boat trips that allow you to discover channels, salt marshes and barrier islands.

How many days does it take to visit Faro?

One day is enough to see the main points of the center of Faro. With two days you can add Faro Beach or a boat trip along the Ria Formosa. If you have three days, take the opportunity to visit some of the islands as well.

Is Faro worth visiting?

Yes. Faro is particularly interesting for those looking to combine history, gastronomy, nature and beaches without depending exclusively on the busiest tourist areas in the Algarve.

Faro or Vilamoura: where to stay?

Faro works great for a cultural visit or as a base for exploring the Ria Formosa. For holidays with a marina, beaches, golf, restaurants and an offer more oriented towards upper-middle range stays, Vilamoura is a more complete alternative.

If you want to stay in Vilamoura, you can consult the accommodations of Clever Details, a specialist in local accommodation exclusively in Vilamoura.