Faro, a charming town in Portugal's Algarve region, is often overlooked by travelers heading to popular spots like Lagos. But if you take the time to explore, you'll find that Faro has plenty to offer in just a couple of days.
I initially planned to only fly out from Faro airport but discovered it's a great place to visit too, with lots to do and delicious food to try.
Join a Free Walking Tour
Start your trip with a free walking tour. These tours are great for getting to know Faro quickly. They last about two hours and start at Arco da Vila, an old city gate. On this tour, you’ll learn about the history of Faro and see some key landmarks.
The guide will take you through narrow streets, past historic buildings, and share interesting stories. It’s also a good way to find your bearings in the city. Best of all, it’s free! Just remember to tip your guide if you enjoyed the tour.
If you haven't joined a free walking tour before, know that the guides earn through tips, so you can give as much as you think the tour is worth. This tour is both informative and a great way to experience the real Faro.
I joined farofreewalkingtours.com and you'll recognize them with the red umbrella waiting at Arco da Vila. Time slots change depending on the season so it's better to check their website. You don't need to make a reservation unless you're a big group. This tour is in English but they also have another group in Spanish.
If you want a better experience than a walking tour, you can try a wine tasting and food tour. The tour takes 3 hours and starts at 90 euros per person but it includes about 10 tapas, snacks and local wine and drinks.
Climb Igreja de Santa Maria Tower
Next, head over to the Igreja de Santa Maria. This church is famous for its tower. For an entrance fee of just 5 euros, you can climb up and enjoy stunning views of Faro. You can also explore the church and chapel's interior before climbing the tower
The climb is easy though narrow so you have to give way to people going the opposite way. Once at the top, you'll get panoramic views of the city and beyond. You can see both old town rooftops and modern parts of Faro blending together. From here, you are also so close to storks flying over the church and passing airplanes.
Visit Capela dos Ossos de Faro
A short walk from Igreja de Santa Maria is something unique: the Capela dos Ossos de Faro, or Chapel of Bones. The entrance fee here is only 2 euros.
This small chapel is decorated with bones and skulls from hundreds of monks. It sounds macabre but offers a deep look into local history and customs around death.
Walking inside feels eerie yet fascinating as every wall tells a story through these skeletal remains.
Be aware that this experience might not be for everyone.
Dare swipe on the photos below:
Boat Trip to Ilha Deserta and Ria Formosa Nature Park
A must-do in Faro is a boat trip to Ilha Deserta and the Ria Formosa Nature Park. These spots are perfect for nature lovers.
First, head to the marina to catch your boat. There are several companies offering trips, so you have options. The journey itself is relaxing as you glide over calm waters.
Ilha Deserta, or "Deserted Island," lives up to its name. It's peaceful with few visitors. You can walk along its long stretch of sandy beach or take a dip in the clear waters. Bring some snacks and drinks because there aren’t many facilities here.
Next, explore the Ria Formosa Nature Park. This park is a protected area known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. As your boat navigates through lagoons and marshes, keep an eye out for birds like flamingos and storks.
If you're into bird watching, this place will amaze you. The park also has walking trails if you prefer exploring on foot once back on land.
These boat trips usually last around half a day but check with the operator for exact timings.
Swim at Praia da Faro Beach
After returning from your boat trip, spend some time at one of Faro's beaches like Praia da Faro.
You can either bike or take another short boat ride to get there.
Praia da Faro offers wide stretches of sand perfect for sunbathing or building sandcastles if you're traveling with kids.
The water here is great for swimming too.
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby where you can grab lunch or just enjoy a cold drink while soaking up some sun.
For those who love water sports, there's surfing, kitesurfing and paddleboarding too.,
Sunset at Doca de Faro
Doca de Faro is the perfect spot to end your day. Head here for a stunning sunset view. The marina provides a beautiful backdrop with boats gently swaying in the water.
As you wait for the sun to set, find a cozy spot along the dock or grab a seat at one of the nearby cafes. Watching planes land and take off adds an extra layer of excitement. It’s relaxing and picturesque.
Bring your camera; you'll want to capture this moment. The colors of the sky change from orange to pink, reflecting on the water below.
Indulge in Seafood and Local Portuguese Cuisine
No trip to Faro is complete without trying some local food. Portuguese cuisine is rich and flavorful, focusing on fresh ingredients.
Start with seafood dishes like grilled sardines or octopus salad. These are must-tries as they are fresh and locally sourced.
For something heartier, try bacalhau à brás, which is shredded cod mixed with onions, potatoes, and eggs. Pair it with a glass of local wine for a full experience.
Don’t forget dessert! Pastel de nata (custard tart) is a sweet treat that you shouldn't miss.
Many restaurants offer outdoor seating so you can enjoy your meal while soaking up the atmosphere of this charming city.
Where to Eat in Faro?
I was only in Faro for 3 days and 2 nights and these are the restaurants that I recommend. I didn't have time to go to the Benagil cave but I enjoyed a relaxed time and of course the food!
Here are some of the restaurants that I highly recommend
1. ATO Restaurante
This is not a traditional Portuguese restaurant so you can jump to the next one if that is what you're looking for. But if you want something for a special occasion, I can say that this is the best spot in Faro.
They make use of local ingredients so although it isn't traditional you still get a taste of Faro. It is quite pricey but each dish is very creative and the wait staff are very attentive.
2. Escama
This was the first restaurant I tried in Faro and it was enough to convince me that I should try more seafood. It's not your typical restaurant where you order from a menu. They have fresh fish displayed like a mini market and you can choose the weight as well. They have recommendations on how to cook each seafood.
3. Tertulia Algarvia
This is the place to try Cataplana, a famous Portuguese dish which is served in a cookware of the same name. They offer several variations, including seafood and vegetarian options. We tried the Cataplana de Peixe e Marisco, which the menu says is for two people, but it was more than enough for three of us. It's one of best dishes I tried, it's a very tasty stew that can be accompanied with bread or potatoes.
4. O Recife - Churrasqueira
If you want something other than seafood, try the Chicken Piri Piri. It's a bit spicy and comes with sides like fries and vegetables. It's also one of the most affordable meals you can get in Faro.
Where to Stay in Faro?
I was surprised by the high accommodation prices in Faro. Coming from Spanish cities like Seville and Malaga, where you can easily find budget-friendly options—even along the stunning coast—I expected Faro to follow suit. It seems this charming Algarve destination has its own pricing quirks!The cheapest I found is a hostel which was 55 euros for a bed in an 8-bed dorm.
I stayed at Casa da Madalena Backpackers Hostel. Although pricey, it wasn't all bad and this is the most affordable you can find in the area especially if you are traveling solo. I also booked on the weekend so this could be a reason why it's higher and it was summer season too. Breakfast is included and the social atmosphere is great. They have social events like sunset watching with other guests and dinner. If you want to meet other cool travelers, this is the perfect place for you.
If you want some privancy and you are traveling with someone or a group then the best rated one out there is Cardeal Suites & Apartments. It's an apartment and you even have your own terrace.
I use Booking.com because it's a lot cheaper than Airbnb, a lot of times the same place is also listed in Booking and you can compare that Booking has a lower price because they charge lower fees.
Conclusion
Faro has so much to offer, from its historic sites to natural beauty spots and delicious food. Use this guide for an easy itinerary that covers all bases. I only spent 3 days and 2 nights but there are more things to do if you have more time such as a day trip to the Benagil Cave, Marinha Beach, Algar Seco & more.
Have any questions or tips? Leave them in the comments below!