Faro Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Faro

Faro’s compact historic centre is easy to explore on foot, and the rest of the Algarve’s coast is within easy reach by road or regional train.

• Cidade Velha (Old Town) — Faro’s walled old town, entered through the Arco da Vila gate, with cobbled lanes, orange trees and storks nesting on the rooftops.
• Faro Cathedral — A church blending Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles, whose bell tower offers sweeping views over the lagoon and the sea.
• Ria Formosa Natural Park — A protected lagoon of channels, salt marshes and barrier islands, rich in birdlife and best explored by boat.
• Island beaches — Boats from Faro’s harbour reach sandy islands such as Ilha Deserta and Culatra, with long, quiet beaches and simple seafood restaurants.
• Chapel of Bones — A small, striking chapel behind the Carmo Church, its walls lined with the bones of former friars.
• Ponta da Piedade and Benagil — Golden sea cliffs, arches and caves on the western Algarve, best seen on a boat trip from Lagos or nearby resorts.
• Tavira — A graceful riverside town east of Faro, with a Roman-style bridge, churches and a castle garden.

Best time to visit Faro

The Algarve enjoys one of the sunniest climates in Europe. Spring, from April to June, is an excellent time to visit, with warm, bright days, wildflowers along the cliffs and comfortable temperatures for walking, cycling and boat trips on the Ria Formosa. The sea is still fresh, but beaches are far less crowded than in summer.

July and August are hot, dry and the busiest months, when Portuguese and European families fill the coast, accommodation is in high demand and beach towns are at their liveliest. Book well in advance if you plan to travel at this time.

September and October are a favourite with many travellers: the sea is at its warmest, the crowds thin out and the weather stays sunny. Winter, from November to March, is mild compared with northern Europe, with some rainy spells but many clear days. It is a peaceful season for golf, coastal walks and exploring towns and villages, though some beach restaurants close outside the main season.

Getting from the airport

Faro Airport is located only around 4 to 5 kilometres west of the city centre, making it one of the most conveniently placed airports in Europe for its city. It is also the main gateway to the whole Algarve coast.

• City bus — Local bus lines run from the stop outside the terminal to Faro’s centre, the bus station and the marina, taking around 20 minutes.
• Taxi — Taxis wait outside arrivals and reach the centre in around 10 to 15 minutes. They are also a practical option for nearby resorts.
• Coaches to the Algarve — Regional coaches and transfer services link the airport and Faro’s bus station with towns along the coast, such as Albufeira, Vilamoura, Lagos and Tavira.
• Car hire — Many visitors hire a car at the airport to explore the region, with the main coastal motorway close by.

Faro’s railway station, near the marina, is on the regional Algarve line, which runs east to Tavira and west towards Lagos; it is a scenic, relaxed way to reach other towns.

Where to stay

Many visitors combine a night or two in Faro with a stay in one of the Algarve’s coastal towns. Your choice depends on whether you want culture, nightlife or quiet beaches.

• Faro city centre — Close to the old town, marina and harbour boats to the islands; suits short stays, culture lovers and travellers who want easy airport access.
• Albufeira — A lively resort with large beaches, a busy old town and plenty of nightlife, popular with groups and families.
• Vilamoura and Quarteira — A marina resort area surrounded by golf courses, ideal for golfers and those seeking a polished, relaxed base.
• Lagos — A historic town on the western Algarve with dramatic cliffs and coves, suited to active travellers and younger visitors.
• Tavira — An elegant, quieter town in the east, perfect for couples and travellers who enjoy charm and calm beaches.

Travel tips

• Getting around — Faro’s centre is walkable. Regional trains and coaches link the main towns, but a hire car makes it easier to reach remote beaches and inland villages.
• Sun and sea — The Algarve sun is strong even in spring, so use sun protection. Atlantic currents can be powerful: swim on beaches with lifeguards and respect the warning flags.
• Payment — Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small cafés, island restaurants and markets.
• Tipping — Tipping is not obligatory. Rounding up or leaving around 5 to 10 percent for good restaurant service is appreciated.
• Etiquette — A few words of Portuguese, such as bom dia and obrigado or obrigada, are warmly received. Cover up when leaving the beach and visiting churches.
• Entry requirements — Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality. Check the latest requirements with official sources before you travel.