Faro is southern Portugal’s most underrated city, often treated as nothing more than the gateway airport for the Algarve when it actually deserves a stop in its own right. Serving as the capital of the Algarve since 1756, it blends a walled medieval Old Town with centuries of Moorish, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, a spectacular natural lagoon system on its doorstep, and direct ferry access to some of the region’s best island beaches.
Cidade Velha (Old Town)
Faro’s Old Town is a charming walled historic quarter dating back to Roman times, featuring narrow cobblestone streets, traditional Portuguese architecture, and orange tree-lined plazas. Encircled by well-preserved medieval walls, this compact, atmospheric area contains many of the city’s key monuments and rewards simply wandering without a fixed plan—a labyrinth of cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings that captures the city’s genuine character.
Sé de Faro (Faro Cathedral)
Faro Cathedral is a 13th-century structure built on the site of a former mosque, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, with hand-painted Portuguese tiles and a gilded wooden altar among its highlights. Much of the church’s funding came from wealth imported from Brazil during Portugal’s colonial era. Beyond the ornate interior, climbing the bell tower rewards visitors with one of the best panoramic views in the Algarve, taking in the Old Town, the Ria Formosa lagoon, and on clear days, even Ilha de Faro in the distance.
Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones)
Located within the Igreja do Carmo, the Chapel of Bones is adorned with the bones of over 1,000 monks, offering a genuinely unique glimpse into historical religious and cultural practices. While the chapel may be considered macabre and unsettling to some, its craftsmanship is undeniable, making it one of Faro’s most talked-about tourist attractions—and at just 2€ admission, it’s an accessible stop for anyone curious about the darker side of the city’s history.
Ria Formosa Natural Park
Located at the southernmost tip of the Algarve, Ria Formosa Natural Park is a scenic swirl of freshwater lagoons, sandy barrier islands, and lush salt marshlands spreading across roughly 65 square miles. The park hugs the coast and is best known for its varied topography and diverse bird life, making it one of Europe’s most important coastal lagoon systems and a genuine draw for nature lovers, not just history buffs.
Praia de Faro
Faro’s long, golden-sand Praia de Faro is notably less crowded than beaches further down the Algarve coast, even during peak summer months of July and August, making it a strong choice for travelers wanting beach time without fighting the biggest crowds.
Museu Municipal de Faro (Municipal Museum)
The Municipal Museum houses an archaeological collection displayed across three rooms, including artifacts from the prehistoric era, Roman busts, and paintings, with the Roman period specifically represented in the “Paths of Roman Algarve” exhibition tracing history back to the Iron Age.
Faro Story Spot
Faro Story Spot is an immersive, multimedia museum that takes visitors on a journey from antiquity to the present day, tracing the history of the Algarve while also introducing the flora and fauna of the nearby Ria Formosa Natural Park. Some experiences include a tasting session at the end, offering a sample of southern Portugal’s flavors alongside the historical content.
Ancient City Walls
Faro’s well-preserved medieval city walls encircle the Old Town and remain one of the most visible reminders of the city’s long history, worth a stroll for anyone interested in the layered history that shaped the modern city.
Day Trips Along the Coast
From Faro, boat trips to the Benagil Cave and Praia da Marinha are a popular excursion, exploring the stunning Benagil coastline’s iconic sea caves, with stops for beach time, snorkeling, and a visit to a historic cliffside chapel. Full-day tours often extend to the charming coastal town of Carvoeiro and Algar Seco, where adventurous travelers can jump into the sea from the cliffs.
Getting There and Around
Faro’s international airport receives flights from various European cities along with regular flights from Lisbon, and buses and trains connect the city to other parts of Portugal. A rental car is worth considering for exploring the ancient sites, countryside, and beaches beyond the immediate city center.
Best Time to Visit
Travelers flock to the Algarve in large numbers during the July and August school holidays, when the region is most crowded and hotel prices climb. For better deals and fewer people, June, September, or October tend to offer ideal temperatures for beaches and outdoor activities without the peak-season crush.
Join The Discussion
Have you visited Faro, whether as a quick airport stop or a proper base for exploring the Algarve? What stood out most to you—the Old Town and Chapel of Bones, the natural beauty of the Ria Formosa, or a boat trip out to the Benagil caves? Share your experiences, tips, or questions about planning a visit below.
