Faro
Temperature
17°
Time
9:20 AM
Faro
Faro, the capital of the Algarve region, is located on Europe’s most scenic coast, offering beautiful, long sandy beaches. Faro is a charming old town with cobbled streets and leafy parks, the perfect starting point for day-trips to all the marvellous major destinations of this wonderful region.Find your trip
The Faro Municipal Museum is home to the region's diverse archaeological finds. Located in a former monastery, its gardens date back to 1540, with two-storey cloisters in the heart of the museum. Among the most remarkable items is a Roman floor mosaic from the 4th-century detailed with the head of the Roman god Neptune.
Rebuilt throughout the ages, the Faro Cathedral, also known as the Santa Maria Cathedral, is now a mixture of Renaissance and Baroque religious buildings. Its interior is equally rich, featuring a large organ from the 18th-century with Chinoiserie details.
The full name of this church is a mouthful — the Church of the Third Order of Our Lady of Monte do Carmo. It is the most popular of Faro's churches, not so much for its fantastically elaborate, gold-leaf laden, Baroque interior, but for its bone chapel, entirely decorated with monks' skeletons.
The Ria Formosa wetlands area was declared a protected natural area in 1987, and is a protected breeding place for wetland birds, threatened by the expansion of tourism. This way, the entire coast from Faro to Cacela Velha was able to avoid any urbanisation. A boat trip to one of Faro’s islands is perhaps the best way to visit Ria Formosa.
The Palácio de Estói, situated in the town of Estói (just north of Faro) is a Rococo style private palace built in the second half of the 19th-century. This miniature version of the King’s palace in Queluz, on the outskirts of Lisbon, is surrounded by relaxing public gardens. In Milreu, just outside the palace, you will come across the Algarve Roman remains.
At Deserta Island, also known as Ilha da Barretta, you have the rare opportunity to spend a day on an uninhabited island! Enjoy peaceful white-sand beaches with crystal blue water. Arrive either by boat or water taxi and do not forget to bring water. As there is only one restaurant on the island, it is also a good idea to bring a snack.
The Estádio Algarve was built for the 2004 European football championship, but that does not make it a football fanatics-only attraction. Here you can see different sporting events year-round, so make sure to check if there is anything of interest during your visit.
Cruise the Ria Formosa waterways in the lovely and tranquil blue boats available to rent. It is a great way to see the area and to indulge in a bit of birdwatching. You also have the option of stopping at one of the beautiful beaches for a picnic, or just some sunbathing.
The Faro Municipal Museum is home to the region's diverse archaeological finds. Located in a former monastery, its gardens date back to 1540, with two-storey cloisters in the heart of the museum. Among the most remarkable items is a Roman floor mosaic from the 4th-century detailed with the head of the Roman god Neptune.
Rebuilt throughout the ages, the Faro Cathedral, also known as the Santa Maria Cathedral, is now a mixture of Renaissance and Baroque religious buildings. Its interior is equally rich, featuring a large organ from the 18th-century with Chinoiserie details.
Dois Irmãos has a long history as one of Faro’s best and most popular fish restaurants. Established in 1925, this Faro gastronomic landmark serves traditional local cuisine prepared using modern methods, with a focus on seafood dishes, as well as a few tasty meat dishes.
O Coreto is a great place to go to for an afternoon snack or a light meal. They specialize in home-made pizzas and pasta dishes, which taste even better when paired with the right wine and the lovely view over the marina. Be sure to try one of their desserts as well.
It will be difficult to find a restaurant more Portuguese than Tasca do Ricky. Besides its Portuguese comfort dishes served in big portions, this place is also known for its lovely staff and affordable prices.
À do Pinto is all about locally caught, fresh seafood. Try the Algarve Cataplana — a savoury and generous seafood dish — as well as their octopus. Pair it with a cold beer and you will have an unforgettable dining experience.
Tasquinha Cruzeiro is a gastronomic gem located in the city centre. Its old-fashioned building is home to the cosiest traditional Portuguese restaurant in Faro. Their many affordable, delicious seafood dishes are a must-try.
Taska has a high volume of local customers and a simple pub environment. The food is traditionally Portuguese, with emphasis on seafood. Try the classic pork with clams, or something more unusual like eel or whitebait.
Adega Nova is a family-friendly restaurant with a traditional Portuguese menu. It is a popular restaurant among tourists, and it's known for its generous portions for affordable prices. Do not miss a taste of one of the many wines from their own massive wine cellar.
Centenário serves a varied menu consisting of traditional Algarve cuisine, which includes a mix of fresh seafood and meat dishes. One of Centenario's biggest selling points is, however, the regular fado performances. The restaurant also has a pleasant terrace, an aquarium, and a cozy fireplace.
Dois Irmãos has a long history as one of Faro’s best and most popular fish restaurants. Established in 1925, this Faro gastronomic landmark serves traditional local cuisine prepared using modern methods, with a focus on seafood dishes, as well as a few tasty meat dishes.
O Coreto is a great place to go to for an afternoon snack or a light meal. They specialize in home-made pizzas and pasta dishes, which taste even better when paired with the right wine and the lovely view over the marina. Be sure to try one of their desserts as well.
This is Faro’s largest fresh produce market. Located in a gorgeous modern building, the market is open until late and is the perfect place to have direct contact with the local food culture. It is recommended to go in the early morning when the food stock is the highest.
Forum Algarve is one of the town's premier shopping centres, featuring all sorts of fashion stores and restaurants. It is also home to one of the biggest cinema places in the Algarve.
Just outside Albufeira you find Algarve Shopping Centre. It is the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon or just to stay out of the sun and heat for a while. You can find several different shops, both from chains like Zara and C&A but also some small local boutiques. If you get hungry there is a food court, and if you feel like catching a movie there is also a cinema.
When you think of shopping, maybe grocery shopping isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But you find a good selection of brands, fresh fruits and vegetables, live seafood, newly butchered meat and local wines at the Intermarché in Carvoeiro. This international chain has several outlets across the Algarve coast.
The town of Porches has a long history of pottery production. All items are unique and made by local artists and artisans, including hand-painted dishes, jars, carafes, and tea-sets, among many others. It is a great place to pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir for your loved ones back home.
Antonio Manuel Modas is a trendy fashion shop that has been around since 1957. They sell high-end luxury brands and the latest styles for both men and women. It's the right place for those seeking name brand apparel.
Located right in the city centre of Faro, Scoon is a fashion favourite among locals. They have the latest trends in clothes, shoes and accessories for men, women and children.
If you like surfing and the lifestyle that comes with it, you will love Jah-Shaka Surf Shop in Lagos. Here you find all the major surf brands such as Quicksilver, Roxy, Analog and Ripcurl. They have everything from boards and equipment to clothes and accessories.
This is Faro’s largest fresh produce market. Located in a gorgeous modern building, the market is open until late and is the perfect place to have direct contact with the local food culture. It is recommended to go in the early morning when the food stock is the highest.
Forum Algarve is one of the town's premier shopping centres, featuring all sorts of fashion stores and restaurants. It is also home to one of the biggest cinema places in the Algarve.
Portugal can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must carry a valid ID during their stay.
Faro’s international airport is located six kilometers to the west of the city, right by the sea. Buses 14 and 16 depart regularly to the centre of Faro, and the trip takes approximately 20 minutes. You can buy the ticket directly from the driver, but remember that it is good to have some small change or the exact amount of money. A taxi ride takes just under fifteen minutes.
The Algarve region is famous for having the best weather in Portugal, with long summers and short, mild winters. Beach season goes from spring to autumn and attracts the biggest crowds; visiting in winter often means that you will find more affordable accommodations and a quieter atmosphere.
Faro’s train station connects the city with the rest of the region and the country. There is also a well-developed bus network, EVA, convenient for small trips within the region. In the city centre, it is best to walk, but if you would rather take the local bus, the courier name is Proximo.
For longer trips, it is better to negotiate the price in advance as the driver has the right to various surcharges for returning empty if the taxi meter is used. Tips are not obligatory but appreciated, even if small. The cars are either beige, green or black, and the best way to find one is to go to one of the taxi ranks or pre-book. One of the main taxi companies in town is Faro Taxi.
To find a post office in Faro, look for the red sign that says CTT. Letter boxes are red as well. Faro’s main post office is located in Largo do Carmo.
Generally, pharmacies in Portugal are open on weekdays from 9 am to 7 pm; some pharmacies close for lunch. On Saturdays, pharmacies close around 1pm. Each district will have a 24 hour pharmacy (farmácia, with a green cross) according to a schedule posted in the windows of all closed pharmacies. Penha pharmacy is the best reviewed pharmacy in town, though it's not the most central one. It's also always open.
Country code: +351 Area code: 289
Portugal can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must carry a valid ID during their stay.
Faro’s international airport is located six kilometers to the west of the city, right by the sea. Buses 14 and 16 depart regularly to the centre of Faro, and the trip takes approximately 20 minutes. You can buy the ticket directly from the driver, but remember that it is good to have some small change or the exact amount of money. A taxi ride takes just under fifteen minutes.
