The 8 things to do in Faro

Visit Faro: What are the best things to do in the wonderful Algarve capital?

To the extreme south of Portugal stands the magnificent city of Faro, capital of the Algarve one of the country's fairytale provinces. The city is often the starting point to discover the region and reach the different seaside resorts of the Atlantic coast. However, we advise you to take the time to visit Faro before taking the road.

The city has a rich cultural, historical and architectural heritage. His citadel and the amazing church Nossa Senhora do Carmo are the organ points! In addition to its monuments, the Portuguese city enjoys an exceptional and sunny climate throughout the year. A climate conducive to farniente but also to the party, because Faro is an animated student city. To have fun in Portuguese, nothing better than visiting Faro and staying there for a while.

So if you ask that to do in Faro during your stay, here is the answer with these 8 essential things to visit in this beautiful Portuguese city:

1. L’Arco da Vila

Your discovery of the Old Town of Faro will surely start with Arco da Vila the sea front door. This opening in the old walls of Faro dates from the Moorish era. Renovated in 1812 by the Italian architect Francisco Xavier Fabri , it is beautiful in its neoclassical style with pinacles, a balustrade, a bell tower and a pretty stork nest in its top. Above the portal you can see a statue of Saint Thomas d’Aquin in a small alcove. It marks your entrance into the picturesque and historic city of Faro.

2. The Cathedral of Faro and the Old Town

The Old Town is rich in fabulous historical monuments and buildings. Cathedral of Faro is the main emblem. Built in 1251, just after the city's reconquest by Christians on the Moors, it was partially destroyed by the English in 1596. From the top of the gothic tower, a magnificent panorama of the city and the lagoon offers to you! The plaza in front of the cathedral is also a small jewel, with its orange aisles.

After visiting the cathedral, we recommend you to discover the other monuments of the Old Town of Faro like the Cidade Velha, another entrance on the Old Town from the marina. You will also discover small buildings painted in white, calçada portuguesa – paved with Portuguese, and other small wonders.

3. Discover the Ria Formosa by boat

The coast of Faro is characterized by a huge lagoon of over 60 kilometers. A part is preserved: Ria Formosa . Discovering it is a must if you decide to visit Faro!

Through a small cruise by boat or even one kayak excursion For the most athletic, you can admire all the natural wonders of the region, as well as the particular fauna and flora of the Algarve as pink flamands or storks! The local traditions of the region are also perfectly preserved in the Ria Formosa: you can discover the farms where mussels, oysters and other seafood are cultivated. There is nothing more charming than the small fishing villages that enamel the coast: they make the charm and picturesque of Faro.

4. The beaches of Faro

With its vast lagoon and many islands, Faro has a multitude of small paradise beaches. You will only have the embarrassment of choice to dine on the hot sand. You can choose to discover the small islands of the region, such as llha da Culatra or Ilha Barreta . A ferry or a boat company can take you there for the day. You can also go to the Praia de Faro, beach accessible by bus or by car. If you opted for the last option, you will be able to find Cheap car parks in Faro and its surroundings .

5. A boat ride

You explored the beaches of Faro and are now looking for another adventure? Go for the boat ride! Indeed, renting a boat a Faro , you offer the assurance of a quiet day on the Portuguese coast.

You can then go for excursions that will offer you views of the Portuguese cliffs, just as on its most beautiful beaches. If you don’t have the boat permit, think of using the services of a skipper, who will take you to remote corners or you can swim in the middle of the ocean.

6. Enjoy local cuisine

You will not be surprised, local cuisine is rich in seafood, fish and other marine delights. The proximity to the sea allows to bring many fresh and delicious products in the plates of the various picturesque restaurants of the city. Visit Faro without tasting local specialties would be a sacrilege! Enjoy your stay to discover local gastronomy.

7. Visit the Museu Arqueologico

If you're wondering what to do in Faro, then Museu Arqueologico must appear on your list. This museum is located in the old convent of Nossa Senhora Assunção , which dates from the 16th century – a small wonder of architecture and culture. But above all, the museum houses vestiges of the Roman era and religious pieces of the region. A real journey through the great history of the Faro region!

8. See also in Faro and the surrounding area

If you are still wondering what to do in Faro, here are more attractions to visit and activities to enjoy in and around the city: – Visit the Igreja do Carmo : an architectural jewel of the Algarve, it would be a shame to visit Faro without discovering the famous Capela dos Ossos which welcomes the bones of more than 1200 monks, an impressive scene! - Browse the walls of Faro dating from the Roman era and renovated by the Moors. - Discover the Palácio de Estói , beautiful rucoco style palace, then admire the Roman ruins of Milreu, in the nearby town of Estói. - Feast in the streets of Faro with students or locals: visiting Faro is also the opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Portugal!

How to get to Faro?

To visit Faro, you can take the plane, the train or the car, everything will de-pend from your place of departure. By plane, you can choose to land in Lis-bonne then take the train. The city also has its own airport, you will find a cheap flight on our partner's website Ulysses .

Where to sleep in Faro?

If you want to visit Faro, know that the possibilities accommodation in Faro many. The city is small: no matter what your location, you will have no trouble getting to the attractions and monuments of the city on foot. It is also one of the most beautiful cities for staying in Algarve !

To find a cheap hotel in Faro, do not hesitate to take a tour of this Compare hotels . If you choose an apartment, you will also find your happiness on Airbnb .

Now you know what to do in Faro and the surrounding area during your picturesque and enchanting stay in Algarve!