Best Things To Do in Faro

Faro is a must-see tourist destination in the Algarve and is known for its popular mix of history, natural beauty and local culture. Located on the south coast of Portugal, it is easily accessible from Lisbon and other major Portuguese cities and is the perfect place to enjoy the quiet, golden sandy beaches.

Some of the best things to do in Faro include taking a tour of the old town on the tourist train, visiting the Regional Museum, sailing along the Ria Formosa and visiting the Benagil Caves, one of Portugal's most famous sites and a perfect stop for some of the best photographs of your trip.

Visiting the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa in Faro is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to experience a very diverse green environment.

This park is one of the most important protected areas in the Algarve and stretches along 60 kilometres of coastline, encompassing islands, lagoons and marshes. Its unique ecosystem is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. During the spring months, one of the best options here is to book a sunset cruise along the Ria Formosa where you can watch the sunset. We'll tell you more about this beautiful experience later because it's really worth it.

Another of the main activities you can enjoy in the park is birdwatching. Ria Formosa is a key site for migratory birds passing through the region, and it is common to see flamingos, herons and other birds in their natural habitat. You'll also find several viewpoints and well-marked trails that allow you to explore each area of the park while taking in the local birdlife.

In addition to bird watching, the site offers a variety of recreational activities. You can book a boat trip on the Ria Formosa where you can explore its most famous islands, such as Culatra Island and Armona Island, where you will find white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters . There are also hiking and cycling trails that allow you to explore the site at your own pace.

Faro is known for many things, but tourists come to the city mainly for its beaches, which are a true paradise combining the natural beauty of the Algarve with a variety of recreational activities.

Some of the most popular coves include Faro Beach, which is easily accessible from the city and has a lively atmosphere, as well as Ilha Deserta Beach, famous for its tranquillity and natural beauty and ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle or planning to travel with children. Similarly, Ancão Beach is one of the Algarve's best kept secrets and stands out for its location on the Ria Formosa peninsula.

On the other hand, if you are a water sports enthusiast, you can book a surfing lesson at most of these beaches. Carrapateira Beach, although a little further out, is known for its excellent surfing conditions, with waves that attract both beginners and experienced surfers . In addition, the beaches of Arrifana and Amado are popular with the surfing community.

It's not all beaches in Faro. This coastal city also has an extensive cultural and religious tradition. In that vein, a visit to the local cathedral will allow you to delve into the history and architecture of the capital of the Algarve. Known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, this building is located in the heart of the old town and its construction began in the 13th century.

The interior of Faro Cathedral combines baroque and gothic elements, but the gilded altarpieces, chapels and tilework adorn the walls. The cathedral also contains a museum with a collection of sacred art that includes works of great historical value. One of the highlights of the visit is the bell tower, which offers panoramic views of the old town of Faro and its surroundings.

The cathedral's location in the old town of Faro will also give you the opportunity to explore other places of interest nearby. Just next door is the Arco da Vila, a gateway that marks the entrance to the old quarter and is an excellent starting point for a stroll through the cobbled streets. A few minutes' walk away is the Faro Municipal Museum, one of the most important museums in the region.

You can visit the cathedral on your own as part of a guided tour of the city or by booking a tuk tuk tour of Faro, which includes a stop in this area.

Booking a sunset cruise on the Ria Formosa is undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable experiences you can enjoy in the Faro area. This natural park, renowned for its scenic beauty and biodiversity, offers an idyllic setting to observe the golden, orange and purple skies as you cruise along the calm waters of the estuary.

The best time of the year to experience this is during spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. In spring, nature blooms and the estuary is full of life, while in autumn, the crowds thin out, allowing for a more intimate and peaceful experience, and it is a dry season with little rainfall.

During these trips you'll have the opportunity to explore the islands and canals that make up the estuary, while taking in the natural beauty that surrounds you. The calm waters, gentle breezes and sounds of nature complement the spectacular sight of the sun sinking below the horizon. You can also complement this experience by booking a Segway tour of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, as these tours take place in the same environment.

Discovering the historic centre of Faro on board the tourist train is a fun and dynamic experience that will allow you to explore the city in a relaxed way. This train, which is actually a bus designed to navigate the narrow streets of the oldest part of Faro, offers you a different perspective of its most popular squares, monuments and buildings.

Ideal for visitors who want to get an overview without having to walk long distances, buying tickets for the Faro sightseeing train is a perfect option for families, couples and groups of friends alike.

The train's route will take you through the main points of interest in the old town, starting at the Porta da Vila, which serves as the entrance to the historic walled enclosure. As you go along, you'll be able to admire the architecture of the buildings, which reflect a mixture of styles ranging from Gothic to Baroque. And all along the way a local guide will provide you with information about the history of the city.

Highlights on the tour itinerary include Faro Cathedral, as well as the Municipal Museum and the Chapel of Bones.

One of the best ways to discover Faro's past is to visit the medieval city walls, which date back to the 9th century and were built during the Moorish rule of the Iberian Peninsula. They originally formed part of the city's defence against invaders, and although they have undergone transformations and restorations, their historical essence remains intact.

As you walk along the walls you will be able to distinguish their architecture, which includes towers, gates and bastions that have been restored. One of the highlights is the Vila Gate, which serves as the main entrance to the old city and reflects the architectural style of the period. Along the route you will find information panels that will give you details about the history of the walls and their importance in the defence of Faro.

Also, within the walled enclosure you can explore the old town of Faro and walk along the cobbled streets with cafes, restaurants and shops that reflect the local atmosphere to visitors. Faro Cathedral and the Municipal Museum are some of the points of interest within walking distance of the walls, so you can easily combine this tour with other visits to the area.

If you want a truly local experience and want to walk along one of Faro's most popular thoroughfares, then you should walk along the Rúa de Santo António. This pedestrianised street is known for its festive atmosphere and historic architecture, which combines old buildings with markets, cafés and international restaurants.

Along Rua de Santo António you will find a variety of shops offering local products, from handicrafts and souvenirs to fashion and accessories. You can also visit Portuguese food stalls, where you will have the opportunity to sample typical dishes and enjoy a break from your stroll. During the spring and summer months you will also find terraces perfect for tasting pastel de nata or an espresso coffee.

Note that Rúa de Santo António is also an excellent starting point for exploring other nearby sights in Faro's old town. Within walking distance you will find Faro Cathedral and you can also visit the Municipal Museum, which houses a collection of art and historical artefacts that tell the story of the Algarve from the time of the Moorish domination.

If you are someone who wants to learn all about the history of a destination, you should visit the Regional Museum of the Algarve in Faro. It is housed in a former 16th century convent and is a haven for the collection of local artefacts and works of art, but also an important centre for the preservation and promotion of Algarvian culture.

Inside the museum you will find exhibits ranging from prehistoric to contemporary times. The collection includes archaeological artefacts, folk art, ceramics, textiles and a selection of paintings illustrating the evolution of life in the Algarve over the centuries. A highlight of the museum is its focus on the traditional culture of the region, giving visitors an insight into customs and traditions.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the Museu Regional do Algarve organises temporary events, such as workshops and educational activities that invite the participation of the community and tourists.

Temporary events also tend to focus on local history, crafts and contemporary art, providing a dynamic insight into Algarvian culture. It also has a section for children, making it an ideal place if you plan to visit Faro with children.

Visiting the Chapel of Bones in the Church of Carmo is a unique experience that will allow you to discover a mysterious atmosphere steeped in history. This chapel, located inside the Carmelite convent, was built in the 18th century and is popular for its eerie decoration, which includes walls and ceilings lined with human bones and skulls, all from bodies exhumed from nearby cemeteries.

This type of funerary architecture, which seeks to incite reflection on mortality, is one of the most unique features of this place, which features the bones arranged in an artistic manner, creating patterns on the walls and in the arches. This style of decoration is not only striking, but is also a symbol of memento mori, a visual reminder of the brevity of life.

A visit to the Chapel of Bones is also an opportunity to learn more about Faro's history and spiritual heritage. The chapel is a testament to the town's religious past and reflects the beliefs of the time about death and the afterlife. In addition to the chapel itself, the convent also houses other spaces of interest, such as the main altar and the adjacent church, where you can discover the local baroque architecture.

If you want to visit one of the most famous sites in Portugal, then the Benagil caves are a must. These natural caves are famous for their beauty and unique geological formation, which has been sculpted over thousands of years by the erosion of water along the coast. Located near the village of Benagil, they offer a landscape of cliffs and crystal clear waters that have always attracted travellers from all over the world.

One of the best ways to explore the caves is to book an excursion to Benagil from Faro. During the boat trip you can view the cliffs and coastline of the Algarve from the water, as well as access the caves along the coast. The most famous of these is the Benagil Cave, which has a spectacular opening in its ceiling, allowing sunlight to illuminate the interior, creating a magical visual effect.

Inside the caves you will find fascinating rock formations, with natural arches and narrow passages that invite you to explore. The contrasts of light and shadow, together with the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks, create a unique and magical atmosphere. The natural beauty of the Benagil Caves makes them a perfect place for photography, so don't forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery around you.