Tips for your holidays in Faro
Faro is the capital city of the Algarve, south of Portugal. Faro district, better known as
Algarve, holds beautiful cities and villages, including
Sagres,
Lagos,
Alvor, Portimão,
Ferragudo, Carvoeiro, Lagoa,
Benagil,
Armação de Pêra,
Albufeira,
Vilamoura,
Tavira,
Olhão, Vila Real de Santo António. Faro city has a lot more to offer than just an Airport where most travelers land when they come to the Algarve. Faro’s beautiful marina and the cute little old part of town offer a charming Portuguese flair and loads of cafés and restaurants.
Oceanwise, there’s a lot to discover! You can go on a boat tour in Faro to go dolphin watching or on a boat tour in Ria Formosa, a beautiful Nature Reserve with unique flora and fauna. On a boat tour in Ria Formosa, you will be able to spot a lot of special species, which is why boat tours in Ria Formosa are especially popular amongst bird watchers and nature lovers. Fishing in Faro is also very popular, just like kayaking in Ria Formosa. People who are looking for sea experiences on their holidays will have loads to do in Faro!
- Our favorite beach: Praia do Farol
- Our favorite restaurant: A Venda
- Our favorite boat tour in Faro: Solar boat tour in Ria Formosa
- Our favorite water sport in Faro: Half day kayaking in Ria Formosa
Getting around in Faro
The best way to discover the region during your stay in the Faro district is definitely with a
rental car. With a car, you can go to beaches, attractions, and villages in the Algarve. However, if you are not renting a car, there are
train and bus lines. The best way to discover the coastline, caves and beaches along the coast, is definitely the
boat tours. And if you want to visit the famous Benagil cave during your stay in Faro, we explain to you
how to get from Faro to Benagil here.Best things to do during your holidays in Faro
During your holiday in Faro, we recommend discovering the beaches of Ilha da Culatra and Ilha de Tavira. In fact, Faro is surrounded by beaches for all tastes. You can find little islands, that you can reach by boat, crowded beaches full of lively beach bars or immense beaches with a few people like Cacela Velha. Below, we share some more beaches around Faro that we recommend.
In the area of Faro, you can find many resorts, including the famous “Vale Do Lobo Resort”. These resorts are very popular among golfers and families who seek a more luxurious stay in the Algarve. “Vale do Lobo” is the largest luxury resort of its kind in Portugal and an ideal destination for golf, holidays and property.
In and around Faro, you can find many historical landmarks and churches. Hereby a small list of some historical landmarks to visit: Arco da Vila, Arco do Repouso, Muralhas de Faro, Capela dos Ossos and Castelo de Silves. Some churches that you might want to check out are Sé de Faro, Igreja do Carmo, Igreja Matriz de São Pedro, Ermida de Santo António do Alto, Sé de Silves and Igreja da Misericórdia. For the ones who like to grasp some history and culture on a less sunny day, how about the Museu Arqueológico Municipal de Faro and Museu Regional do Algarve?
Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve (Living Science Centre of the Algarve), is a science museum located in Faro. This Museum is the perfect option for a day of too big waves or bad weather with the kids. With the Ria Formosa and the sea so close, the Museum features an exhibition devoted to the sea. It’s suitable for all ages!
The old city of Faro, “Cidade Velha”, is a beautiful city with narrow streets and beautiful city gardens. Some of the gardens worth a visit are “Jardim da Alameda João de Deus”, “Jardim Manuel Bivar” and “Parque Ribeirinho de Faro”.
The best boat tours in Faro
There are many amazing boat tours departing from Faro. There is even a solar boat that takes you to discover the famous Ria Formosa. And did you know that in the Algarve, you can even go on a boat tour to search for wild dolphins? The boat trips to search for wild dolphins also depart from Faro.
There is no better way to enjoy the sunset, than on a sunset boat tour in the Ria Formosa. Or even better, chartering your own yacht in Faro. The sunset turns the blue skies of the Algarve into a magical pallet of warm colors.
The best watersports in Faro
The best watersports in Faro are the kayak tours and the snorkeling tours. The kayak tours allow you to discover the natural park of Ria Formosa in a sporty way. If you are curious about the underwater world, snorkeling is a great thing to do in Faro.
What and where to eat
At Mercado Municipal de Faro, you can find the freshest local food. It’s a great place to go, to walk around, and see local farmers and fisherman selling their local products. Near Mercado Municipal de Faro, you can find typical restaurants, such as “O Palhacinho”. For the most authentic fish restaurants, go to Doca de Faro, the fish market. Here you can find the best local shellfish and fish restaurants, including “Marisqueira Faro e Benfica”. If you want taste, some regional dishes, we recommend visiting “Restaurante A Venda”.
Enjoy the gorgeous beaches around Faro
Thanks to its unique location the Nature Park of Ria Formosa, you'll find some of Portugal's finest beaches around Faro. Praia da Ilha da Culatra, Praia de Faro, Praia da Barrinha, Praia da Ilha do Farol, Praia da Barreta are a must. For a more luxurious setting, we suggest Praia da Quinta do Lago, Praia do Ancão and Praia de Vale do Lobo, located near to the fanciest resorts of the Algarve. Praia do Almargem, near Quarteira, is a must for families.
Whatever you decide to do during your vacation in Faro, we promise you will love the best watersports and boat tours! Sunshine and a lot of fun are guaranteed! For any further tips or requests, feel free to contact us anytime.