Faro Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Located in the southernmost region of Portugal, Faro is a captivating destination that offers a mix of historical charm, stunning natural landscapes, and a vibrant city atmosphere. With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine, Faro is a must-visit for any traveler looking to experience the best of Portugal.

Faro's historic center, known as Cidade Velha, is a maze of narrow streets and picturesque squares, lined with colorful buildings and dotted with charming cafes. The city's main attraction is the stunning Faro Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure that dates back to the 13th century. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Speaking of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, it is a true paradise for nature lovers. This protected area is home to a unique ecosystem of salt marshes, lagoons, and sand dunes, providing a sanctuary for a wide variety of bird species. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bike, or by boat, and discover its hidden beaches and tranquil trails.

For those seeking sun and relaxation, Faro boasts some of the most stunning beaches in Portugal. The Praia de Faro, located just a short drive from the city center, offers golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a range of beach bars and restaurants. It is the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

When it comes to cuisine, Faro has something to satisfy every palate. The city is known for its fresh seafood, particularly the famous cataplana, a traditional Portuguese dish made with clams, fish, and various spices. Visitors can sample this delicious specialty at one of the many seafood restaurants scattered throughout the city.

In addition to its historical and natural attractions, Faro also offers a vibrant nightlife scene. The city comes alive after dark, with a wide array of bars, clubs, and live music venues catering to all tastes. Whether you're looking for a laid-back evening sipping cocktails by the marina or a night of dancing until dawn, Faro has it all.

Alternative names: Population: 41.4 thous. (2019)Area: 78.21 mi²Elevation: 39 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°1'0"N, 7°56'5"W

Location

Region: FaroPortugal

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Faro Top Attractions

Faro Attractions - What to See and Explore

Faro offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Faro beach, Cathedral of Faro, Capela dos Ossos, Ria Formosa. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

37°0'18"N • 7°59'32"W
Faro beach
Beach
Church
Cathedral of Faro
The Cathedral of Faro is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Faro, Portugal. The cathedral was consecrated in the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the late 13th century by the Archbishop of Braga.
Church • Historical place
Capela dos Ossos
The Capela dos Ossos is an ossuary chapel in Faro, Portugal, which belongs to the 18th century Carmelite church Nossa Senhora do Carmo. Above the entrance, there is the following inscription: Pára aqui a considerar que a este estado hás-de chegar which translates to Stop here and consider, that you will reach this state too.

Barrier islands with hiking and cycling
Ria Formosa
The Ria Formosa lagoon, located in the Algarve, in southern Portugal, is a system of barrier islands that communicates with the sea through six inlets. Five of these inlets are natural and have mobility characteristics.
37°1'13"N • 7°56'5"W
Igreja do Carmo
Church
37°0'58"N • 7°55'52"W
Museu Regional do Algarve
Specialty museum • Museum
Football
Estádio de São Luís
Estadio de São Luís is a multi-use stadium in Faro, Portugal. It is used mostly for football matches and hosts the home matches of S.C. Farense. The stadium is able to hold 12,000 people and opened in 1922.
37°0'46"N • 7°56'10"W
Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve
Specialty museum • Museum
37°0'51"N • 7°55'33"W
Biblioteca Municipal de Faro
Library
37°1'11"N • 7°55'3"W
Palácio Fialho
The Fialho Palace is a "remarkable" two-story Faro building with attic waters and is located near the Ermida de Santo António do Alto. At the request of the industrialist João Júdice Fialho, the architect Manuel Norte Júnior conceived an...
Universities and schools
University of Algarve
The University of Algarve, founded in 1979, is a Portuguese public higher education institution located in the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, the Algarve, having its headquarters and three out of its four campuses in Faro and another campus in Portimão.
Neighbourhood
Faro District
Faro District is the southernmost district of Portugal, coincident with the Algarve region. The administrative centre, or district capital, is the city of Faro.
37°0'54"N • 7°56'6"W
Arco da Vila
The Arco da Vila, a "remarkable" building in Faro, ordered to be built by Bishop D. Francisco Gomes do Avelar over one of the medieval doors in the walls, was built by the Genoese architect Francisco Xavier Fabri and inaugurated in 1812.
37°0'44"N • 7°55'51"W
Igreja de São Francisco
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Day trips

Faro – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Faro, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Fort of Ponta da Bandeira (Lagos), Castle of Castro Marim (Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Marsh Natural Reserve), Castelo de Silves (Silves).

41 milesW
City wall, Battlefield
Fort of Ponta da Bandeira, Lagos
Nestled along the scenic coastline of Lagos, Portugal, the Fort of Ponta da Bandeira is a testament to the city's historic maritime defenses. This 17th-century fortress, also known as the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, stands as a stoic guardian at the mouth of the...
31 milesNE
Forts and castles
Castle of Castro Marim, Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Marsh Natural Reserve
The Castle of Castro Marim, perched on a hill in the Algarve region of Portugal, offers a journey into a storied past and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This historic fortress, dating back to the 13th century, was originally built as a defense outpost...
30 milesNW
Hilltop castle with Moorish construction
Castelo de Silves, Silves
Perched atop a hill in the ancient city of Silves, Portugal, the Castelo de Silves stands as a formidable reminder of the region's storied past. This impressive castle, with its robust red sandstone walls and imposing battlements, offers visitors a tangible connection...
30 milesNW
Grand, historic Gothic cathedral
Silves Cathedral, Silves
The Silves Cathedral is a former cathedral in the city of Silves, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. A mosque, built during the Moorish rule of the Iberian Peninsula, was originally located in its current place, and was later mostly restructured and converted into a Catholic cathedral after the Reconquista.
34 milesW
Arenas and stadiums, Football, Sport
Estádio Municipal de Portimão, Portimão
Nestled in the vibrant city of Portimão, the Estádio Municipal de Portimão stands as a testament to the city's passion for sports and its commitment to providing top-notch facilities for athletes and fans alike. This modern sport venue is the home ground of...