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 southern Portuguese coast, it is easily accessible from Lisbon and other major cities in Portugal, making it the perfect place to enjoy the quiet, golden sandy beaches.

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

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

This park is one of the most important protected areas in the Algarve and stretches along 60 kilometers 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 you will find here is to book a sunset cruise along the Ria Formosa where you can watch the sunset. We will tell you more about this beautiful experience later because it is really worth it.

Another of the main activities you can enjoy in the park is bird watching. Ria Formosa is a key place for migratory birds crossing the region, and it is common to see flamingos, herons and other birds in their natural habitat. You will also find several viewpoints and well-marked trails that allow you to explore each area of the park while contemplating the local avifauna.

In addition to bird watching, this 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 . You can also visit hiking and biking trails that will allow you to get to know the site at your own pace.

Faro is known for many things, but tourists come to the city mainly to see its beaches, which are a true paradise that combines 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 tranquility and natural beauty and ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle or planning to travel with children. Likewise, 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 fond of water sports, in most of these beaches you can book a surfing lesson. Carrapateira Beach, although a little further out, is known for its excellent conditions for this sport, 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, visiting 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.

In the Cathedral of Faro you will find an interior that combines baroque and gothic elements, but in which stand out the golden altarpieces, its chapels and the tiles that 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.

Also, the cathedral's location in the old town of Faro will give you the opportunity to explore other nearby places of interest. 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 cobblestone 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 the 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 sky in shades of gold, orange and purple as you sail 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 diminish, allowing for a more intimate and quiet experience, and it is a dry season with little rainfall.

During these tours you will 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 view of the sun sinking into the horizon. Likewise, you can also complement this experience by booking a Segway tour of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, as they take place in the same environment.

Discovering the historic center of Faro aboard 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 can admire the architecture of the buildings, which reflect a mixture of styles ranging from Gothic to Baroque. And throughout the journey a local guide will provide you with information about the history of the city.

Among the highlights you will find on the itinerary of this tour are the 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 Arab rule of the Iberian Peninsula. Originally, they were part of the city's defense 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 its architecture, which includes towers, gates and bastions that have been restored. One of the highlights is the Puerta de la Vila, 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 defense of Faro.

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

If you want to have a genuine local experience and walk along one of Faro's most popular arteries, then you should walk along Rua de Santo António. This pedestrian street is known for its festive atmosphere and historic architecture, which combines old buildings with markets, cafes and international restaurants.

Along Rua de Santo António you will find a variety of stores 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 (cream cake) or an espresso coffee.

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

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

Inside the museum you will find exhibits ranging from prehistory to contemporary times. The collection includes archaeological objects, 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, allowing visitors to understand customs and traditions.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the Museu Regional do Algarve organizes 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 view of Algarvian culture. It also has a section for the little ones, making it an ideal place if you plan to visit Faro with children.

Visiting the Chapel of the Bones in the Carmo Church is a unique experience that will allow you to discover a mysterious atmosphere full of 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 you can't miss the Benagil caves. These natural caves are famous for their beauty and unique geological formation, which has been sculpted over thousands of years by water erosion on the coast. Located near the town of Benagil, they offer a landscape of cliffs and crystal clear waters that have always attracted travelers 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 tour you can view the cliffs and the Algarve coastline 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 its interior and 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, along 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.