For too long, Faro has been considered by many as nothing more than a gateway to the Algarve. This charming little city on the edge of Portugal has so much to offer that it would be madness to overlook it as a place to stay.
Besides its stunning Old Town and Faro’s long, glorious beach, the city has an incredible burgeoning foodie scene as well as a collection of chic little bars to sample.
On top of this, it’s so easy to rent a car and explore the the Algarve taking in all the main highlights.
Below you can find our Faro 7 day itinerary suggestion with tips for places to go and things to do. Now go enjoy your holiday in the Portuguese sun!
Day 1 – Drop off the bags and get to the beach
What better way to start your holiday than with a trip to the beach? Faro’s beautiful, endless-looking beach is located on the other side of the airport and takes around 20 minutes to get there by bus.
By taking the 14 or 16 buses, costing €2.22 (around £1.70) one way, you’ll be there in no time. Warm, golden sands and temperate waters come together perfectly to form a winning team. There’s nothing much to do here but lay on the warm sand and unwind – ideal after a flight. The beach is lined with great little cafes serving everything from fresh seafood to tasty paninis.
At the point where you’re feeling good and relaxed, head back into town and get ready for the evening ahead. After a quick change, we suggest walking over to the Old Town (Cidade Velha) through the marina in search of your first foodie treat of the holiday. This area is one of the best locations to sample the best food in the Algarve.
Just outside the Arco do Repouso you’ll find the Aqui Del Rei – one of the finest seafood restaurants in the city. Specialising in the cataplana, a flavoursome seafood broth delicacy unique to the Algarve, this is the ideal place to start your culinary adventure in Faro!
Day 2 – Exploring the Old Town properly
The next day, head back to the Old Town and take your time exploring its quaint, cobbled streets. If you approach from the marina, you will get the benefit of the Arco da Vila (Town Arch) in all its glory. This neoclassical arch was built by Bishop Francisco Gomes and is typical of the architectural style within the walled city.
The crown jewel of the Old Town has to be Faro Cathedral, which stands proudly in the main square as you walk up from the Arco da Vila. Inside, you’ll find ornate furnishings of gold and Portuguese tile, as well as a small museum and a bone chapel in the courtyard. The highlight, however, is the panoramic view from the bell tower. From here, you can see out onto the Ria Formosa; the natural park that surrounds Faro.
As well as the cathedral, you have the Galeria de Arte Arco, a contemporary gallery created by Portuguese artists, the São Francisco (Church of St. Francis), the Paco Episcopal and the Nossa Senhora do Pé da Cruz.
In the afternoon, take a stroll back to the marina and the mosaic-tiled streets that branch off from it. Although fairly small, Faro has a good selection of shops dotted around – perfect for a little retail therapy.
Day 3 – Natural beauty and a deserted island
One of the best day trips from Faro involves a voyage through the Ria Formosa natural park, a huge lagoon, teeming with wildlife. You can take a guided boat tour out onto the park from the dock behind the old town. For the price of your ticket, you will get an informative tour of the lagoon, the wildlife and a little history of Faro.
The trip also functions as a one-way trip to the Ilha Deserta, an uninhabited island at the tip of the park. The only things you will find here are a gorgeous beach and a seafood restaurant named O Estaminé. The food here is excellent, but very pricey due to the location. If you are just after a relaxing afternoon on the sand, pack plenty of water and a picnic. There are regular boats back to the mainland from the little jetty.
In the evening, head to the Columbus Bar in the marina for an exquisite cocktail before an Argentine-style steak at Belle Epoque.
Day 4 and 5 – Day trip the Algarve
Rent a car for your fourth and fifth day and explore the other delights that the Algarve has to offer. All the major coastal resorts are well connected and easy to reach by car, so you won’t have to spend too long driving around. This region is beautiful and easily one of the top destinations to go in Portugal.
At the furthest south-eastern point of the Algarve you will find Sagres, a little town with an end-of-the-world feel about it. Perched high on the cliffs, this quiet little part of the region is perfect for those who love walking amid gorgeous scenery. As an added bonus, the Mar Ilimitado at Sagres gives you the chance to see dolphins in the wild.
Albufeira is another must when in the Algarve, due to its awesome beaches and rugged cliffs. Choose from the quiet Fisherman’s beach or the slightly busier Albufeira beach. The Old Town is a nice relaxing place to spend the evening, with plenty of little restaurants and bars dotted around its cobbled streets.
From the marina, it’s possible to explore the coastline from the sea with many organised cruises and tours leaving from here. Just around the corner, you can see the town’s fishermen going about their daily routine trying to land the biggest catch of the day.
Day 6 – A day on the green, a night on the town
The Algarve is famous for its world-class golf resorts, and it just so happens that some of the best are a stone’s throw away from Faro.
Take your pick from either the Quinta do Lago Laranjal Course or San Lorenzo Golf Course for a round on the green. It’s remarkably easy to get to these resorts, whether you drive yourself or arrange a transfer from your hotel. Both are among some of the best golf resorts in Europe.
In the evening, head back to the city and sample the vibrant nightlife it is famous for. While the student scene gets going around the Rua do Prior area, the Old Town is much more relaxed and leisurely. Taberna da Se and O Castelo are two great places to have a drink, with the former offering live music and the latter remarkable views of Ria Formosa.
Day 7 – Channel your inner culture vulture
Unfortunately, the time has nearly come to say goodbye to the Algarve. But you still have one day left to enjoy.
To keep things relaxed on your last day, we recommend seeing a few of Faro’s intriguing museums and places of interest. First, head back to the Old Town and visit the Museo Municipal, a tribute to the art, history and culture of Faro, located in the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Assuncao. As well as the large mosaic discovered by builders, you’ll also find the works of Faro’s own Carlos Filipe Porfirio and other more classical works painted by a variety of artists.
After, visit Faro’s strangest attraction: The Chapel of Bones. Inside this grisly church, you will find monuments, walls and altars built entirely out of the bones of past priests. Once you’ve seen this, there’s not much else to top it!
So what are you waiting for, holiday season is here and the Algarve is waiting for you! Before departing, you might like to also learn some basic Portuguese phrases for travel.
