Faro, Algarve: Top Things to Do & Travel Guide

by Portugal Getaways Team

June 25, 2026 • 5 min read

Faro at a glance

Quick answer: Faro is the Algarve's capital and main gateway, and it is well worth more than a quick stop. Highlights are the walled Old Town (Cidade Velha), the Sé Cathedral, the Carmo Church with its Bone Chapel, and boat trips into the Ria Formosa lagoon and its islands. It is also the easiest Algarve base without a car, thanks to the airport and the main train and bus stations.

Faro is often treated as just the place you fly into, but the city rewards a day or two. Inside its old walls you will find cobbled streets, historic churches and quiet squares, while just offshore the Ria Formosa lagoon shelters sandbar islands, birdlife and calm beaches. Here is what to see and do, and how to plan your visit.

Top things to do in Faro

1. The Old Town (Cidade Velha)

Enter through the neoclassical Arco da Vila into a walled quarter of cobbled lanes, orange trees and historic buildings. It is compact, atmospheric and easy to explore on foot.

2. The Sé Cathedral

Faro's cathedral sits on the main square of the Old Town. Inside you will find tiled chapels and a baroque organ, and you can climb the tower for wide views over the rooftops and the Ria Formosa.

3. The Carmo Church and the Bone Chapel

The Igreja do Carmo is known for its Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), whose walls are lined with bones and skulls. It is one of Faro's most striking and unusual sights.

Elevated view of Faro Old Town in Faro, Algarve, Portugal, featuring historic whitewashed buildings, traditional terracotta rooftops, a central square, and the city's marina in the background. The image showcases the blend of historic architecture and waterfront scenery that characterizes the Algarve's capital city. — View Over Faro Old Town, Faro, Algarve, Portugal

4. Ria Formosa Natural Park

The lagoon on Faro's doorstep is a protected wetland of channels, marshes and sandbar islands, home to flamingos and many other birds. Boat trips and eco-tours take you to islands like the Ilha Deserta, Farol and Culatra, with calm beaches and seafood restaurants.

5. The marina and waterfront

The marina and the Jardim Manuel Bivar give the city a relaxed waterfront, lined with cafés and the departure point for many lagoon boat trips. Faro is also a lively university city, with a good bar and dining scene.

6. Praia de Faro

The city's beach sits on a sandbar island, reached by road across the lagoon or by boat. It is a long stretch of sand with the Atlantic on one side and the calm Ria Formosa on the other.

Sunset over Ria Formosa Natural Park in the Algarve, Portugal, with pink and purple skies reflected in the calm waters of the lagoon. The image showcases the protected coastal wetlands, salt marshes, and natural landscapes that make Ria Formosa one of Portugal's most important nature reserves. — Ria Formosa Natural Park, Algarve, Portugal |© Rui Carvoeiras – Used under license via Canva Pro.

How to get to Faro

Faro has the Algarve's main international airport, so most visitors arrive here. It is also the region's transport hub, with the main train and bus stations linking it to Albufeira, Lagos, Tavira and beyond, plus direct trains from Lisbon. That makes Faro the easiest base if you are travelling without a car. For the full picture, see our guide on how to get to the Algarve.

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Best time to visit Faro

Spring and early autumn (roughly April to June and September to October) are mild, pleasant and quieter. Summer is warmest and busiest. The Ria Formosa is rewarding year round, and it is an especially good birdwatching spot in the cooler months. For where to base yourself across the region, see our guide on where to stay in the Algarve.

Arco da Vila in Faro, Algarve, Portugal, featuring its neoclassical façade, bell tower, and historic archway leading into the city's old town. The monument is one of Faro's most recognizable landmarks and a key attraction in the Algarve region. — Historic Entrance to Faro Old Town

Frequently asked questions about Faro

Is Faro worth visiting? Yes. Beyond being the Algarve's gateway, Faro has a charming walled Old Town, historic churches, and the beautiful Ria Formosa lagoon on its doorstep. It is also the easiest base for car-free travel.

What is Faro best known for? Faro is best known as the capital and main gateway of the Algarve, for its walled Old Town and Sé Cathedral, the Carmo Church's Bone Chapel, and the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

What should you not miss in Faro? The Old Town and Arco da Vila, the Sé Cathedral and its tower views, the Bone Chapel at the Carmo Church, and a boat trip into the Ria Formosa.

How many days do you need in Faro? One to two days is enough to see the city and take a Ria Formosa boat trip. Use it as a base for day trips along the eastern Algarve, such as Tavira and Olhão.

Does Faro have a beach? Yes. Praia de Faro sits on a sandbar island a short drive or boat ride from the city, with the Atlantic on one side and the calm lagoon on the other.

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