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

Among the best activities you can do in Faro are taking a tourist train tour of the historic centre, visiting the Regional Museum, sailing along the Ria Formosa and exploring the Benagil caves, one of the most famous sites in Portugal and a perfect stop to take some of the best photographs of your trip.

Visiting the Ria Formosa Natural Park in Faro is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to discover a very diverse green environment.

This park is one of the most important protected areas in the Algarve and stretches along 60 kilometres 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'll find here is to book a sunset cruise on the Ria Formosa, where you can watch the sun go down. We'll tell you more about this wonderful experience later, because it's really worth it.

Another of the main activities you can enjoy in the park is bird watching. Ria Formosa is a key location for migratory birds passing through the region, and it is common to see flamingos, herons and other birds in their natural habitat. There are also several viewpoints and well-marked trails that allow you to explore each area of the park while observing the local birdlife.

In addition to bird watching, this site offers a variety of recreational activities. You can book a boat trip around Ria Formosa to 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 cycling trails that allow you to explore the site at your own pace.

Faro is known for many things, but tourists mainly come to the city for its beaches, which are a true paradise combining 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 tranquillity and natural beauty and ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle or planning to travel with children. 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 a fan of water sports, you can book a surfing lesson at most of these beaches. Carrapateira Beach, although a little further away, 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.

Faro is not just about beaches. This coastal city also has a rich cultural and religious tradition. Visiting the local cathedral will allow you to delve into the history and architecture of the Algarve's capital. 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.

Inside Faro Cathedral, you will find a combination of Baroque and Gothic elements, but the golden altarpieces, chapels and tiles adorning the walls are particularly noteworthy. 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.

The cathedral's location in the old town of Faro also gives you the opportunity to explore other nearby places of interest. Right next door is the Arco da Vila, a gateway that marks the entrance to the old quarter and is an excellent starting point for strolling through the cobbled streets. A few minutes' walk away, you can visit the Municipal Museum of Faro, one of the most important in the region.

You can visit the cathedral on your own, as part of a 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 for watching the sky turn shades of gold, orange and purple as you sail through the calm waters of the estuary.

The best time of year to enjoy this experience is during spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. In spring, nature blossoms and the estuary comes alive, while in autumn, the crowds thin out, allowing for a more intimate and peaceful experience. It is also a dry season with little rainfall.

During these walks, you will have the opportunity to explore the islands and canals that make up the estuary, while delighting in the natural beauty that surrounds you. The calm waters, gentle breezes and sounds of nature complement the spectacular view of the sun sinking below the horizon. You can also enhance this experience by booking a Segway tour of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, as these take place in the same setting.

Discovering the historic centre of Faro aboard the tourist train is a fun and dynamic experience that allows 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 tourist train is a perfect option for families, couples and groups of friends alike.

The train route will take you through the main points of interest in the old town, starting with the Puerta de la Vila, which serves as the entrance to the historic walled enclosure. As you progress, you can admire the architecture of the buildings, which reflect a mixture of styles ranging from Gothic to Baroque. Throughout the journey, a local guide will provide information about the history of the city.

Among the highlights you will find on this tour itinerary are Faro Cathedral, the Municipal Museum and the Chapel of Bones.

One of the best ways to discover Faro's past is to visit the city's medieval walls, which date back to the 9th century and were built during the Arab rule of the Iberian Peninsula. Originally, they formed part of the city's defence 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 see their 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 town and reflects the architectural style of the period. Along the route, you will find information panels providing details about the history of the walls and their importance in the defence of Faro.

Within the walled enclosure, you can also explore the old town of Faro and stroll through the cobbled streets lined with cafés, restaurants and shops that give visitors a taste of the local atmosphere. Faro Cathedral and the Municipal Museum are just some of the attractions located a short walk from the walls, so you can easily combine this tour with other visits in the area.

If you want to enjoy a genuinely local experience and explore one of Faro's most popular streets, then you should walk along Rúa de Santo António. This pedestrian street is known for its festive atmosphere and historic architecture, which combines old buildings with markets, cafés and restaurants serving international cuisine.

Along Rúa de Santo António, you will find a variety of shops offering local products, from crafts and souvenirs to fashion and accessories. You can also visit Portuguese food stalls, where you will have the opportunity to taste typical dishes and enjoy a break from your walk. During the spring and summer months, you will also find terraces perfect for trying pastel de nata or an espresso.

Keep in mind that Rua de Santo António is also an excellent starting point for exploring other nearby attractions in the old town of Faro. A short distance away, you will find Faro Cathedral, and you can also visit the Municipal Museum, which houses a collection of art and historical objects that tell the story of the Algarve since the time of Arab rule.

If you are someone who wants to learn all about the history of a place when you visit it, then you should visit the Algarve Regional Museum in Faro. It is located in a former 16th-century convent and is a refuge for the collection of local artefacts and works of art, but also an important centre for the preservation and promotion of Algarve culture.

Inside the museum, you will find exhibitions covering everything from prehistory to the contemporary era. 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 local customs and traditions.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the Algarve Regional Museum organises temporary events, such as workshops and educational activities that encourage participation from the community and tourists.

Temporary events also tend to focus on local history, crafts and contemporary art, providing a dynamic overview of Algarve culture. It also has a section for children, making it an ideal place to visit if you are planning to visit Faro with children.

Visiting the Chapel of Bones in the Carmo Church is a unique experience that will allow you to discover a mysterious atmosphere steeped in history. This chapel, located inside the Carmelite convent, was built in the 18th century and is popular for its disturbing decoration, which includes walls and ceilings covered with human bones and skulls, all from bodies exhumed from nearby cemeteries.

This type of funerary architecture, which seeks to encourage reflection on mortality, is one of the most unique features of this place, which displays the bones arranged artistically, creating patterns on the walls and arches. This style of decoration is not only striking, but 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 the history of Faro and its spiritual heritage. The chapel is a testament to the city's religious past and reflects the beliefs of the time about death and eternal life. In addition to the chapel itself, the convent also houses other areas of interest, such as the high 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 cannot miss the Benagil caves. These natural caverns 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 travellers 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 trip, you can admire the cliffs and coastline of the Algarve from the water, as well as access the caves along the coast. The most famous of these is Benagil Cave, which has a spectacular opening in its ceiling, allowing sunlight to illuminate the 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, together with the sound of the waves breaking 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 stunning scenery around you.