Faro
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Faro
Faro serves as the Algarve's historic capital, where traditional Portuguese architecture meets the region's natural coastal beauty. The compact old town features whitewashed buildings, mosaic pavements and quiet plazas shaded by mature trees. Beyond the city limits, the Ria Formosa's lagoon system creates a protected habitat for migratory birds, while sandy barrier islands stretch along the Atlantic coast. While day trips beckon, don't overlook Faro's own golden beaches and the wildlife-rich lagoon.Hitta resa
The Faro Municipal Museum is home to the region's diverse archaeological finds. Set in a former monastery, it features gardens established in 1540 and two-storey cloisters at its center. Among the most remarkable items is a Roman floor mosaic from the 4th-century detailed with the head of the Roman god Neptune.
Rebuilt throughout the ages, the Faro Cathedral, also known as the Santa Maria Cathedral, is now a mixture of Renaissance and Baroque religious buildings. Its interior is equally rich, featuring a large organ from the 18th-century with Chinoiserie details.
The full name of this church is a mouthful — the Church of the Third Order of Our Lady of Monte do Carmo. It is the most popular of Faro's churches, not so much for its fantastically elaborate, gold-leaf laden, Baroque interior, but for its bone chapel, entirely decorated with monks' skeletons.
The Ria Formosa wetlands gained protected status in 1987, safeguarding this crucial breeding ground for wetland birds from tourism development. Thanks to this protection, the entire coast from Faro to Cacela Velha was able to avoid any urbanisation. A boat trip to one of Faro’s islands is perhaps the best way to visit Ria Formosa.
The Palácio de Estói, situated in the town of Estói (just north of Faro) is a Rococo style private palace built in the second half of the 19th-century. This miniature version of the King’s palace in Queluz, on the outskirts of Lisbon, is surrounded by relaxing public gardens. In Milreu, just outside the palace, you will come across the Algarve Roman remains.
At Deserta Island, also known as Ilha da Barretta, you have the rare opportunity to spend a day on an uninhabited island. Enjoy peaceful white-sand beaches with crystal blue water. Arrive either by boat or water taxi and do not forget to bring water. As there is only one restaurant on the island, it is also a good idea to bring a snack.
The Estádio Algarve was built for the 2004 European football championship, but that does not make it a football fanatics-only attraction. Here, you can see different sporting events year-round, so make sure to check if there is anything of interest during your visit.
Cruise the Ria Formosa waterways in the lovely and tranquil blue boats available to rent. It is a great way to see the area and to indulge in a bit of birdwatching. You also have the option of stopping at one of the beautiful beaches for a picnic, or just some sunbathing.
The Faro Municipal Museum is home to the region's diverse archaeological finds. Set in a former monastery, it features gardens established in 1540 and two-storey cloisters at its center. Among the most remarkable items is a Roman floor mosaic from the 4th-century detailed with the head of the Roman god Neptune.
Rebuilt throughout the ages, the Faro Cathedral, also known as the Santa Maria Cathedral, is now a mixture of Renaissance and Baroque religious buildings. Its interior is equally rich, featuring a large organ from the 18th-century with Chinoiserie details.
This is Faro’s largest fresh produce market. Located in a gorgeous modern building, the market is open until late and is the perfect place to have direct contact with the local food culture. It is recommended to go in the early morning when the food stock is the highest.
Forum Algarve is one of the town's premier shopping centres, featuring all sorts of fashion stores and restaurants. It is also home to one of the biggest cinema places in the Algarve.
Just outside Albufeira you find Algarve Shopping Centre. It is the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon or just to stay out of the sun and heat for a while. You can find several different shops, both from chains like Zara and C&A but also some small local boutiques. If you get hungry there is a food court, and if you feel like catching a movie there is also a cinema.
When you think of shopping, maybe grocery shopping isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But you find a good selection of brands, fresh fruits and vegetables, live seafood, newly butchered meat and local wines at the Intermarché in Carvoeiro. This international chain has several outlets across the Algarve coast.
The town of Porches has a long history of pottery production. All items are unique and made by local artists and artisans, including hand-painted dishes, jars, carafes, and tea-sets, among many others. It is a great place to pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir for your loved ones back home.
Antonio Manuel is a trendy fashion shop that has been around since 1957. They sell high-end luxury brands and the latest styles for both men and women. It's the right place for those seeking name brand apparel.
Located right in the city centre of Faro, Scoon is a fashion favourite among locals. They have the latest trends in clothes, shoes and accessories for men, women and children.
If you like surfing and the lifestyle that comes with it, you will love Jah Shaka Surf Shop in Lagos. Here you find all the major surf brands such as Quicksilver, Roxy, Analog and Ripcurl. They have everything from boards and equipment to clothes and accessories.
This is Faro’s largest fresh produce market. Located in a gorgeous modern building, the market is open until late and is the perfect place to have direct contact with the local food culture. It is recommended to go in the early morning when the food stock is the highest.
Forum Algarve is one of the town's premier shopping centres, featuring all sorts of fashion stores and restaurants. It is also home to one of the biggest cinema places in the Algarve.
Faro’s international airport is located six kilometers to the west of the city, right by the sea. Buses 14 and 16 depart regularly to the centre of Faro, and the trip takes approximately 20 minutes. You can buy the ticket directly from the driver, but remember that it is good to have some small change or the exact amount of money. A taxi ride takes just under fifteen minutes.
Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Portugal, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.
The Algarve region is famous for having the best weather in Portugal, with long summers and short, mild winters. Beach season goes from spring to autumn and attracts the biggest crowds; visiting in winter often means that you will find more affordable accommodations and a quieter atmosphere.
Faro’s train station connects the city with the rest of the region and the country. There is also a well-developed bus network, EVA, convenient for small trips within the region. In the city centre, it is best to walk, but if you would rather take the local bus, the courier name is Próximo. You can use your phone to buy tickets and plan trips on Próximo with the PICK app.
For longer trips, it is better to negotiate the price in advance as the driver has the right to various surcharges for returning empty if the taxi meter is used. Tips are not obligatory but appreciated, even if small. The cars are either beige, green or black, and the best way to find one is to go to one of the taxi ranks or pre-book. One of the main taxi companies in town is Faro Taxi.
To find a post office in Faro, look for the red sign that says CTT. Letter boxes are red as well. Faro’s main post office is located in Largo do Carmo.
Generally, pharmacies in Portugal are open on weekdays from 9am to 7pm; some pharmacies close for lunch. On Saturdays, pharmacies close around 1pm. Each district will have a 24-hour pharmacy (farmácia, with a green cross) according to a schedule posted in the windows of all closed pharmacies. Penha pharmacy is the best reviewed pharmacy in town, though it's not the most central one. It's also always open.
Country code: +351 Area code: (0)289
Faro’s international airport is located six kilometers to the west of the city, right by the sea. Buses 14 and 16 depart regularly to the centre of Faro, and the trip takes approximately 20 minutes. You can buy the ticket directly from the driver, but remember that it is good to have some small change or the exact amount of money. A taxi ride takes just under fifteen minutes.
Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Portugal, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.
