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Best Things to do in Faro Portugal
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items Are you visiting the Portuguese Algarve soon? Then remember to visit the capital, Faro! Many tourists land at Faro Airport daily, yet few take the time to explore this hidden gem. Before heading to other parts of the Algarve, consider staying a night...
Map
Like many historic European cities, the main attractions are located around Faro Old Town (known in Portuguese as Cidade Velha). And with a history of more than 2000 years, there is a lot to discover in Faro! Enjoy colourful homes with wooden shutter...
Faro: Walking Tour in Historic Center
One of Faro’s main sights in the historical centre is Arco da Vila, a monumental archway built on medieval gateways (Portas da Rainha) to the city. It was commissioned in the early 19th century by Bishop Francisco Gomes de Avelar and created by the I...
Arco da Vila
Carmo Church (Church of the Third Order of Our Lady of Monte do Carmo) is a beautiful church in the Faro known for its stunning architecture. The 1719 double-tiered baroque church was damaged during the 1755 earthquake, but the exterior reconstructio...
Carmo Church and the Chapel of Bones
Another stunning church in Faro is the cathedral, built on an old mosque from the Moorish period in the 13th century. Igreja da Sé, or Igreja de Santa Maria, is one of the most important structures in Faro Old Town and one of Faro’s main attractions....
Sé Catedral De Faro
Rua de Santo António is the main street in Faro, where you’ll find most clothing stores and restaurants. It runs from the harbour, and Jardim Manuel Bivar and the bustling and lively street always has things to do.
Rua de Santo António
For those who like shopping, Forum Algarve is a must-visit spot. It is a shopping centre with an outdoor area and air-conditioned indoor shops. There are more than 125 stores that sell clothes and Portuguese souvenirs.
Forum Algarve
For a quiet moment in Faro, visit the Manuel Bivar Garden, which is close to the harbour. It’s a small garden with colourful flowers, palm trees, and benches. It’s a perfect spot in the shade to enjoy an ice cream or a refreshing drink and take a bre...
Jardim Manuel Bívar
Are you curious about the highlights in Faro but need help walking long distances? Then the Hop On Hop Off City Tour in Faro is perfect! When you travel to Faro with kids, it’s also an easy way to get around. The Hop On Hop Off train drives through t...
Faro: Tourist Train Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket
If you’re a history buff, visiting the Faro Municipal Museum or Museu Municipal de Faro is a good idea. You’ll learn more about historical civilisations and Faro’s history.
Faro Municipal Museum
Another great museum in Faro is the Algarve Life Sciences Center (Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve in Portuguese). This museum is in a former power station and has permanent and temporary exhibitions. It’s very educational for all ages and one of the m...
Algarve Life Sciences Center, Faro - Book Tickets
A unique building in the city is Belmarço Palace! It’s a remarkable example of Revivalist architecture, and the building was once private property. Thankfully, it’s now sometimes open to the public and a great spot to take pictures.
Palácio Belmarço
For even more of Faro’s history, visit the Roman Ruins of Milreu (Ruínas Romanas de Milreu in Portuguese). These historical sights are located just outside town and date back to the 1st century!
Roman ruins of Milreu
One of the best things to do in Faro with kids is to visit Aquashow Waterpark. It’s an immense outdoor water park that opens every summer. Aquashow Waterpark is the place to be if you like a splashing day with many slides and adventures. There are se...
Aquashow Park, Quarteira - Book Tickets
Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of the most popular Faro things to see! You can board a catamaran or boat from the harbour to discover this stunning natural area. The estuary is a labyrinth of islands, marshlands, sa...
Ria Formosa, boat tours and excursions
From Ria Formosa, you can already see the islands surrounding Faro! For example, the uninhabited island Ilha Deserta has unspoiled, unpopulated beaches. There are lifeguard services, and you can rent a beach chair and umbrellas. Or explore Ilha do Fa...
From Faro: Ria Formosa Hop-On Hop-Off 3 Islands Cruise
Just outside Faro, Karting Almancil Family Park is a great place to visit with older children. Here, you’ll drive a fun circuit with three different go-kart tracks. The activities are suitable for kids three years and older, and the courses are desig...
Algarve: Go-Kart Experience at Karting …
The Benagil Caves are one of the most visited places in the Algarve and one of the most famous landmarks. The cave is known as Benagil Cathedral, and you can only get there by boat or kayak.
From Faro: Benagil, Algar Seco, and Marinha Adventure …
Portugal is known for its wine, and a wine-tasting experience is on the wish list of many. Visit Quinta da Tôr, for example, a renowned winery in the Algarve region where you can taste several wines. This winery is close to Loulé, a town worth visiti...
The best Faro Wine tasting & winery tours
Another great excursion is to the Loulé Rock Salt Mine. Underneath the earth, you’ll discover ancient geological rock formations, and the guide will tell you more about the history of the rock salt mine. The salt mine is a whopping 230 meters deep an...
Loulé: TechSalt’s Rock-Salt Mine Tour
What better way to see and watch dolphins than in their own habitat? Step on board a small boat that will bring you to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Different species live around Ria Formosa and the Algarve, and the chance is high you will spot s...
Faro: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour