Best Travel Guide Faro | ArrivalGuides.com

FaroGuide was updated: 2025-07-09

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.

Do & See

The capital of the Algarve is one of the most typically Portuguese cities in the country. Admire the amazing marina, cobblestone squares and green parks, as well as the old town sprinkled with cosy cafes and tiny traditional restaurants. By night, Faro's massive student population lights up every bar and plaza of the city, and there is no shortage of cultural activities, from art exhibitions to majestic churches and historic monuments. Last but not least, do not miss the natural beauty of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa and the numerous islands scattered just a few kilometres from Faro's pristine beaches.

Municipal Museum of Faro

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.

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Faro Cathedral

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.

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Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

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.

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Ria Formosa Natural Park

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.

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Palace of Estoi & Roman Ruins of Milreu

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.

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Ilha Deserta (Barreta Island)

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.

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Population:	The City: 41,000 Faro Municipality: 69,000
Currency:	1 Euro = 100 cents
Emergency Numbers:	112
Newspapers:	Região Sul: www.regiao-sul.pt Jornal do Algarve: www.jornaldoalgarve.pt
Opening Hours:	Shops are normally open from 9am to 7pm on weekdays, and some may close for the weekend.
Tourist Information:	Faro Tourist Office Rua da Misericórdia 8-12, Faro +351 289 803 604 turismo.faro@rtalgarve.pt Open daily 9:30am–1pm / 2pm–5:30pm

Portugal

Faro

Do & See

Municipal Museum of Faro

Faro Cathedral

Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Ria Formosa Natural Park

Palace of Estoi & Roman Ruins of Milreu

Ilha Deserta (Barreta Island)