Faro is a major city of the Algarve region and the entrance to southern Portugal. This port city on the Ria Formosa lagoon is well-known for its beaches and cultural attractions. Faro's old town is a maze of winding lanes and whitewashed homes. The Se' Cathedral, the Carmo Church, and the Municipal Museum are among Faro’s attractions that transport visitors to another world. The Carmo Church is a former convent and is now a museum, while the Se' Cathedral is a stunning specimen of Gothic design. The Algarve region's artefacts in the Municipal Museum, which include prehistoric, Roman, and Moorish items, are among the prominent things to see in Faro.
Let us discover five Faro attractions we have chosen for you.
Top places to visit in Faro
- Cidade Velha
- Ria Formosa National Park
- Ilha Deserta
- Rua Dom Francisco Gomes
- Tetro Lethes
- Cidade Velha
Exploring the city’s compact Old Town of Cidade Velha with its narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and pastel-coloured houses is one of the most popular things to do in Faro. Surrounded by dusty mediaeval walls constructed over Roman foundations, this area is an actual history book of attractions, revealing the city’s venerable but often stormy past. The Old Town is accessible through three medieval arches called Arco da Vila, Arco do Repouso, and Arco da Porta Nova.
Things to do in Cidade Velha
- Visit the main church and the Se’ Cathedral, a striking example of Gothic architecture
- Make a trip to the Carmo church, converted into a museum now
- Visit the Roman ruins of Milreu. These ruins of a Roman villa are among the Faro sightseeing places just outside the Old Town
- Ria Formosa Natural Park
The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a protected area in Faro. It is a lagoon that spans from Faro to Tavira along the coast for more than 60 kilometres. A variety of wildlife, marine species, as well as salt marshes, sand dunes, and beaches, can be found in the park. For those who enjoy the outdoors and birdwatching, it is one of the popular places to visit in Faro.
Things to do in Ria Formosa Natural Park
- Go for walks or bike rides along the beach and enjoy the natural beauty of Faro
- Go birdwatching along the vast coastline and discover exotic species of birds
- Enjoy the local seafood at the park restaurants
- Take a boat trip to see the dolphins
- Ilha Deserta
Visitors take a day trip from Faro to this barren island destination of Ilha Deserta, also known as Ilha da Barreta. It is located about 4 kilometres off the coast of Faro and among the more isolated islands in the region. The island is known by many names, including Barreta, Deserted Island, and Santa Maria Cape Island. Ilha Deserta is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, sand dunes, and cave formations.
Things to do in Ilha Deserta
- Go desert hiking. Ilha Deserta has several hiking paths that lead through sand dunes, caves, salt marshes, and pine trees
- Relax on the beach. Ilha Deserta has some of the Algarve's most stunning beaches. The sea is crystal-clear and blue, and the sand is white and fluffy
- Rua Dom Francisco Gomes
If you have a Faro what to see or visit list ready, Rua Dom Francisco Gomes is a must-be name. Rua Dom Francisco Gomes is a pedestrian street lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants. The street is named after Dom Francisco Gomes, who was the Bishop of Faro from 1739 to 1816. The Carmo Church and the Municipal Museum are two of the several historical structures that can be found on the street.
Things to do at Rua Dom Francisco Gomes
- Visit the Municipal Museum situated on Rua Dom Francisco Gomes that contains a variety of Algarve-related artefacts. The museum is free to enter and open from Tuesday to Sunday
- Dine in cafes and restaurants in Rua Dom Francisco Gomes where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine
- Tetro Lethes
Teatro Lethes is a theatre house located in the heart of Faro. It was originally a Jesuit college when first constructed in 1605. One of the oldest theatres in Portugal, Teatro Lethes was officially opened to the public in 1845. Lethe, one of the five rivers in Greek mythology, is the inspiration behind the theatre's name. With a capacity of 300 people, Teatro Lethes is a popular venue for theatre performances, concerts, and other events.
Things to do in Tetro Lethes
- Watch a theatrical performance in Portuguese. Teatro Lethes is a well-known location for theatrical productions, so you will enjoy the dramatic performances
- Attend a concert; you may be able to watch your favourite band or singer perform
- Attend Faro’s international theatre festival, which is one of the things to see in Faro
Best Time to Visit Faro
Faro has a Mediterranean-type climate, with average highs of 28°C in July and August. December and January are the coolest months, with average temperatures of 15°C. Faro hosts festivals throughout the year, including the Faro Jazz Festival (July) and the Faro Christmas Market (December). The ideal time to visit, therefore, depends on your personal taste. The summer is a wonderful time if you like nice weather and sunshine. The spring and autumn seasons are the other options if you enjoy festivals.
Travel Insurance for Faro
You must have travel insurance before embarking on things to do in Portugal. As Portugal belongs to the Schengen region, you need to have current travel insurance to get a Schengen visa. When visiting Portugal, your foreign travel insurance must include emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage, with a minimum medical coverage of €30,000. First, research policies offered by various insurance agencies to find the one that meets your requirements. Travel insurance ensures a worry-free trip.