Faro, the southernmost city in Portugal and the capital of the magnificent Algarve region, is one of those underappreciated gems that tourists frequently pass through in a hurry. It does, however, provide a more relaxed lifestyle and less touristy, more authentically Portuguese ambiance than other Algarve attractions for those who choose to stay and discover its numerous delights. Even in the height of summer, you're much more likely to come across amiable residents than tourists doused in sunscreen as you stroll through town.

Faro is the perfect starting point for exploring the stunning golden sand beaches, towering cliffs, and secret bays that characterise this region of Portugal thanks to its world-class international airport and central Algarve position.

Best time to visit Faro

The spring and summer are the ideal seasons to explore Faro. Faro's record-breaking high temperature was 96.8°F in June. Faro's lowest recorded temperature was 35.6°F in January. In February, Faro had the most rain (721.52 mm).

Top things to know about Faro

How to reach 

From Lisbon, direct flights arrive at Faro Airport often. It only takes 45 minutes to fly. Other options for getting to the Algarve from Lisbon include renting a car or scheduling a private shuttle. There are tolls along the route, and the trip takes about 2.5 hours.

Currency

Portugal, including the Algarve, uses the Euro as its official currency. It first appeared in 2002. There are seven different euro banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euros. 

Best places to visit in Faro

The size of Faro is ideal. It is small enough to be completely walkable but big enough to provide a lot to see and do, such as:

The Old Town

Within the old city walls of Faro, find one of Europe's most tranquil old towns... a remarkable blend of historic structures, posh shops, whitewashed homes, and cobblestone streets, as well as an intriguing church. Orange trees line the pedestrian-friendly promenades, which lead to small squares and secret patios in blossom.

The ancient centre of Faro offers a tranquil setting without the hectic atmosphere of other European old towns.

Ria Formosa

The Ria Formosa lagoon, a sizable nature reserve with an amazing variety of wildlife, is right outside Faro's door. Among the feathered inhabitants are razorbills, spoonbills, flamingos, storks, and ospreys. A regular boat rental, a sunset cruise, a kayaking excursion, or a bird-watching tour are all options. The mussels, clams, and oysters raised in this sun-drenched labyrinth of channels and islands are well-used in Faro's restaurants.

Beautiful, Unspoiled Beaches

While there isn't actually an "in-town beach" in Faro, many of the Algarve's most stunning coastlines are easily accessible by vehicle or boat. On the outer islands of the lagoon, several of Faro's nicest beaches are reachable by a quick ferry ride. Ilha da Culatra offers a charming lighthouse and expansive sandy areas, whilst Ilha Deserta (Deserted Island) is the ideal location for some tranquil seclusion.

Renting a car for the day is an inexpensive way to explore additional beaches close to Faro, such as the charming beaches at Garrao, Ancao, Almargem, Lobo, and Vilamoura, as well as the city's "major beach," which is located just past the airport. You could even be fortunate enough to see some flamingos in Quinta do Lago.

Rich History

You'll travel back in time thanks to Faro's museums, cathedrals, churches, old masonry, and Roman remains. Joining one of Faro's free walking tours (in English), which depart from the Arco da Vila, a grand arch close to the tourist information office in the centre of town, is one of the simplest ways to experience "all the best bits."

These trips last a few hours and take you past some of Faro's most fascinating attractions, such as the magnificent cathedral, the Municipal Museum, the old town, and the Arco do Repouso, an ancient city gate. A must-see is the 18th-century Carmo Church, where the horrific yet captivating Bone Chapel was built with the remains of over a thousand monks from a local cemetery.

Nightlife in Faro

The nightlife in Faro is a fascinating fusion of traditional entertainment and contemporary cheerful sounds, reflecting the diverse traditions of this attractive Portuguese city. Faro is the ideal spot for high-summer hedonism as well as for off-season travellers searching for some nighttime activity because it is a university city with vibrant nightlife all year long. The city's nightlife, however, is largely focused on the activities of its student population.

Faro's streets are alive with music and laughter on beautiful summer nights as the young crowd spills out onto the streets. There are literally dozens of locations to select from, catering to every musical preference, and because so many people here are students, the costs are remarkably low for such a significant Mediterranean location. Nightlife starts late and ends late in many Mediterranean nations, and Portugal is no exception.

Top foods to try in Faro

Frango da Guia

This characteristic of Portuguese cuisine is surely available all throughout the nation, but the Algarve is where you should eat the amazing, delicious spicy chicken that it is named after. Each "churrascaria" (chicken restaurant), thought to have originated in Guia, has its own variation on the local favourite.

Cataplana de marisco

On the other hand, if you come to the Algarve just for the seafood, then you must not miss out on the delight that is the cataplana de marisco (seafood cataplana). This recipe mixes lobster, clams, squid, and anything else is in the season to properly honor what the sea has to offer. The various ingredients are all gently cooked with tomatoes, white wine, and herbs before being served with the heavenly sauce that has been produced. Some people insist on pre-marinating the chicken in the hot sauce, while others prefer to cook it on a charcoal grill and then top it with the sauce.

Sardines

Sardines are synonymous with summer in Portugal, so don't pass up the chance to try this delicacy that is frequently served at events of all kinds, including festivals and festivities. Sardines are best found in Portimo, which also holds an annual sardine festival every August, which is where to find them in the Algarve. But even if you can't make it to the festival, make sure to try this well-liked regional treat.