12 Best Things To Do In Faro, Portugal
Planning your trip to Faro, Portugal and wondering what’s actually worth it? Here’s your local guide!
I spent five weeks in Faro one summer while volunteering at a hostel in Old Town (through Worldpackers!).
I split my days between quiet island beaches, neighborhood cafés, rooftops, and easy day trips, and I got to experience the town like a local.
Every recommendation below is from personal experience, so you can skip the guesswork and enjoy the city the way locals do.
This guide covers the best things to do in Faro, Portugal—plus where to stay and quick FAQs—so you can plan a trip that’s simple, adventurous, and very you!
12 Best Things To Do In Faro
In Faro, you’ll find calm beaches, a small historic center, a couple of worthwhile museums, and relaxed evenings outside with a view. Here are the top things to do while you’re there.
1. Praia de Faro (Faro Island)
If you want a no-stress beach day, start here. Praia de Faro is long, flat, and easy to reach over the bridge by bus, taxi, or ferry.
I took the ferry from Old Town nearly every day and found it to be the easiest, most convenient option.
Walk five to ten minutes from the main entrance for more space on the beach. Great for swimming, long walks, and golden hour.
Best for: first beach day, easy swimming, sunset
Good to know: it’s busiest near the bridge in peak summer. Keep walking down the sand or go earlier in the morning.
2. Ilha Deserta (Barreta) for a quiet beach escape
Ilha Deserta is wide, clean, and peaceful—perfect when you want space and zero distractions. Expect boardwalks over dunes, soft sand, and clear water.
Pack snacks as services are limited– but that’s part of the appeal. This is one of the quieter, more remote beaches I’ve been to.
It is a bit further away, and you can take a ferry from Faro that takes about 45 minutes.
Best for: a quieter day, long walks, reading on the beach
Timing tip: if it’s windy, aim for a morning visit.
➡️ Pre-book your ferry seats to Ilha Deserta
3. Beginner surf lesson at Praia de Faro
If you’ve ever wanted to try surfing without planning a whole surf trip, this is the easiest way. Lessons here are relaxed and include boards and wetsuits.
Sessions are about two hours. It’s a fun option if you want a little adventure.
Surf conditions will depend on the day and season, so be sure to check before you go.
Best for: first-timers or anyone who wants an easy intro
Bring: swimsuit, towel, water
➡️ Reserve a small-group surf lesson
4. Igreja do Carmo & the Bone Chapel
A quick, memorable stop. The church is beautiful, and the small chapel of bones out back is striking. Give yourself ~20–30 minutes.
It’s an easy walk within Old Town and pairs well with coffee or lunch nearby. There’s a cute coffee shop I went to all the time across the street!
Best for: a short cultural experience
Note: modest dress is appreciated; mornings are quietest.
5. Faro Food Tour
If you’re short on time, a food tour is the fastest way to learn the region’s flavors—petiscos, seafood, cheeses, and a glass of something local—across a few small stops.
Faro’s food scene is underrated. There are some phenomenal restaurants and a few Michelin-star-rated.
Best for: first-timers, solo travelers, anyone who wants to experience the culture through food
Optional: One of my favorite restaurants was CHECKin
6. Old Town (Cidade Velha) + Cathedral tower views
Old Town Faro is compact and calm. Wander cobble-stone streets, find a shady square, and pop into the Cathedral (Sé).
Climb the tower for clear views over the rooftops and water. I like doing this close to sunset, then grabbing a drink nearby.
Best for: low-effort exploring and wandering like a local
Add-on: quick stop at Arco da Vila for the classic Old Town photo spot
7. Day trip west: Benagil Cave viewpoints, Praia da Marinha, Carvoeiro boardwalk
If you want “classic Algarve cliffs,” this is the move. You’ll get viewpoints, short cliff walks, and dramatic coastline.
It’s doable as a small-group day trip from Faro if you don’t want to rent a car. The train from Faro is also an easy option.
Kayaking through the Benagil Caves was a highlight and something I’d 100% do again!
Best for: coastal scenery, kayaking, small hikes
Note: wear sturdy shoes; paths can be uneven.
➡️ Book a small-group day trip and kayak into Benagil Cave
8. Rooftop drinks with marina or water views
Faro’s rooftops are perfect after a beach day. Find a spot near the marina or a hotel rooftop and watch the sunset while you plan dinner.
Keep it simple: one drink, a small snack, and an easy walk to your restaurant. There are a ton of rooftops in Faro, and the views from each are stunning!
Best for: sunset, low-key pre-dinner plans
When to go: 45–60 minutes before sunset for the nicest light.
9. Municipal Museum of Faro
A calm, pretty museum inside a 16th-century convent. Small enough for under an hour and a nice contrast to beach time.
Go on an afternoon when you want shade and a bit of history.
Best for: a slow hour, architecture and history lovers
Tip: combine with Old Town wandering
Best Things To Do At Night
Faro at night is relaxed—walk the marina, listen to live music, sit outside, and take your time with dinner. Keeping the list going:
10. Live music and dancing
In the summer, there’s live music in the heart of Old Town near the water. It’s casual, local, and perfect for a small picnic. It’s a great place to start your night.
Later, if you’re into nightlife, there are a few main streets lined with bars and dancefloors. People gather to hang out in the streets outside of these bars as well. It’s a big neighborhood party.
Best for: music and easy group plans
11. Picnic and sunset on the docks in Old Town
Pick up cheese, fruit, and a cold drink from a nearby shop and head to the docks near the marina/boardwalk, where you take the ferry.
The light over the water is beautiful. I did this almost every night I was here. The sunset views never get old!
Best for: budget-friendly evenings and sunset views
12. Dinner in Old Town
End the day with a simple, good meal. Old Town has plenty of local spots for fresh seafood and regional dishes.
I like choosing one place for a main, then grabbing gelato or a nightcap somewhere else on the walk home.
Best for: unhurried dinners and people-watching
Bonus Ideas (if you have extra time)
✅ Saturday morning at Mercado Municipal de Faro. Browse produce, cheese, and fish stalls; grab a pastry and coffee; people-watch. It’s a nice local morning and easy to pair with wandering Old Town.
✅ Milreu Roman Ruins + Estoi palace detour. A half-day break from the beach. The ruins are low-key but interesting, and Estoi village is lovely for a stroll. If you’re up for it, the pink Estoi palace is worth a visit.
✅ Tavira day trip. Charming town east of Faro with a slow pace, white buildings, a castle, and pretty bridges. It’s easy to get to by bus or train.
✅ Ria Formosa, light and simple. Even if you don’t want a full boat tour, a short boardwalk/wetlands walk on the city side is a great way to see why locals love this natural park and lagoon system. If you do want time on the water, pick a short tour that stops at one island or an all-day loop.
➡️ Book a boat tour in Ria Formosa with 1 stop
➡️ Book a boat tour with 4 stops in Ria Formosa
✅ Lisbon weekend trip. Lisbon is easy to get to by bus or train, and is worth a weekend trip if you’re staying in Faro a bit longer.
Where To Stay
Stay in the Marina/Old Town for easy walking, ferries, rooftops, and dinner options without needing a car. It’s central but not chaotic.
📍 Best Budget Spot — Casa da Madalena Backpackers Hostel
Friendly, super high-rated hostel with a lovely rooftop terrace, social vibes, and a central location that makes ferry trips and Old Town strolls easy. Great for solo travelers and budget couples.
➡️ Check prices & availability
📍 Best Mid-Range Spot — AP Eva Senses Hotel
Right on the marina with a seasonal rooftop pool, bars, and easy access to boat departures. Rooms are clean, breakfast is solid, and you’re steps from Old Town—ideal “no-car” base.
➡️ Check prices & availability
📍 Best Luxury Spot — 3HB Faro
Design-forward city stay with a polished rooftop pool/bar, spa, and standout service—central enough to walk everywhere but quiet at night. My pick if you want a treat-yourself base.
➡️ Check prices & availability
❌ Note: I volunteered at The Central Guesthouse Hostel while I was in Faro. I had a great overall experience as a volunteer, but honestly, I would not recommend staying here.
FAQs
What’s the best time to visit Faro?
Spring and fall are ideal—warm days, easier reservations, and comfortable beach weather. Summer works if you plan early mornings, shade in the afternoon, and sunset plans. Winter is quiet and good for walks and day trips.
How do I enjoy Faro like a local?
Keep the plan loose. Walk Old Town with no agenda, choose one beach or island for the day, and sit outside for sunset. If you like food, start your trip with a self-guided tasting tour to find your spots and go back later.
How do I get around Faro?
If you stay central, you can walk almost everywhere. For beaches/islands, use the marina ferries. For nearby towns like Olhão or Tavira, trains are easy. Taxis and ride-shares fill the gaps when it’s hot.
Final Thoughts
Faro is straightforward: easy-to-reach beaches, a city center you can cross in minutes, and day trips that add value.
Decide what matters—one beach or island, one adventure, one great meal—and plan around that.
Book the few things, but leave space for the rest, and use the marina/Old Town as your base.
You’ll cover a lot without wasting time on logistics, and the trip will feel enjoyable from start to finish.
Have the best time!
