Top Tourist Attractions in Faro

Best Things To Do in Faro, Portugal

Are you looking for what to do in Faro?

PLACES TO SEE

There are many things to see in Faro and the historic buildings are a must-see.

  • Old Town Faro: Charming old town center is perfect for a romantic evening walk. The place accommodates historic building, beautiful walking pathways and a popular cathedral.
  • Ria Formosa: One of the 7 wonders of Portugal, the natural preserve and lagoon hold the essence of Faro’s natural heritage. It was opened as a National Park in 1987.
  • Barreta Island: Visit the untouched and deserted Island in Algarve with serene beaches and spiritual ambience.
  • Church of Sao Lourenco: Built in true Baroque style, the date of construction of the church is not available but the earliest mention of the church dates back to 1672. The church is known for its eclectic architecture and durability.

WHERE TO BE

Nightlife: Nightlife in Faro is exuberant owing to the number of students here who come to learn at the University and Thursday is the buzzing day for parties and clubs. The main nightlifecenter of the city is the Old Town center with many bars and pubs open till late hours.

  • Upa and Upa: Good music, Open air café and a whiskey menu to envy, the place is perfect for a few drinks.
  • Hickey’s Irish Pub: A must if you want to visit a sports bar, the place is known for its good food and drinks.
  • Taberna Da Se: Quality live music with a quaint and casual atmosphere, if you don’t like your night-haunts to be crowded, this is the place for you.

Shopping

Faro, although not a shopping capital, has many shops for souvenirs and trinkets.

  • Rua Dr. Francisco Gomes: The shopping street of the city, there are shops here selling jewelry, arts and crafts and souvenirs The cobbles streets with historic building make the experience a special one.
  • Livraria Bertrand: A famous book shop, the place is a must visit for book lovers.
  • Forum Algarve: The popular shopping mall in Faro, Forum Lagarve offers everything from entertainment, shopping and fast food.

Below we have a list of things to do in Faro and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Faro getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Faro with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Faro

Here is the list of things to do in Faro and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Tavira Island

    4.6 (1286 Votes)
    Tavira Island

    Beach, Island, View Point, Food And Drinks

    Tavira Island is active during summers and serenely quiet for the rest of the year. If you are visiting in summer be prepared to see volleyball, paragliding and all other activities in full spring as you lie down and soak in the sun. The place offers a quintessential urban beach experience, complete with restaurants and beach bars with the view of the aqua-blue waters. Highlights include: Suns...Read more

  2. Barreta Island

    4.5 (1179 Votes)
    Barreta Island

    Beach, Island, Water Body, View Point

    Amidst the busy streets and its urban pulse, Faro hides its serenity in the Barreta Island. If you love a serene beach walk with little to no crowd and want to explore the untouched zones on the planet, then the ‘Deserted Islands’ are perfect to spend a quiet afternoon at. The place is known for its tranquil beaches with pristine waters bound to soothe any tired soul. Amust if you l...Read more

  3. Algarve By Segway Tour

    4.5 (1185 Votes)
    Algarve By Segway Tour

    Entertainment

    Segway, the modern and eco-friendly way to travel around is embraced by Faro like no other place. Ride the ultra modern Segway as you glide though the city’s many attractions- from gateways, churches to its natural reserves. Segway gives you an intimate yet comfortable way of interacting with a city and this experience is made for all ages who love technology. A must when in Faro, this to...Read more

  4. Cathedral Of Faro

    4.3 (1574 Votes)
    Cathedral Of Faro

    Church, Religious Site, Architecture , Cathedral

    Built in the 13th century, the Roman Church has seen its fair share of struggle. Being subjected to attacks and earthquake of 1755, the church still stands tall showcasing some of the best example of Renaissance and Baroque style of design and architecture. Visit the church to admire its style, elegance and sheer beauty.

  5. Quad Bike Tours In Faro With Rooster Quad Tours

    5 (1311 Votes)
    Quad Bike Tours In Faro With Rooster Quad Tours

    Adventure

    After sightseeing through Faro, a Quad Bike tour through the dirt roads of the city and its outskirts is a must for the adventure-seeking traveler! The tours are designed for those young at heart and ensure safety with an adrenaline thrill! The Quad Bikes are machine beasts and known just how to make your trail more interesting. A must when in Faro, the Quad Bike Tour is however, only recommend...Read more

  6. Cidade Velha

    4.3 (1329 Votes)
    Cidade Velha

    Food And Drinks, Restaurant

    Located at the heart of the old town of faro, CidadeVelha is a must if you want an authentic faro food experience after a good day of sightseeing. The restaurant is popular for seafood delicacies and are known for their rich Portuguese and European flavors. Do try their Tuna Steak and ‘Cataplana de marisco’. If you are sightseeing through the Old Town, do stop by to experience yet a...Read more

  7. Museu Arqueologico

    4.3 (1069 Votes)
    Museu Arqueologico

    Art Museum, Museum, Performance

    Placed in the 16th century Jewish Quarter of Convento de NossaSenhora da Assunção, the Museum is known for its exhibits dating back to the 3rd century! Highlights include: 3rd century Mosaics Islamic artefacts from 9th to 13th Century Carlos Filipe Porfírio’s paintings The museum also has Fado performances for music lovers.

  8. Kayaking In Faro Tour

    Kayaking In Faro Tour

    Water Sport

    Kayaking in Faro is on every water sport lover’s list of things to do while in the city! The weather in Faro is pleasant almost all year round and the blue waters welcome anyone who wants to explore them. And what better way to get acquainted with the RiaFormosa than by taking a Kayaking tour! Tours are known to be safe, in groups and perfect if you are too scared to go Kayaking solo. You...Read more

  9. Nucleo Museologico Da Villa Romana De Milreu

    4.1 (355 Votes)
    Nucleo Museologico Da Villa Romana De Milreu

    Ancient Ruin

    The ruins of the Roman Villa of Milreu are a must-see when you visit Faro. Walk through the ruins as you see the temple, bath and pool. The whole villa is open for an intimate walk and has no barriers or sections closed for visitors, making this a perfect place for history lovers and tourists who like to see history up close! Highlights include: Well preserved colorful Mosaics. Walk through th...Read more

  10. Igreja Da Misericordia

    4.8 (126 Votes)
    Igreja Da Misericordia

    Religious Site, Cathedral

    A site of the Chapel of Holy Spirit in 1499, Bishop Afonso Castelo Branco converted the chapel to the present day church in the 16th century along with an adjoining hospital. What is unique to the church is its Greek-styled cross layout- a rare structure to see in a traditional church.The 1755 earthquake destroyed the initial Manueline style of architecture and design which was later replaced b...Read more

  11. Teatro Lethes

    4.7 (684 Votes)
    Teatro Lethes

    Entertainment, Theatre

    Built in 1605 as a college, the church was converted to a theatre in 1845. The name Lethes was given, dedicated to ‘Lethe’- name of a mythical river, whose waters had the magical power to erase hardships of life. The name was a welcome change after the Civil war and so was the theater. Soon performances from all over the region were arranged here and the theater still remains one of...Read more

  12. Scuba Diving With Hidroespaco

    Scuba Diving With Hidroespaco

    Water Sport, Scuba

    Scuba diving to see seahorses or exploring the soulful depths of the Ria Formosa is a rare experience in itself. As you see the varieties of fishes, coral reefs and witness the sheer enormity of the Ria Formosa, you are sure to capture some beautiful pictures from its magnificent depths. The place is perfect if you want to explore the waters of Faro to the max. The organizers provide scuba gear...Read more

  13. Cape St. Mary

    4.8 (175 Votes)
    Cape St. Mary

    Beach

    The southernmost tip of mainland Portugal, the Cape of St. Mary is truly a hidden heaven for traveler’s. The blue-green waters along with a tranquil beach makes you feel you are the first one to touch its infinite beauty. The Cape lies to the south of the Barreta Island and is known for its untouched ambience and beautiful views of the Atlantic. A must if you are looking for the feel of a...Read more

  14. Culatra Island

    4.6 (189 Votes)
    Culatra Island

    Beach, Island, Water Body, View Point

    One of the few islands to be uncrowded even during summer season, the Culatra Island homes a village filled with tiny shops, a few restaurants and a beautiful beach perfect for anyone who want to escape Faro’s hustle-bustle. Carry a small picnic with you or simply make for a spontaneous plan to explore the blue waters, untouched sands and glorious sunsets which the place is known for.

  15. Ria Formosa

    Ria Formosa

    National Park, Leisure, Nature, Bird Watching

    Located 12 kilometers to the East of Faro, Ria Formosa is a National park lagoon and is known for bird watching and boating through fabulous spots of the 6 inlets of water into the land. 5 of the water inlets are natural while one is artificial! The RiaFormosa with its gentle waters, invites all the tourists for a fabulous time watching birds, seeing sunsets and simply enjoying the beautiful su...Read more