Explore Algarve

Learn about Algarve

AI is finding the best recommendations for you, it may take minutes...

Things to do in Faro and best beaches | Algarve - Portugal

Practical, up-to-date guide to Faro’s highlights: Old Town landmarks, Museu Municipal, Praia de Faro and island beaches, Ria Formosa trips, ferry options, local markets and suggested day trips.

Faro travel guide: history, sea and southern charm | Eat & Walkabout

A culturally focused guide covering Faro’s Old Town, Sé Cathedral, Igreja do Carmo (Chapel of Bones), local food and markets, Ria Formosa nature excursions and practical visitor tips.

Faro Old Town: Quick Guide To The Capital Of The Algarve (2024) - Our Soulful Travels

Personal narrative-style guide concentrating on exploring Faro’s Old Town: history, museums, the bone chapel, photo spots, recommended walking route and local dining recommendations.

Top 11 Things To Do In The Algarve | The Travel Women

Regional Algarve-focused list that highlights must-do experiences accessible from Faro: Ria Formosa islands, local markets (Olhão), hidden waterfalls, Capela dos Ossos in Faro, and outdoor adventure suggestions.

I Fell in Love with Faro, Portugal and Here's Why You Will Too - TripZilla

A vivid, experience-driven piece describing Faro’s charm: street art, peacocks in public gardens, seafood scene, island beaches reachable by ferry and reasons Faro makes a relaxed base for exploring the eastern Algarve.

Sé de Faro (Faro Cathedral)

Sé (Old Town), Faro

Originally built after the 1249 Christian reconquest, the cathedral sits on a site with long sacred history; it blends Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements and its tower offers views over the city and the Ria Formosa.

Igreja do Carmo and Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones)

Largo do Carmo / Old Town, Faro

The Carmelite church houses an 18th/19th-century ossuary where the bones of many friars were arranged as a macabre reminder of mortality — a notable, solemn local monument.

Ria Formosa Natural Park (entrances from Faro marina and Ilha de Faro)

Ria Formosa / Faro coastline and islands

A protected coastal lagoon system of barrier islands, saltmarshes and channels that supports migratory birds, local fisheries and the Algarve’s best near-shore beaches.

Palácio de Estói (Estoi Palace)

Estói (≈10 km north of Faro)

An ornate 19th/early-20th-century palace with romantic gardens and richly decorated interiors; part of the palace complex is used for hospitality and public visits.

Castelo / city walls and Praça de São Francisco

Praça de São Francisco / Rua do Castelo area, Faro

Remnants of Faro’s medieval defences and castle area survive near Praça de São Francisco; the area reflects the city’s Moorish past and later Portuguese urban development.

Boat trip to the Ria Formosa islands (Ilha Deserta, Culatra, Farol)

Half-day or full-day boat excursions from Faro marina to the protected Ria Formosa barrier islands for beaches, birdlife and village visits.

Ria Formosa is Faro’s defining natural attraction — excellent beaches, birdwatching and the unique experience of nearly deserted sandbanks close to the city.

Stroll the Old Town (Vila-Adentro) and climb Faro Cathedral tower

Walk the walled medieval quarter, narrow streets, local cafés and step inside the Sé (cathedral) for interior tiles and views from the tower.

Compact, atmospheric Old Town provides history, architecture and panoramic views across the Ria Formosa — easy to do on foot.

Visit the Igreja do Carmo and the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos)

Small Carmelite church famous for its ossuary chapel lined with skulls and bones — a striking, unusual heritage site.

One of Faro’s most talked-about sights; it’s short, memorable and reveals local religious and funerary history.

Day trip to Estói: Palácio de Estói & Roman ruins of Milreu

Short drive or bus to nearby Estói to visit the romantic palace gardens and the Roman villa ruins at Milreu.

Combine Baroque- and Romantic-era architecture with important Roman archaeological remains — culturally rich and photogenic.

Explore the Municipal Market and sample local seafood

Visit Faro’s municipal market to see fresh catches, regional produce and sample local snacks or small plates in surrounding eateries.

Markets are an authentic way to taste the region and understand local food culture; it’s lively and practical for food-focused visitors.