What to do in Faro

Faro has a very different atmosphere from the busy and hectic resort towns of the Algarve. The city is very scenic, especially within the old walled town and area surrounding the marina. You will find more historic monuments and buildings than in most other towns in the Algarve along with a pleasant shopping zone lined with stores and open-air cafes.

 

Faro’s gastronomy is as rich and varied as its landscape, with modern restaurants and cafés alongside old "tascas” serving local wines by the glass accompanied by a series of ocean-inspired tapas - the variety and abundance of fresh fish in the region is remarkable.

 

Being located on the edge of the Ria Formosa national park, a series of saltwater lagoons and mudflats that are a haven for migratory birds and wildlife, Faro is a great destination for birdwatching, water sports and nature lovers. Faro Island beach is one of the peninsulas in this ecosystem. Also, there are seafaris for dolphin watching, departing just an hour away from Faro. 

 

Within the Ria Formosa national park are the three sandbar islets, Ilha Deserta, Ilha da Armona e Ilha da Culatra where you will find some of the best beaches in the Algarve. But there is a impressive variety of options along the coastline: from the most popular (Vilamoura, Quarteira, Albufeira, Praia da Rocha, Praia da Marinha and Sagres) to the lesser-known jewels (Cacela Velha, Ponta da Piedade, Galé, Benagil and Carvoeiro). Waterparks, like Slide & Splash, Aquashow and Aqualand are also an attraction of the region. 

 

Also, Faro is only a short distance from the worldwide famous golf courses of the Algarve.