Gateway to the Algarve!
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Faro is the capital of the Algarve region in Southern Portugal and a beautiful resort for a short break or a full holiday! Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture or just relax on stunning beaches, Faro could be the perfect choice for your next trip.
The centre is only a 20 minute drive from the airport, so it's really easy to get to and from if you’re just flying in for a quick city break. With a peaceful marina, mouth-watering food options on every street and a massive range of day trips to explore the Algarve, it’s definitely a destination to add to your list.
If you’re staying by the marina in Faro - you could be disappointed when you realise there isn’t really a beach within walking distance. However, you can catch a short ferry to Ilha de Faro from the ferry terminal, which is only 5 minutes walk from the marina. It’s around €4 return per person and takes you to Faro’s main beach, which is a long strip of sand in between all of the beautiful islands and lagoons on the coastline! It has the ocean on both sides, and is a huge stretch of sand, so you should always have room to lay out and relax by the waves.
There’s so much more incredible nature to explore in Faro than just the main beach! From the ferry port, you can also find boat tours and even speedboat rides to the variety of different islands around Faro’s coastline. You can even visit a deserted island - just make sure not to miss the last ferry back! There are even day trips that take you around several islands on a catamaran which may be a good option.
If city life is more your style, and you really want to get a feel for the Portuguese culture, look at the best places to stay in Faro, book somewhere close to the city centre and spend your days exploring winding streets, traditional bakeries, bars and countless little churches.
Evenings around the marina are something not to be missed, with relaxed cocktail bars and restaurants, and lazy walks by the water. Sit by the ferry ports as the sun goes down for the clearest view of planes flying into the sunset. As Faro is so close to the airport, it's a brilliant place for plane spotting.
If you fancy exploring further, The Benagil caves are spectacular and iconic, appearing on almost every tourist brochure about the Algarve. They're less than an hour's drive away if you're renting a car, or you can take a guided day trip.
The food is stunning in Faro, and you can get some delicious meals at very, very reasonable prices. Our favourite place to eat by far was Demo Urban Bakery - where we devoured their traditional set, 3 course lunch menu for less than €9! They also have a special dish which isn’t particularly Portuguese, but is so incredible you won’t care. The chef brings steaming hot tagliatelle to your table and mixes it with sauce in a wheel of parmesan - it’s the cheesiest thing I’ve ever tasted. Faro also has a good nightlife, LAB sunset bar has great music and a beautiful view, and if you’re not too concerned about being traditional we would highly recommend Piper’s Irish Pub - the atmosphere there is amazing!
This city is often overlooked and only used for its airport, but there is so much more to explore locally! Whether you’re looking for serenity, exploration or a good night out, we’re sure Faro will be more than sufficient.
Additional information:
How do I get to Faro?
Faro is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from many major cities around the UK. The flight time from the UK varies, but is normally within the region of 2 hours. You can also access Faro by train, but be aware that the trains in Portugal are quite slow in comparison to other countries. Or, you can visit by coach from nearby cities.
Where should I stay in Faro?
There are lots of websites where you can find accommodation in Faro. Have a look for something that will suit your group size and budget on booking.com.
Do I need a visa to visit Faro?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Portugal for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule.
What's the currency in Faro?
The currency of Portugal is the Euro. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency, but we had no issues paying by card in Faro.
What languages are spoken in Faro?
The official language of Portugal is Portuguese, but English is widely spoken in Faro as it is a major tourist destination. It's always polite to learn a few phrases, though!
What's the weather like in Faro?
Faro is a warm city with mild winters, with little to no rain in the Summer months.
Here's the average high / low temperatures for each season in Faro:
Spring: 21°C / 12°C
Summer: 28°C / 19°C
Autumn: 23°C / 15°C
Winter: 17°C / 9°C
What's the time zone in Faro?
Portugal is in the Western European Time Zone. The time is usually the same as the UK, but an hour behind most of mainland Europe e.g. France, Spain, Germany, Italy.
What are the best things to do in Faro?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts. If you're looking to fill your itinerary, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Faro on GetYourGuide here.
