algarve tourism office

Algarve Tourism Guide

Essential algarve tips, trip planner and complete accommodation guide.

S un-worshippers from all over Europe come to the continent’s southwestern tip for some of its most beautiful beaches , magnificent cliff scenery , fantastic grottoes , world-class golf courses and luxury or family-friendly resorts. Algarve is Portugal’s most visited region, but while it’s a top summer destination for Europeans, it remains a place to be discovered by everyone else. This makes it Europe’s most famous secret, as it’s officially promoted.

Visitors find beaches of every type here -- from people-packed bays with magnificent rock formations to secluded coves, dune islands with golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see, and wild, remote and nearly deserted stretches backed by breathtaking cliffs for nature lovers (and naturists). The waters are shallow and calm for swimming or have the perfect waves for surfers (novices and pros alike). The entire coast is very clean, as certified by the Blue Flag flying at almost every beach.

This was considered the edge of the Earth before sailors ventured into the unknown during Portugal’s golden age of exploration, and there’s something thrilling about standing on what was once considered the end of the world . Windswept capes and pristine landscapes still make it feel that way today, giving it a romantic atmosphere. Although one of the most devastating earthquakes in history destroyed almost everything in the region in 1755, it preserves exotic and traditional architecture , and there are historic sites worth exploring. Then there are the reasonably-priced resorts, the golf, the water parks and surfing that made it a hotspot, and you have a destination for all types of travelers, of all ages and tastes, who want to return time and again.

Algarve Travel Planner

Helpful insider tips to plan the perfect days in the region:.

Where to Stay The Best Areas and Hotels

The Best Beaches Choose the Right Beach For You

Top 10 Attractions The Best Things to See and Do

Top 10 Destinations The Best Cities and Villages to Visit

The Best Caves Must-See Natural Wonders

Transportation Guide How to Get There and Around

Which part of algarve is best.

The Algarve region could be divided into three sub-regions -- the east, central, and western Algarve. Each offers a different experience, so where you go depends on what type of holiday you want to have:

Central Algarve

This is where tourism in Algarve was born in the 1960s and the favorite area of British, German and Dutch tourists . It goes from Faro to Portimão and is the most developed area . Some former fishing villages are now major resorts with high-rise apartment buildings and hotels, looking more like Miami or Costa del Sol in some parts (such as Praia da Rocha and Quarteira ). However, there are some extraordinary beaches and caves , including many of the region’s most beautiful (by Lagoa , Carvoeiro and Alvor ), some crowded, others secret, only accessible by boat and waiting to be discovered. Vestiges of a more traditional Algarve can be found in narrow whitewashed streets and on quiet coves. This is where you also find the most luxurious resorts ( Quinta do Lago , Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura ), the water parks and the liveliest nightlife (in Albufeira ). Inland is the historic town of Silves , with the Algarve’s best-preserved castle. Due to the variety of attractions for all budgets, it’s the most visited part of the region.

Eastern Algarve

It goes from the Spanish border to the main city and regional capital (Faro, where there’s the international airport), and is mostly visited by Portuguese and Spanish tourists . The coastline says goodbye to caves and cliffs and hello to miles of dunes, lagoons, marshes and a series of sandy islands in the Ria Formosa Natural Park , home to some of the region’s best and most spacious beaches. It’s quieter than the central region and has charming small towns and villages like Tavira , Cacela Velha , Castro Marim and the fishing port of Olhão . These preserve traditional architecture of Roman and Moorish influence and are more typically Mediterranean when it comes to climate and water temperature.

Western Algarve

From Lagos to Sagres are small fishing villages and scenic beaches with golden rock formations . In Sagres the landscape changes, with soaring cliffs hiding breathtaking beaches for surfing and naturism . This west coast is the Costa Vicentina , considered the wildest in Europe . While Lagos has become popular with young tourists for its photogenic beaches, Sagres and Costa Vicentina still enjoy relative obscurity and remain the almost exclusive destination of surfers, hippies and naturists.

Algarve Tourism - Frequently-Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit algarve.

Algarve’s Mediterranean and Atlantic climate gives it pleasant weather throughout the year, with warmer and sunnier winters than elsewhere in Europe, but it’s never warm enough for the beach between November and March. However, temperatures and the sea are just fine for golfers and surfers in spring and autumn. The height of the tourist season is July and August (especially August, when families from around Portugal descend to the southern shores), so that’s when you find the beaches at their most crowded and prices at their highest. The best time to go is therefore late June or early September , especially for couples who prefer child-free environments at the beaches and hotels. The weather is suitable for sunbathing from late April to early October . The driest months are July and August, with an average of just one day of rainfall in July and zero days in August. June averages two rainy days and September has about five. There are twelve daily sunshine hours from June to August. High temperatures average 28C (82F) in June, 33C (91F) in July and 32C (90F) in August.

What is Algarve known for?

Algarve is known as one of the sunniest regions in Europe and with some of the continent’s finest beaches , extraordinary rock formations , amazing caves and golden cliffs . It is also one of the most beautiful places in the world ! It was first settled by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthagianians, and later by the Visigoths, but it was the Romans and the Moors who most left their mark. There are traces of Roman villas and mosaics around the region, while the many almond, fig and orange trees; latticed chimneys and white domed buildings reflect the Moorish heritage. When the kingdom of Portugal was founded in the 12th century in northern Iberia, it expanded south and conquered “Al Gharb” (“the West”). It was officially made part of Portugal in 1267. Two centuries later it played a major role in the Age of Discovery , when Prince Henry the Navigator established a pioneering navigation school in Lagos and Sagres, where ships were built and expeditions launched. The most visited monument in the region is the prince’s fortress in Sagres , which is a European Heritage Site for its significant role in European history and culture.

What is the most beautiful town in Algarve?

Most people will agree that Tavira is the best-preserved Algarve town and therefore the most beautiful. Others prefer Lagos, since its coastline is stunning and its beaches some of the most photogenic in the region. Carvoeiro is the winner of the smaller towns, serving as a gateway to some of the best and most famous beaches.

How many days should I stay in Algarve?

While many people do head to Algarve for just a weekend, it’s a destination for an extended holiday in the sun. The average length of a trip to Algarve is two weeks . Many people stay for a week, but there are families that stay the entire month of July or August. If you just want to get to know the region, five to seven days will be enough to experience the highlights, including the more famous caves, beaches, islands and monuments. In a grand tour, stopping at the main destinations, we recommend two days in Faro (including a trip to one or more of the islands), two days in Albufeira (beach-hopping), three days in Tavira (including a trip to Cacela Velha), two days in Carvoeiro (for the famous caves and beaches nearby), two days in Lagos, and two days in Sagres (which should include the beaches of Costa Vicentina).

Is Algarve Expensive?

Algarve has always been known as a budget-friendly destination , but that of course depends on where you stay and dine. There are luxury resorts and Michelin-starred restaurants, but also budget apartments and hotels for families, and restaurants serving good-value meals of fresh fish and other local delicacies. It’s certainly cheaper than St. Tropez, Sardinia, Ibiza, Mallorca and the other Balearic islands, or the Greek islands. In fact, it consistently ranks at the top of best-value beach destinations for travelers from the UK and around Europe. It’s considered the most affordable destination for summer holidays in the Eurozone, with prices about 25% lower than on the Costa del Sol, across the border in Spain.

Is Algarve Safe?

Portugal is a very safe country (it consistently ranks in the top 5 in the annual list of world’s most peaceful countries), but, naturally, in a major tourist destination like Algarve, unfortunate episodes do occur. Violent crime is very rare and the vast majority of tourists have a problem-free holiday, but always use common sense as you would back home. Always be aware of petty crime like pickpocketing in crowded places and never leave valuables in your car. It’s also a good idea to head back to your hotel as soon as you spot rowdy tourists and drunken behavior in nightlife areas, where trouble sometimes arises.

How to Go to Algarve

Algarve can be reached by regular flights from most major European capitals, and low-cost airlines also offer seasonal services from smaller cities. The international airport in Algarve is in Faro, which is roughly at the center of the region. There are also 30-minute flights and trains from Lisbon (the slower Intercidades train service takes 3 hours and 30 minutes and the faster Alfa Pendular takes 3 hours).

Do you need a car in Algarve?

You don’t need a car in Algarve if you stay in the major towns of Albufeira, Lagos, Faro, Vilamoura, and Tavira, where beaches are within walking distance and there are good public transportation links (trains, buses or ferries). However, to explore some of the best beaches and the smaller towns, you do need a car, have to rely on taxis or Uber (which will increase the cost of your holiday significantly), or have to plan your itinerary very carefully and use the often very infrequent buses.

Is English spoken in Algarve?

You’ll find that Portugal is the southern European country where English is better and more widely spoken, especially in the cities of Lisbon and Porto , and in Algarve. The British make up the biggest percentage of tourists in the region, so you can expect no problems communicating in English at hotels, most restaurants and shops.

Algarve Tourism - Quick Tips

(See links to the different destinations at the bottom of this page)

Best Large Resort Towns - Albufeira, Lagos, Vilamoura

Best Small Resort Towns - Alvor, Carvoeiro

Best Small Villages - Burgau, Salema

Best Destinations for Families - Albufeira, Praia da Luz

Best Destinations for Young Tourists - Albufeira, Lagos, Praia da Rocha

Best Destinations for Mature Tourists - Albufeira, Alvor, Carvoeiro, Tavira

Best Destinations for Surfing - Costa Vicentina, Sagres

Nightlife Destinations - Albufeira (Praia da Oura), Praia da Rocha, Vilamoura

Luxury Resorts - Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo

Low-Cost Destinations - Armação de Pêra, Quarteira, Monte Gordo

Best Destinations for Culture and History - Faro, Lagos, Tavira

Golf Destinations - Praia dos Salgados (Albufeira), Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura

Winter Destinations - Faro, Tavira

Official Algarve Tourism Office

Everything you need to plan your visit to Algarve is on this website. It offers complete and entirely independent information from locals and travel experts, not sponsored by or associated with any local institution or organization. However, if you still have any questions when you arrive, pass by the official tourist office at Faro airport. If you’re not arriving by plane, you’ll find tourist offices in all of the region’s main towns. They’re usually found in or around the main squares or pedestrian streets.

Algarve Map

Complete Algarve Guide

Where to stay.

Top 10 Hotels

Beach Hotels

All-Inclusive Hotels

Hotels with Pool

Romantic Hotels

Design & Boutique Hotels

Luxury Hotels

Best Hostels

Budget Hotels

Family Hotels

Best Apartments

What to See and Do

Top 10 Attractions

Top 10 Places to Visit

Top 10 Monuments

Best Caves and Cliffs

Romantic Places

Algarve in Winter

50 Best Beaches

Nude Beaches

Secret Beaches

Surfing Beaches

Gay Beaches

Albufeira Beaches

Alvor Beaches

Carvoeiro Beaches

Costa Vicentina Beaches

Faro Beaches

Lagos Beaches

Olhão Beaches

Portimão Beaches

Sagres Beaches

Tavira Beaches

Transportation

Algarve Transportation

Faro Airport

From Lisbon

Other Portugal Destinations

Lisbon Beaches

Places in Algarve

Armação de Pêra

Cacela Velha

Castro Marim

Costa Vicentina

Monte Gordo

Quinta do Lago

Ria Formosa Natural Park

Vale do Lobo

Vila Real de Santo António

Visit Algarve: The ultimate vacation guide

Do you want to visit the Algarve ? Read on to find out why this gem of Portugal is so beloved — we’ll even share some of our favorite secret spots!

Why visit the Algarve?

The Algarve is considered by many to be the “Florida of Europe” — sunny, located in the southern part of Portugal, and relatively inexpensive as compared to other beach destinations. Plus, it’s safe and very relaxing.

Getting there is easy

Every year, thousands of tourists visit Algarve, coming from the UK, US, Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, and many other countries. The majority of visitors fly directly into the Algarve Airport (Faro Airport). However, given the excellent web of motorways in Portugal, you can reach the Algarve in about two hours from Lisbon by car — so the Lisbon airport is always a good option.

Want to take a spin around the Algarve? Here’s how to rent a car in Portugal .

Sun and sand in the South

As the “Florida of Europe,” the Algarve’s weather is even better than in the rest of the country — which is pretty fantastic to begin with . But with 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s no wonder the Algarve is a prime destination for people moving to Portugal!

The Algarve coastline

The Algarve is a vacationer’s paradise

If you’re planning a visit to Portugal, put the Algarve on your list. Not sure where to start? One fantastic route is to begin in the easternmost region of the Algarve, near Spain, and drive west. From there, honestly, you could stop at any beach along the way, and we guarantee it’ll be one of the most beautiful you’ve ever seen. Portugal’s good like that.

Vacation planners will also want to check out our top 7 holiday villages in the Algarve — to see some of our favorite places down south.

The water is calm, inviting, and, usually warm

In addition to sun and sand, there is the ocean — almost always calm and inviting. But the best part? The temperature! The Algarve’s seaside is sheltered from some of the colder Atlantic waters, making for warmer temps overall.

The Algarve is safe, relaxing, and has a bit of everything

Safety always plays a significant role when we’re away from home, and the Algarve is one of the safest areas in the world.

Plus, everything happens at a slower pace in the Algarve. From strolling among shops to settling in for a late dinner, nobody is looking at the clock. This mellow mindset lets visitors to the Algarve really let down their hair and leave the usual stresses of day-to-day life behind.

Want a more active vacation? There are tons of activities in the Algarve, whether you’re traveling solo or with your family:

• Cave exploring
• Sunbathing at the beach
• Water sports

There’s a lot more going on, of course. Take a look at GetYourGuide to see tours and activities in the Algarve. Planning a visit? Perfect. You can also book experiences in advance.

The Algarve is easy on your wallet

Compared to other beach vacations, a trip to the Algarve can get you more for your money, making it an excellent option for anyone craving sun and sand while still living on a budget.

Overall, Portugal can feel less expensive than your hometown (depending on where you live, of course). Find out more about the cost of living in Portugal .

But you can go for luxury, too

If you want to pull out all the stops, we’ve got good news: The Algarve hosts several luxurious resorts that include privileged beach access, private swimming pools, spas, golf courses, and more.

According to Booking.com users , these are some of the top luxury destinations in the Algarve:

• Pine Cliffs Village & Golf Suites
• EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
• Tivoli Carvoeiro

With options like these, why not splurge a little?

Best beaches in the Algarve

Rejoice, beach lovers! The Algarve is home to more than 150 beaches.

Some of the most beautiful include:

• Praia da Falésia in Albufeira
• Praia de Tavira, in Tavira
• Praia da Marinha in Lagoa
• Praia de Odeceixe in Odeceixe
• Meia Praia in Lagos
• Praia de Benagil near Lagoa
• Praia de Cacela Velha near Tavira
• Praia da Arrifana in Aljezur
• Praia da Rocha in Portimão
• Praia da Luz in Luz

Here’s the scoop on some of our favorites:

Praia da Rocha

Praia da Rocha is close to the city of Portimão. With its 1.5 km (1 mi) of shoreline, it is one of the most popular beaches in the Algarve (even, perhaps, in Portugal). Its name, Rocha, means rock — and comes from the giant rocks jutting up through the sand along the waterline.

Is Portimão calling to you? Here’s an article about spending holidays in Portimão, Portugal .

Praia de Faro

A little to the east, about five minutes from Faro (the central city of the Algarve), you’ll find the Praia de Faro.

Technically, it is a narrow, 5 km (3.1 mi) island, connected to the city by a bridge through the natural park of Ria Formosa.

Here, you’ll find a main road that parallels the beach. On one side of the road, you have the ocean; on the other, you’ll find an array of restaurants, bars, and vacation rentals.

Find out more about visiting Faro here.

Ilha de Tavira

Tavira’s beach is accessed mainly by boat. This means getting there takes a tiny bit of planning, but it’s so worth it. We highly recommend any of the four beaches on the island of Tavira as a destination, so you can experience the magic for yourself.

As with other beaches in the Algarve, Tavira has calm, warm water and the beach is clean and tranquil.

Benagil Beach

Benagil Beach is something special.

It’s not an accident that many call it the best beach in the Algarve — but even with this high praise, you might have never heard of it. Trust us. It’s a bit hard to reach even with a car, but once you get there — wow.

You’ll take enough pictures to fill your Instagram account for a year.

To access the beach, you need to go through a “tunnel” inside a huge rock — perhaps not for those who tend toward claustrophobia. However, once inside the beach area, you’re surrounded by a curtain of rocks, so it’s unlikely you’ll feel any wind at all. There’s also a cliff where you might see the most adventurous visitors jumping into the water.

Amazing, right?

There are many other beautiful beaches in the Algarve, of course. It all depends on which lovely town you decide to stay in for your Algarve vacation. Explore your options below.

Where to stay in the Algarve

Choosing the best place to stay in the Algarve is not an easy task. To help narrow it down, we’ve identified some of the most popular Algarve cities for tourists visiting Portugal:

• Quinta do Lago
• Praia da Luz

Albufeira is usually very popular with Brits during summer (many even choose Albufeira as a place to buy property in Portugal ). Even so, you’ll still be able to have an authentic Portuguese experience — you just might have to go off the beaten path a bit to find it.

Holidays in Vilamoura

Vilamoura is a resort area known for its golf courses, its famous beach Praia da Falésia, casino, bars, clubs, a wide variety of restaurants, and more.

Visting Quarteira

Near Vilamoura is a small village called Quarteira, which also has its own beach, restaurants, and nightlife. The advantage to planning a vacation in Quarteira is that you can usually find accommodations for slightly less money.

Some visitors opt to rent a hotel in Quarteira and visit Vilamoura during the day.

Things to do in Vilamoura

It’s a lively village with something for everyone.

At the end of the day in the Algarve paradise, many people enjoy an evening walk around the Vilamoura Marina , stopping for a drink or an ice cream, or just strolling around to check out all the fancy boats.

It’s a great way to spend an evening in Portugal. But what about during the day?

Beaches in Vilamoura

The Praia da Falésia is the most popular beach, as already mentioned — but there are several other impressive choices, including:

• Praia da Marina (you can reach this one on foot)
• Praia da Quarteira
• Praia dos Tomates
• Old Well Beach

For most of these, of course, you’ll need some means of transportation — ideally a car. Learn about renting a car in Portugal .

Costs of holidays in Vilamoura

Vilamoura is not cheap when compared to other places in the Algarve. Maybe not as expensive as spending holidays in Italy, but certainly not the same as spending 14 days in Monte Gordo (which is still in the Algarve). It is, however, an excellent place for a group of friends or families.

Sound like your kind of place? Take a look at the top 3 hotels in Vilamoura .

Holidays in Albufeira

What to say about Albufeira?

For many years it’s has been the number one choice of British who wish to retire in Portugal or visit Portugal .

Albufeira Strip and nightlife

But it’s also a place for families

There’s also a place for families in Albufeira. Albufeira is quite a big city (in the scale of the Algarve, I mean), and there are many other areas to take a drink, have an ice-cream, enjoy great food in great restaurants and much more.

It’s more affordable than Vilamoura, especially if you compare it in terms of accommodation, as you can see here on booking .

Prices vary as there, but you can get a double room in a hotel for 2pax for 165€, in August.

Beaches in Albufeira

And let’s not forget that there are many beaches around Albufeira, especially if you have the chance to rent a car.

• Praia da Oura
• Praia de Albufeira
• Praia do Peneco
• Praia da Baleeira

We’ve also written an article about the Top 7 Holiday Villages in the Algarve  that might be useful to read.

Holidays in Quinta do Lago

Quinta do Lago stands out from all other places in the Algarve.

Everything in Quinta do Lago is luxurious.

• The gardens are beautiful
• Hotels are luxurious
• Golf courses are huge
• The roads wide
• Service is excellent
• Access to the beach is easy

Quinta do Lago is very famous for hosting celebrities and its’ golf courses.

Accommodation in Quinta do Lago

They call it the resort of the rich.

It’s tough to find accommodation for less than 350€ night for a couple in the high season in Portugal.

Holidays in Lagos

Lagos is a small size city but very beautiful and with a distinguished history as it was one of the main ports for Portuguese Maritime Discoveries ( source ).

Beaches in Lagos

There are several beaches near Lagos:

• Praia D.Ana
• Praia do Camilo
• Praia dos Pinheiros
• Praia Porto de Mós

Other things to do in Lagos

Lagos is a very vibrant city, especially during summer, with plenty of bars and clubs.

So there’s no lack of fun, that’s for sure.

It’s also delightful to walk in the historic city center or the marina.

If by chance you get to visit or stay in Lagos, I’d advise doing a day trip to Sagres in Portugal .

Accommodation in Lagos

Prices are similar to staying in Albufeira. You can expect to spend between 150 to 250€ for 2pax if you want to stay in a 4-star hotel.

If you are flexible and prefer to cook your meals and rent an apartment, you might save some money, and maybe find some options starting at 100€.

There’s also luxurious accommodation in Lagos, but in this case, prices can rise to 400€ per night.

See more options for Lagos on booking .

Holidays in Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro is yet another southern Portuguese beach resort. Formerly a fishing village, today Carvoeiro attracts thousands of families who’re looking to retire in Portugal.

With less than 2,721 habitats, this village transforms itself during summer.

Things to do in Carvoeiro

And did I mentioned, relax?

Yes, this is the perfect place in the Algarve to go if you’re looking for a peaceful place to enjoy your holidays.

There are some other things you can do, such as:

• Catamaran Cruise Trip to the Benagil Caves
• Hike the steep hills and sheer cliffs of the coastline
• Go to the Zoomarine
• Day trip to Silves ( historic village)

See more ideas for your holidays in the Algarve .

Accommodation in the Algarve

Ok, we have talked about a few things so far, the cities, the beaches and why it’s worth visiting the Algarve.

It’s time to talk about:

• How much you can expect to spend
• The best accommodation in the Algarve

Prices for accommodation in the Algarve

In average rates vary according to the season. See here more information about the weather in The Algarve .

During Spring and Autumn

Prices for a 2pax bedroom in a village, such as a Praia da Rocha, can cost on average, 50€

Exceptions: are national holidays

During winter:

Prices can go as low as 35 for 2pax bedroom, again in Praia da Rocha.

Exceptions: Christmas in Portugal and New Years’ Eve

During Summer

Prices go up from June to August where they reach their peak. The same room that costed 35€ can now cost 150€.

In September, prices start to go slowly down.

Is accommodation expensive in the Algarve?

Overall I’d say no.

Of course, there are different prices for different types of accommodation.

Choosing a villa in Quinta do Lago is going to cost you much more than a simple room in an apartment Praia da Rocha.

It might also be useful to see what we have written about renting an apartment in the Algarve .

Best accommodation in the Algarve

Four seasons country club, quinta do lago.

If you are interested in the best of the best, no matter the price, then you should check out the Four Seasons Country Club in the Quinta do Lago. It is considered to be one of the best hotels in Europe.

Its proximity to the beaches, services, golf and tennis courts, and their friendly staff make it the tourists’ favorite.

Vila Joya, Albufeira

Vila Joya , located near the city of Albufeira, is known not only for its excellent services but also for its restaurant. Many tourists consider the hotel to have one of the best restaurants in the world.

Its location enables you to enjoy the beaches nearby and see the beautiful sunset from your room.

Salema Beach Village, Salema

Another excellent option is Salema Beach Village in Salema, between Lagos and Sagres. Salema is a perfect place to stay if you are traveling with your family or a group of friends.

They offer several services, but one of the most appreciated is the shuttle service to the beach and back.

One thing that characterizes Salema Beach Village, according to those who stayed and enjoyed their services, is the concern with their client’s well-being and experience.

If you would like to know more about visiting the Algarve, subscribe to this exclusive mailing list, that only tourists interested in Portugal have access.

Advice choosing accommodation in Algarve

There are many other options, and you can see them all here on the main front page of booking , and search according to hotels (or different kinds of accommodations best reviewed) or according to the aspects that are important to you.

Our main advice is: do it in advance.

People start planning their family holidays in the Algarve in January, which means the best opportunities will be gone.

What’s the real cost of spending holidays in the Algarve?

So to sum up costs, I’d say that for the average family of four, two parents, two children, the costs would be as follows:

• accommodation: 250 euros per night
• Food: 150 euros per day  (assuming you have one meal out)
• Rent a car: 40 euros per day + 50€ for the tank (for one week)
• Fun and activities: 350€ per week
• Calling a Taxi or Uber: 30 euros per week
• Flights 250€ come and go (if bought in advance)

Total: 4940€

So you’d need at least 4940€ to spend a decent time in the Algarve, for 4pax.

From there, the price can decrease if you cook at home, if you don’t do activities, or increase if you want a better accommodation and more comfort.

Reading our article about the  cost of living in Portugal might help plan your expenses.

Ok, we finally get to the “tasty” part of the Algarve, food!

Best Food in the Algarve

The Portuguese food is full of fresh fish and seafood , and that’s even more prominent in the Algarve, where the ingredients are so readily available each day.

It is difficult for us to pick some dishes you should ask for when visiting the Algarve. The offer is impressive, and the most straightforward answer would be: “Try them all!”.

Eating fish in the Algarve

However, if we would have to choose, then you should ask for ‘ clams in Cataplana ‘ or ‘ Algarvian-style conquilhas ‘ for starters.

The soup could be any fish soup. The monkfish rice (“ Arroz de tamboril “) is an excellent choice as a main course.

Let’s face it, and you can’t go wrong with seafood.

Eating chicken

You can also try to find Frango da Guia (similar to Nandos ). Although Frango da Guia is originally from the small village “Guia” near Albufeira, it quickly spread throughout Algarve, and you can find it in several restaurants.

Other options

There’s plenty to taste in the Algarve, and that includes:

• Traditional Portuguese cuisine
• Chinese restaurants
• Japanese restaurants
• Italian restaurants
• Churrascarias (bbq spots)

Algarve Desserts

And, if you still have some room for dessert, try the egg threads (“fios de ovos”), carob pie, or almond and chocolate cake. Oh well there’s plenty of options as you can see here in this Portuguese desserts website (not in English)

If you are wondering if there are any places you should stop by and eat some excellent food, we have some ideas for you.

Best Restaurants in the Algarve

Vivendo Restaurant, Meia Praia, Lagos

Vivendo Restaurant is one of the best surprises people encounter when visiting the Algarve. Although it is considered to be a little hidden and could be a little heavy on the wallet, their quality and attention to detail will undoubtedly add something special to your experiences in the Algarve. Make sure to try it out.

Restaurant The Cockerel, Albufeira

If you are interested in something reasonable and local, give Restaurante The Cockerel in Albufeira a try. Their excellent food, desserts, and service will impress you, we guarantee it.

If you enjoy eating fish or seafood, you can’t miss this. If, on the other hand, you wish to eat some good meat, try out their barbecue dish.

Fábrica Velha Pastelaria e Padaria, Carvoeiro

Fábrica Velha is one of the best beach hotels in the Algarve , but it is considered one of the most beautiful places to eat in the Algarve.

If you would like to eat some traditional national pastry, give this café a try. The staff’s friendliness and the vibe of the place are guaranteed to impress you and to give this place a stable position on your “go to list” whenever you return to the Algarve.

How to get to the Algarve

There are essentially four ways to get to the Algarve:

Reaching Algarve by airplane

• Flying to Faro: this is the ideal scenario.
• Flying to Lisbon or Porto Airport and then taking a secondary flight/train.

Reaching Algarve by train or bus

If you’re already in Portugal or you live in Portugal , using a public train ( cp.pt ) might be an option.

Tickets from Lisbon start at 25€ and it takes 2.5 hours to get you to Albufeira. From there you can either take a transfer or a regional train which costs 3-5 euros, to your final destination.

If you opt for the bus, it takes a bit longer, about 3.5 hours, but it’s a bit cheaper. You can buy the ticket in advance in Rede-Expressos , for example.

Reaching the Algarve by car

This is by far the most comfortable option, because the roads to the Algarve are very good, but also quite expensive. A normal sedan will take on average €35 of gasoline and €28 of tolls. Just to get to the Algarve. If you have a bigger car, the costs will also be higher.

See more about transportation in Portugal here .

Visit Algarve is a good option

To visit Algarve is to have a great time.

No matter the beach you choose, the place you stay, the restaurant you go to or the activities you choose to do, one thing is guaranteed,

Have you been to the Algarve? What’s your favorite place in the Algarve? What other recommendations would you share?

• Places to visit

Visit Lisbon: Your Guide on Weather, Hotels, Things to Do and more

8 of the best places to visit in the Algarve

Feb 27, 2024 • 6 min read

From beaches to culture-packed towns, experience the best of Portugal's Algarve with these top places to visit © David Navarro Azurmendi / Getty Images

The Algarve hits all the right notes when it comes to seaside getaways.

Inviting beaches and great weather are the just beginning of a long list of the region’s many charms. This southern pocket of Portugal also has castles, historic cobblestone centers and cliff-top villages overlooking wild stretches of coastline. Whether you’re traveling solo, heading off on a romantic getaway or seeking a child-friendly place with lots of activities on offer near the seaside, the Algarve has you covered.

To help you plan your visit, here's a rundown of some top places to go.

Best surf in the Algarve  

The westernmost town in the Algarve, Sagres has some of Portugal’s most spectacular scenery. At the centuries-old Fortaleza de Sagres , you can walk to the edge of sheer sea cliffs and watch the waves crashing far below.

According to legend, Sagres was where Prince Henry the Navigator founded his school for sailors (cartography, ship design, astronomy and, of course, navigation) back in the 15th century, ushering in the Age of Discoveries. Even more drama – some say the best viewpoint in the Algarve – lies just a few kilometers north at the Cabo de São Vicente , Europe’s southwesternmost point. There, a lonely lighthouse overlooks the jagged wind-whipped cape.

These days, Sagres continues to look out to sea – often in search of great waves owing to the popular surf camps here, or perhaps with an eye toward leaping cetaceans on a dolphin-watching cruise.

Planning tip:  The village itself is smaller and quieter than towns in the central Algarve, but if you want some action, you'll find it happening at terrace bars and restaurants along the main drag of Rua Comandante Matoso.

Best place to visit for history

Many travelers fly into Faro and quickly depart for resorts to the east and west. Unfortunately, they’re missing one of the Algarve’s most intriguing towns, with a cobblestone center that’s packed with history. You can feel the hands of time spin backward while entering the walled medieval quarter beneath the neoclassical Arco da Vila. Up ahead, the Sé (cathedral) lords over the town. Built in the 13th century (likely on top of a Roman temple), only a few original elements remain – the rest rebuilt in a mishmash of Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles after the devastating 1755 earthquake.

Planning tip:  Make time to climb to the rooftop for views over the town, then complete your time-travel journey with a visit to Museu Municipal, a domed 16th-century landmark that was once the epicenter of the Jewish quarter. 

3. Carvoeiro

Best place for families with kids

Backed by whitewashed houses and sandstone cliffs, the beach of Carvoeiro is lapped by calmer seas (watched over by lifeguards), which makes it a great choice for families. Just uphill from the golden sands, the village has a walkable center dotted with outdoor eateries that will please kids and adults alike. A short distance from town, you’ll find some other stunning beaches, including Praia do Vale Centeanes, a perfect spot for some fun building sandcastles.

Planning tip:  Carvoeiro is also the launchpad for a wide range of tours, including boat trips to the Gruta de Benagil , a cathedral-sized sandstone cavern lit by sunlight streaming through a hole high overhead.

Best for inland exploring

It’s hard to turn your back to the sea, given those golden sands and aquamarine views. But that’s indeed the best strategy if you hope to discover one of the Algarve’s most attractive towns. Just 15km (9.3 miles) from the ocean, the hillside settlement of Silves stretches along an idyllic bend of the Rio Arade and is home to the most picturesque castle in the Algarve. You can walk the ramparts of the citadel and wander through the exhibitions which describe the invasions and occupations over the centuries. Afterward, you can enjoy food and drinks on the terrace of  Café Inglês .

Planning tip:  The best time to come is on Sunday afternoons when the cafe hosts live bands. 

Best for culture, wine and music 

It’s easy to fall for Tavira , one of the Algarve’s most captivating towns. A former Roman settlement, Tavira wears its history with pride, with its medieval-esque old quarter, a hilltop castle and an elegant seven-arched span over the Rio Gilão, aptly named Ponte Romana (Roman Bridge), which is, in truth, a 17th-century reconstruction of the original work by Roman engineers. You can learn about cultures of the past at Núcleo Islâmico , which houses a small collection of 11th-century pieces from the Algarve’s days under Islamic rule. 

Planning tip:  Tavira is also the best place in the Algarve to learn about Portugal’s deep-rooted music traditions. At Fado Com História , you can hear live fado (a soulful style of singing best described as "the Portuguese blues") followed by a wine tasting – featuring vineyards of the Algarve, of course.

Best for dining and nightlife  

One of the Algarve’s liveliest destinations, Lagos has a lot going for it. There’s plenty to see around town, starting with its historic architecture – baroque churches, a 17th-century fortress and the old town walls. The beaches nearby draw even more admirers, particularly Praia de Dona Ana, one of the Algarve’s prettiest beaches.

When the sun goes down, Lagos’ allure only increases. Restaurants on the cobblestones and hidden in backyard gardens (like Michelin-listed Artistas ) fill with diners feasting on fresh-off-the-boat seafood. The evening continues at microbrew bars and cocktail lounges dotting the narrow lanes. Take in the scene on the rooftop terrace of Bon Vivant , or join the party people in the dance club below. 

7. Carrapateira

Best for wild beauty  

The west coast of the Algarve is a rugged landscape of cliff-backed beaches and wild vegetation. As part of the Costa Vicentina (which continues up into the Alentejo), this chunk of the Algarve has some delightful little towns where you can stay while exploring the pristine coastline. Peaceful Carrapateira lies on a headland near two photogenic beaches without a building in sight.

Planning tip:  Before heading out on coastal walks or surfing the waves, visit the Museu do Mar e da Terra da Carrapateira, an endearing ethnographic museum with photos depicting traditional lifestyles over the years in Carrapateira.

Best place for couples

The quiet village of Galé is one of the best places in the Algarve for a romantic getaway. The town’s picturesque beach ( Praia da Galé ) is an obvious choice for a day on the waterfront, and even more secluded spots (like Praia das Salamitras) are a short hop from town. Galé has some lovely B&Bs and guesthouses, including the high-end Vila Joya , with its double Michelin-starred restaurant .

Planning tip:  Don’t miss the sunset from beach-facing Pedras Amarelas (be sure to reserve a table on the terrace). For a big night out, you can also head to nearby Albufeira , which is lined with restaurants and bars.

This article was first published June 2022 and updated February 2024

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• 1.1 Barlavento
• 1.2 Sotavento
• 2.1 History
• 2.2 Climate
• 2.3 Visitor information
• 4.2 By plane
• 4.4 By train
• 4.5 By boat
• 5.1 By train

The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal , on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean . It is Portugal's most popular holiday destination due to the approximately 200 km (120 mi) of clean beaches, the cool, unpolluted water, and the fact that it is relatively cheap, very safe, and overall welcoming.

Cities [ edit ]

The cities of the Algarve are traditionally grouped into Barlavento (Windward) and Sotavento (Leeward), the western and eastern halves, respectively.

Barlavento [ edit ]

• 37.318 -8.555 1 Monchique — the inland Algarve, superb food, nature and views
• 37.317778 -8.8 2 Aljezur — close to famous surf spots
• 37.0124 -8.9367 4 Sagres — near Europe's southwesternmost point
• 37.102 -8.672 5 Lagos — narrow, winding streets, quaint shops and wonderful restaurants, with an old inner city inside the remnants of a protective wall.
• 37.1286 -8.586 7 Alvor — a base for visiting the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve, with a nice beach
• 37.1 -8.466667 9 Carvoeiro — picturesque fishing village
• 37.189 -8.44 10 Silves — first capital of the Algarve which has a Moorish red stone castle
• 37.091 -8.246 11 Albufeira — one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Algarve: lovely beaches, very good climate, with many restaurants, bars and pubs

Sotavento [ edit ]

• 37.071 -8.103 13 Quarteira — a wide, clean beach with clean water and a nice promenade
• 37.019 -7.934 14 Faro — the regional capital, a popular sun destination in the summer, and a base for exploring the surrounding area
• 37.15 -7.883333 15 São Brás de Alportel — inland town with several sights and numerous bed and breakfasts
• 37.0271 -7.8411 16 Olhão — a city near the Ria Formosa and Faro, the largest fishing port in the Algarve; full of character with Moorish-style houses
• 37.126 -7.65 17 Tavira — a city near the Ria Formosa lagoon, one of the most monumental cities in Portugal, with its 37 churches
• 37.219 -7.445 18 Castro Marim — it has a medieval castle, and a popular medieval festival in August
• 37.194 -7.416 19 Vila Real de Santo António — on the eastern bank of the Guadiana river which forms the border to Spain
• 37.469972 -7.473111 20 Alcoutim — landlocked town across from Spain on the Guadiana River

Understand [ edit ]

The Algarve ( ahl-GAHR-v(ih) , /aɫ.ˈgaɾ.vɨ/) is rich in culture and diversity. If you are looking for fast paced resorts or a calm tranquil setting either is attainable. The entire region is around 5,400 km 2 (2,100 sq mi). Although the number of permanent residents is under 500,000 the area receives more than tenfold that in tourism each year. The busiest times of year tend to be July and August.

History [ edit ]

Following the neolithic period of the regions history, approximately 1000 BC, settlements and trading ports were established by the Phoenicians who were attracted by deposits of copper, manganese and iron. They came from the coastal regions of the eastern Mediterranean of modern-day Syria, Israel and Lebanon. Circa 550 BC Portimão was one of the ports founded by the Carthaginians who came from North Africa. In the 2nd century BC the region came under the control of the Romans as they spread throughout the Iberian Peninsular. Many Roman ruins still remain today throughout the Algarve and can be seen in many areas, but the best to visit are probably at the Milreu ruins, 7 km (4.3 mi) from Faro, where buildings that started construction as a Roman villa later became a Christian Church.

Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths took control of the Algarve until the invasion of the Moors from North Africa in 711 AD. At this time, the Visigoths who came from central Europe, were defeated in the Battle of Guadalete by a force of invading Arabs and Berbers.

There followed a period of five centuries of Arab rule in Iberia. The Moors conquered the Algarve in 716. Faro, which had been called Santa Maria, was renamed Faraon, meaning 'the settlement of the Knights'. Even the name of the region owes its origin to the Moors who knew the region as 'al-gharb' meaning 'the west'. There is evidence of the moors throughout the Algarve and Southern Spain, illustrated by chimney stacks, pottery and the Moorish style of architecture, and particularly, the Arabic castle at Silves. The castle was built by Almoravid Arabs in the 11th century out of red sandstone and dried mud and is the best preserved Moorish castle in the country. In the 12th century, King Afonso III, with a little help from English mercenaries, finally evicted the Moors and once again the Portuguese dominated the region, although the area was not fully secure from Moorish attacks until the middle of the 13th century.

Born in Porto in 1394, Prince Henry the Navigator based himself somewhere around Lagos/Sagres, and is considered to be responsible for many of the 'discoveries' made by the Portuguese in the middle ages sending out expeditions to Africa, the islands of Madeira and the Azores. In 1419 he was appointed governor of the province of the Algarve.

Disaster struck on 1st November 1755, with a huge earthquake whose epicentre was reported to have been 200km South-West of the country and registering 9 on the Richter Scale. The coastal areas of the Algarve were devastated by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The devastation was not only limited to the Algarve, British naval reports from the period indicate the arrival of a huge wave in the port of Lisbon. The damage to Lisbon was almost total, and following huge political turmoil the person responsible for the reconstruction of the city was the Marquis of Pombal, the then Prime Minister.

Climate [ edit ]

The Algarve's geographical position on Europe’s south-western tip in the south of Portugal gives it some special bioclimatic features. Although situated by the Atlantic Ocean, it has a temperate climate with Mediterranean characteristics, more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and a low annual average rainfall, mainly during the winter months. Even in the hottest days in July and August a mild breeze from the Atlantic provides relief.

The Serra in the northern half of the Algarve has a considerable influence on the climate of the region. It forms a physical barrier against the cold winds blowing from the north and the lows from the Northwest, thus giving the Algarve coast an almost Mediterranean climate, with low annual rainfall and mild temperatures in winter. Furthermore, it is also a barrier for the misty winds that come from the South.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Visit Algarve , ☏ +351 289 800 400 , [email protected] . There are numerous tourist offices throughout the Algarve, including Faro airport. ( updated Jun 2021 )

Talk [ edit ]

English is in general used as a business language and is spoken in the tourist areas, where restaurant menus are multilingual. If you are travelling in the interior, then you would do well to carry a pocket dictionary with you, and have Wikivoyage's Portuguese phrasebook at hand. Also in case you unexpectedly have to deal with the police, English may not always be understood. You should be careful with any impolite comments – many Portuguese people have spent some time abroad and may understand you better than you think.

Get in [ edit ]

International flights into Faro Airport ( FAO  IATA ) then (1) by bus: national buses run from outside the airport to the bus terminal regularly throughout the day time on weekdays or (2) by taxi: will be under €10 from the airport to the train station.

By car [ edit ]

The toll motorway A2 leads to the Algarve from the north. You will need to allow approximately 2 hours for the 240 km drive from Lisbon to the A22 north of Albufeira.

From Spain the toll free A49 joins the A22 near Castro Marim in the Algarve after 145 km and about one and a half hours driving.

In the Algarve the toll motorway A22 Rua do Infante de Sagres goes from Lagos in the west to Castro Marim in the east at the Spanish border. Toll tariffs on the A22 depend on the distance and are recorded electronically only. Since the toll was introduced at the end of 2011 the parallel route of the national road EN125 is quite busy during rush hours, because many locals shy away from using the A22 for cost reasons. Cars with a foreign number plate have several options to pay the toll collected by an electronic system on the A22 motorway:

• Toll Card : this card, valid for one year, can be charged with €5-40 and needs to be activated by SMS, entering the license number.
• Toll Service : you can have unlimited use of the A22 for 3 days after activation, for a one off fee of €20 .
• Easy Toll : Payment by credit card (Visa or Master Card), with the toll directly deducted from your bank account
• Via Verde Visitors : renting a so called on board unit (OBU), a device that can be used both on roads with electronic or manual toll collection.

By plane [ edit ]

Outside the summer season some airlines reduce their direct flights to Faro, so that Lisbon Airport should be considered as alternative.

By bus [ edit ]

There are daily bus connections between Lagos, Olhao, Faro (and many other cities) and Spanish cities such as Seville and Huelva . A single ticket Seville-Faro costs €13 with ALSA and the journey takes 2 hr. Flixbus also has a few connections per day for slightly higher prices.

By train [ edit ]

There are several daily train connections to Algarve operated by CP . Alfa Pendular ( AP ) trains connect Porto and Lisbon with Faro twice (sometimes three times) a day, making several stops on the way, journey time is 5½ hr or 3 hr, respectively. Intercidades ( IC ) trains connect Lisbon with Faro as well, they stop at more places and are a bit slower then AP . They run three times a day, journey time is 3½ hr. There is also one seasonal InterRegional ( IR) train.

In Tunes it is possible to change for Regional ( R) train to Lagos , in Faro to Vila Real de Santo António .

By boat [ edit ]

There is a ferry service between Vila Real de Santo António and Ayamonte (Spain). The ferry was once a main mean of transportation although after the construction of the Guadiana International Bridge it is nowadays mostly used by tourists. Naviera Armas operates a ferry to Portimão from Madeira (connecting with Gran Canaria ) with a couple of departures per month.

Get around [ edit ]

The Algarve Railway ( Linha do Algarve ) is a convenient possibility to get around Algarve. It connects Lagos in the west with Vila Real de Santo António on the border with Spain , calling at most towns and cities along the way ( Portimão , Silves , Tunes, Loulé , Faro , Tavira, etc.). There is no direct train between Lagos and Vila Real d/S/A. Operated are usually Regional trains, between Faro and Tunes also Alfa Pendular , Intercidades and InterRegional trains. Journey from Faro to Lagos takes from 1h30min to 1h45min.

There is also one part of The Southern Railway ( Linha do Sul ; Lisbon - Tunes), although in Algarve are situated only two stops of this line - Messines-Alte and Tunes. These stations are served by Intercidades and InterRegional trains.

All trains are operated by CP .

Regional bus companies include Eva Transportes and Frota Azul Algarve . Algarve Bus website has a collection of bus information for Algarve region.

A car is often the best way of seeing the Algarve, owing to the limited public transport services. Cars can be hired at Faro Airport and in other towns and cities in the Algarve. Most car rental companies will stipulate a minimum age of 21. Prices start from about €10 a day for a small car and there is often a wide range of cars to choose from.

The Algarve has a good network of roads, but be aware that some country roads are little more than dirt tracks. Roads are however generally well maintained, however, road markings may randomly disappear (in this case stick to the right as far as possible - a favourite Portuguese habit is to overtake, still they are mindful). After many years, the A22 (IP 1) motorway was finally completed in 2007, which goes from Bensafrim in the west all the way to Monte Francisco on the Portuguese/Spanish border. The Algarve, like the rest of Portugal and mainland Europe, drives on the right.

Petrol stations are found all over the Algarve. All stations will sell standard unleaded (95 RON) and super (97 RON) and diesel. Some stations sell LPG ( GPL ) as well. Unleaded petrol is known as gasolina sem chumbo and diesel gasoleo . Petrol prices in Portugal are high in comparison to other European countries; as of August 2009 a litre of 95 RON unleaded costs around €1.33 a litre, 97 RON super €1.47 a litre and diesel €1.06 a litre.

See [ edit ]

• 37.316667 -8.6 3 Monchique Mountains
• 37.7 -8.35 4 Caldeirão Mountains

Do [ edit ]

• Beaches — over 100 different beaches, each unique in its own way. Marinha Beach ( Praia da Marinha ) is one of the most emblematic and was considered by the Michelin Guide as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe and as one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world
• Golf — If you are a golf lover then you have come to the right place, with over 30 courses dotted throughout the region.
• Hike — there are over 30 hiking trails crisscrossing the region

Buy [ edit ]

• Ceramics - the area is known for its hand-painted pottery and azulejos or tiles

Eat [ edit ]

The Algarve is famous for its hot and spicy Piri Piri Chicken , which can be found all over. Since it has a big and rich coast, it has a very interesting array of wonderful fish and seafood, from sardines to cataplanas , and many dry fruit sweets that will make your mouth water for more.

Drink [ edit ]

Medronho is a traditional fruit brandy, traditionally produced and drunk in The Algarve. Medronho can be fiercely potent and is available in variations ranging from unlabelled local homebrew bottles, moonshine style, to connoisseur tipples at more of a premium price range.

Sleep [ edit ]

• Youth hostels ( Pousadas de Juventude) can be found in the following places: Arrifana near Aljezur on the western coast, Alcoutim on the Guadiana river, Faro , Lagos , Portimão and Tavira .
• Camping grounds : The Algarve disposes of more than 20 official camping grounds, mostly located on or near the coast.
• Caravaning : To improve the service quality and security for auto caravaning, a new route for motor homers ( Network for Motor-Caravanning in the Algarve Region/RAARA ) was launched end of 2015, comprising 22 infrastructures in total.

Go next [ edit ]

• Alentejo — rural plains region to the north
• Évora — city full of historic sights
• Huelva — province of Spain's Andalusia region
• Lisbon — the nation's capital
• Seville — closest major Spanish city
• Fátima – city of the worldwide famous Marian apparitions with an international catholic shrine

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Algarve-Tourist.com

The best independent guide to the Algarve

Faro Introduction - Day trip to Faro - Top 10 Faro - Faro Beaches - Airport to Faro - Bone Chapel

Faro, Portugal: a tourism guide for 2024

Faro is a historic and culturally rich city that boasts a variety of fascinating tourist attractions. Sadly, Faro is often overlooked, considered only for its airport, but if you spend time in Faro, you will discover a charming Portuguese city.

Found within the historic quarter (the Cidade Velha) is a Gothic cathedral, the Paço Episcopal palace and the decorative Arco da Vila gateway. Outside of the city walls is a vibrant city, with pedestrianised shopping streets, characterful plazas and a wide variety of restaurants and bars.

To the south of Faro is the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a series of saltwater lagoons and waterways, which is an important ecosystem for migratory birds and marine life. On the seaward side of the Ria Formosa are three sandbar islands, and these are the location of Faro’s pristine beaches.

There is a lot to like about Faro, and it makes for an enjoyable day trip or destination during a touring holiday of the Algarve. This article will show you why you should visit Faro and how to get the most from the city. Related articles: Introduction to the Algarve – Top 10 Algarve

Highlights of Faro

The Largo da Sé is a charming cobbled plaza located in the center of Faro's historic district, and is home to several important landmarks, including the old cathedral, the bishop's palace, and the city hall.

The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a network of saltwater lagoons and sheltered waterways, rich with aquatic life and best explored by a boat tour or kayak trip.

The Ilha Deserta, a deserted sandbar island on the southern side of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, known for its unspoiled, 6km-long coastline of sandy beaches. Along this coastline is the Cabo de Santa Maria, the most southernly point of Portugal.

Faro Bone Chapel (the Capela dos Ossos) – A ghoulish chapel decorated with the bones of 1,200 monks who were excavated from the graves of the Nossa Senhora do Carmo church.

Faro as a day trip

Faro is the best day trip of the central Algarve region, especially if you are staying in Albufeira , Vilamoura or Quarteira . The city is home to many fascinating historical landmarks and has a unique Portuguese atmosphere that sets it apart from the surrounding resort towns.

Insight: The central Algarve region boasts many interesting day trips, such as the fishing port of Olhão and market town of Loule . However, Faro is the better day trip destination because it has more sights and attractions.

To fully discover Faro, plan at least four hours of sightseeing. The first half of your day could be dedicated to exploring the Cidade Velha, and the second half visiting the modern area of Faro, which includes the Capela dos Ossos (Bone Chapel).

Boat tours of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa are typically full day activities, but there are shorter trips to the Ilha Deserta, if you wish to see the nature park in your day trip.

Being the largest city of the Algarve, Faro has excellent public transport from the surrounding region (details later in this guide). If you have a car, there is a large car park to the southeast of the city ( GPS: 37.011799, -7.932085 ).

Below is an interactive map for a suggested day trip to Faro. The green line shows a walking tour of the city, which starts from the bus station. ( Note: zoom out to see all of the points)

Sights of the tour: 1) Faro Marina 2) Manuel Bivar plaza 3) Igreja da Misericórdia (church) 4) Arco da Vila (gateway) 5) Porta Nova 6) Se Cathedral 7) Câmara Municipal (City Hall) 8) Faro Museum 9) Arco do Repouso (gateway ) 10) Rua de Santo António (shopping street) 11) Igreja de São Pedro 12) Igreja do Carmo 13) Capela dos Ossos Sights around Faro: 14) Cabo de Santa Maria 15) Ilha Deserta 16) Culatra fishing village 17) Forum Algarve (shopping centre) 18) Start of the N2 road * Beaches: 19) Praia de Faro 20) Praia Da Ilha Deserta 21) Praia do Farol 22 ) Praia da Ilha da Culatra * The N2 is the scenic road that extends along the entire length of Portugal, and is popular for road trips and biker-trips.

Sights for a day trip to Faro Faro Marina - here moors a mix of fishing boats and pleasure craft, but the height of the boats is severely restricted due to the railway bridge at its entrance!

Arco da Vila - The decorative Baroque gateway which was constructed over the original Arabic gateway, and leads into the Cidade Velha. The towers of the Arco da Vila are a favourite nesting site for Faro’s Storks

Porta Nova is the tiny gateway that leads down to the waterfront and the “Cais de embarque de Faro”, where the ferries and boat tours depart from.

Rua de Santo António – The characterful shopping street of central Faro

The view from the top of Faro cathedral , with views over the city and the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa

Igreja do Carmo – This grand Baroque church was funded by the spice trade from Brazil, and in the rear courtyard is the Capela dos Ossos

Faro holiday score and ratings

Faro activities and tours

There are many excellent tours and activities in Faro. The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa and the Ilha Deserta are often the focus of these tours, as they can only be reached by boat. Some of the best activities provided by GetYourGuide include: • A boat tour of Ria Formosa visiting two islands and a traditional fishing community • A nature tour of the Ria Formosa on a solar-powered boat • A dolphin watching tour departing from Faro harbour

Faro for a holiday

Faro makes an enjoyable, if slightly alternative, holiday destination. The city is ideal if you want an authentic Portuguese experience, in preference to a beach holiday.

Faro offers history and culture, along with a varied selection of cafes, restaurants and bars. Being a major city, there is decent nightlife, and this tends to be aimed at Portuguese patrons, rather than foreign tourists. By day Faro has an unhurried and calm ambience, but by night there is a surprising buzzing and social nightlife.

Insight: Faro has no beaches which are within walking distance of the city centre, and a bus (to the Praia de Faro) or ferry (Praia Da Ilha Deserta) must be caught. Faro is not a destination for a beach focused holiday.

Faro is a good base from which to explore the Algarve by public transport. Tavira is only 40 minutes by train to the east, Vilamoura is 30 minutes by bus to the west, and even Lagos at the very western edge of the Algarve, can be reached by a direct train.

If you are considering a holiday to Faro, you should be aware that this is a major residential city, and not some beautified or manicured resort town. Some sections of the city are dilapidated (but are perfectly safe), and unfortunately, are on the main bus route into the city, which gives a bad first impression of Faro. This opinion always changes when the historic centre and harbour are discovered!

The city walls of Faro date from the Moorish era and encircle the entire Cidade Velha

How long to spend in Faro?

There are three different suggested lengths for a visit to Faro; one day, three days or a week.

The one-day stay is recommended if you arrive on a late flight and need a short stopover before heading to your main holiday destination. Faro can be easily explored in a single day and makes for an interesting introduction to the Algarve, before catching the train or bus to your next location.

A stay of three nights allows Faro and the surrounding region to be fully discovered. This length provides you time to explore historic centre, tour the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, relax on the Praia de Faro or Ilha Deserta beaches, and have a day trip to Estoi or the Ilha da Culatra. Three nights is the ideal length of stay if you are touring the Algarve and are not rushed for time.

A seven-night stay in Faro is perfect if you wish to spend your entire holiday based in Faro. This holiday makes use of the excellent public transport from Faro to explore the entire central Algarve via day trips, while being based in a cosmopolitan city.

From Faro, it is possible to take day trips to Olhao, Tavira, Loule, Albufeira and Vilamoura, and longer train journeys connect to Silves and Lagos.

The Arco do Repouso gateway leading into the Cidade Velha

Where to stay in Faro?

Generally, most tourists book their accommodation within 300m of the Jardim Manuel Bivar plaza and the Doca de Faro. Faro is a compact city, and this area covers the main tourist sights, the bus and train stations and popular restaurants.

As for hotels; the Hotel Faro and Eva Senses Hotel are both highly regarded, have roof terraces and are centrally located. A recommended cheaper alternative is the Stay Hotel Faro Centro. If you need a hotel close to Faro airport, consider the Hotel 3k.

The map below shows the location of hotels and rental rooms in Faro, and by altering the date to your holiday, the map will display current prices:

The beaches of Faro

Faro city should not be considered as a beach holiday destination. The beaches of Faro are found on the southern side of the three sandbar islands (Ilha de Faro, Ilha Deserta and the Ilha da Culatra), and cannot be walked to.

The Ilha de Faro has a 5km coastline of golden sands, and this beach is referred to as the Praia de Faro. The Praia de Faro has low-key tourist development, with relaxed cafes and small beach bars. This is surprising considering it is less than a five-minute drive from Faro airport.

There is a direct bus (route 16) from the Próximo Bus Station (in Faro) to the Praia de Faro beach; this route also serves the airport.

Praia de Faro, just a short bus ride from Faro

Ilha Deserta, as its name suggests, is an uninhabited sandy island that can only be accessed by boat. The southern part of the island features a beach called Praia Da Ilha Deserta, which stretches for over 6km and is known for its pristine, unspoiled sands. Midway along the beach is Cabo de Santa Maria, the southernmost point of Portugal.

A wooden boardwalk runs along the northern side of the island, passing through a sparse vegetation of beach scrub. Despite its beauty and seclusion, the Praia Da Ilha Deserta is not the most convenient destination for a beach trip, and many visitors opt for the more accessible Praia de Faro instead.

The Ilha da Culatra has similar beaches to the Ilha de Faro and on the northern side of the island is the traditional fishing village of Culatra. On Ilha da Culatra, the main beaches are the Praia da Ilha do Farol and the Praia da Ilha da Culatra. Farol beach is next to the lighthouse and is closer to Faro. Again, a ferry is needed to travel to the Ilha da Culatra, so for most beach day-trippers, the Praia de Faro is the better destination. Related articles: Faro beaches

The Cabo de Santa Maria is marked by a driftwood and sea-waste monument

Faro weather

The daytime maximum temperature of Faro (as measured in the shade) and night-time minimum

The average hours of sunshine per day and monthly rainfall for Faro

Faro is the Algarve’s transport hub

Faro airport is the main international airport of southern Portugal, and is situated 7km southwest of the city. Faro bus and train stations are located in the centre of Faro city, and departing from here are regional services covering the whole of the Algarve, along with routes to Lisbon and northern Portugal.

Useful public transport websites include: • Comboios de Portugal (trains) - www.cp.pt • Vamus (regional buses) - vamusalgarve.pt • Rede Expressos (intercity buses) - www.rede-expressos.pt

Unfortunately, none of these public transport services connects directly to the airport. Therefore, if you wish to head to your holiday destination using public transport, you will have to travel into Faro city first.

The Algarve regional railway, slow but inexpensive

How to Travel from the airport to Faro city?

There is very limited public transport from Faro airport to Faro city. There is a single bus service (€2.60 adult) that departs every 30-40 minutes between 6am and midnight. This bus (route 16) terminates at the Proximo bus station, and is next to the intercity bus station or 200m from the train station.

A taxi from the airport to Faro is a more convenient and faster option, costing €15-20. Uber operates in the Algarve, but there can be high demand during the summer months. The price for a private transfer (with a driver waiting at the airport for you) to Faro, is from €25 and more details can be found here . Related articles: Faro airport to Faro city

The number 16 bus heading to Faro bus station

Day trips from Faro

Popular day trips from Faro include; the fishing town of Olhão, the market town of Loulé or the fishing communities on the Ilha da Culatra island.

An alternative day trip is to the pretty village of Estoi. Found in Estoi is the pink Estoi Palace, the finest example of Rococo architecture in the Algarve, while just outside of the village are the Milre Roman ruins, of a once-grand villa Related Articles: Day trip to Estoi – Loulé guide

The beautiful azulejos tiles of the Palácio de Estoi gardens

Our most popular guides for Faro and the Algarve

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Estoi Day Trip

Small village with many sights that is enjoyable day trip from Faro

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A guide to the boat tours of the Natural da Ria Formosa

Praia de Faro

The best beach of the Faro region, and only short bus ride from Faro

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How to travel from Faro airport to the city of Faro?

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The Best Guide to Faro

Faro Tourism Guide

The best faro travel tips, trip planner and insider's guide.

T he capital of Portugal's Algarve region is home to the country’s third largest airport, and therefore serves as the gateway to the beautiful beaches on the southwestern edge of Europe . Those who land in the city often head straight to their resorts and completely overlook what it has to offer, but those who stay, end up finding a delightful walled town and wonderful beaches, including one in a desert island!

Located roughly at the center of the region, it’s a great base to explore all of Algarve , with good public transportation to the major towns. Ferries also connect it to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, with its lagoons, mud flats, and barrier islands.

Like all of southern Portugal, it was devastated by a major earthquake in 1755, but has the largest concentration of monuments and historical sights in Algarve . That makes it the perfect destination for those who like to combine culture and beach . Even if all you want is to relax at a resort elsewhere in Algarve, at least one day in Faro is the perfect introduction to the region.

Faro Travel Planner

Helpful insider tips to plan the perfect days in the city:.

Where to Stay The Best Areas and Hotels

The Best Beaches Choose the right beach for you

Top 10 Attractions The Best Things to See and Do

The Best Day Trips Where to Go Around Faro

Transportation Guide How to Get There and Around

Algarve Guide The Other Destinations in Southern Portugal

When to visit faro.

Northern Europeans visit Algarve throughout the year, looking for sunnier and warmer days. However, it’s only warm enough for sunbathing at the beach between April and October. It has a wonderful Mediterranean climate, with mild springs and autumns, and warm summers. There are many rainy days between November and March, but this is one of the driest regions in Europe and with the most sunshine hours. The busiest month is August, but Faro is never as crowded as other Algarvian towns. Late June, July and early September are the best times to go.

How Many Days in Faro?

You can see the Old Town and the historic attractions in just one day and should add a second for one of the islands. A third day, for a second island, is ideal. You can also choose to stay in Faro and take day trips to other towns in Algarve.

Where to Go After Faro

If you like historic cities with beaches, head to Tavira to the east. If you prefer resort towns, choose Albufeira to the west. Further west is the stunning coastline of Lagos and Europe’s southwestern tip, Sagres , which was once thought to be “the end of the world.”

What is Faro?

First settled by the Phoenicians, Faro boomed as the Roman city of Ossonoba , was conquered by the Visigoths in 418 AD, and became a Moorish city in the 8th century. It was made part of the Kingdom of Portugal in 1249, and King Afonso III built a protective wall around it. The entire city was what is now the Old Town, within the preserved walls. Faro was a major cultural center by the 1400s, printing Portugal’s first books. In 1597, the Earl of Essex was heading back to England from Spain, when he stopped in Faro and plundered it. Many of its treasures are now in English museums, libraries (mainly at Oxford University) and palaces. The city recovered, but was almost completely destroyed in an earthquake in 1755. Much of the Old Town survived, but everything else was rebuilt. In 1834, it became the capital of Algarve .

Official Faro Tourism Office

Everything you need to plan your visit to Faro is on this website. It provides complete and entirely independent information from locals and travel experts, not sponsored by or associated with any local institution or organization. However, if you still have any questions when you’re in town, pass by the official tourism office, which is located in the heart of the city, in the arch that opens to the old town. It also provides information on the entire Algarve region, as does the tourism office at the airport .

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Faro Museum

Algarve Regional Museum

Roman Ruins of Milreu

Estoi Palace

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Ilha de Faro

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Lagos Tourism Guide

The best lagos travel tips, trip planner and insider's guide.

H ome to some of Portugal’s (and the world’s!) most beautiful beaches , Lagos has become a favorite tourist destination. Its ochre rock formations and cliffs sculpted by the wind and the sea are symbolic of the Algarve (Europe’s southwesternmost region) and are popular images on social media. The edge of the continent is found nearby, which ancient Europeans thought to be the end of the world. This coastline’s history and stunning natural beauty , as well as the town’s relaxed atmosphere, guarantee that visitors always leave wanting to return. You will too.

Lagos Travel Planner

Helpful insider tips to plan the perfect days in the city:.

Where to Stay The Best Areas and Hotels

The Best Beaches Choose the right beach for you

Top 10 Attractions The Best Things to See and Do

The Best Day Trips Where to Go Around Lagos

Transportation Guide How to Get There and Around

Algarve Guide The Other Destinations in Southern Portugal

When to visit lagos.

Blessed with a climate of warm summers and mild springs and autumns, Lagos is a destination for almost any time of the year. Temperatures in the dry summer days can reach 35 to 40 degrees celsius (95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit), but nights are always much cooler and pleasant. Spring and autumn months are mostly sunny, with the occasional rainy day. Keep in mind that Portugal’s Algarve region has over 3000 hours of sun per year (compare that to London’s 1450 hours and New York’s 2150 hours), so consider yourself unlucky if you happen to be in town on a rainy or stormy day! You can have a pleasant beach day as early as May and as late as mid-October . In winter, it will never be warm enough for sunbathing.

How Many Days in Lagos?

Lagos is a perfect destination for an extended summer holiday. If you’re on a tour of Portugal or exploring the region of Algarve, you should dedicate two days to Lagos, in order to experience its cultural sights, dramatic coastline, and the main beaches. However, those looking for a destination to relax in the sun and by the sea often stay for a week or more . You can go to a different beach on each day of the week, and also take day trips to towns nearby, on the coast and inland (such as the Sagres promontory or the castle in Silves ). In fact, as a major transportation hub in the region, Lagos is an excellent base to explore Western Algarve.

What You Need to Know Before You Go To Lagos

It’s one of portugal’s most historic cities.

Originally the Celtic settlement of Lacóbriga, Lagos prospered during the Roman occupation, and was also a significant Moorish city before becoming part of the Portuguese kingdom in the 13th century. It played an important role during the Age of Discovery, with Prince Henry the Navigator (governor of the province of Algarve, and responsible for the early days of European exploration and maritime trade) sponsoring an expedition by local explorer Gil Eanes, who ended up being the first to make it past Cape Bojador in 1434. This opened the way for other explorers, such as Vasco da Gama, who later found a new maritime route to the East, creating the modern age of global trade.

It Had the First African Slave Market in Europe

At first, the trade of the new maritime routes consisted mostly of Asian spices, but as they went down the coast of Africa, the Portuguese navigators also traded slaves and Lagos established the first African slave market in Europe. From Portugal, these “servants” were sent across the Atlantic to the colony of Brazil, but were also bought by the British, Spanish, French, and Dutch empires. The market where these transactions took place still exists, and has been turned into a small museum, telling this story and serving as an “international center for living memory of human dignity.”

It Was Largely Destroyed by an Earthquake in the 18th Century

A major earthquake in 1755 destroyed much of southern Portugal, including Lagos, so this is mostly a late-18th-century city. Its churches and other buildings had to be rebuilt or restored, and reflect the baroque style of the time. The greatest monument is Igreja de Santo António ( Church of St. Anthony ), with its gold-covered interior from 1769.

It’s a Destination for Everyone

Couples, families with children, backpackers, gay, senior and active travelers will all find Lagos to be perfectly suited for them. There are beaches for every taste and lifestyle, as well as activities and historic sights for those who like to combine adventure or culture with days at the beach.

It Has a Lively Nightlife

The largely pedestrianized Old Town of Lagos is lined with outdoor restaurants and bars open until late. This isn’t a party town (for that, you’ll want to head to Albufeira instead), but it’s a place to enjoy the warmer summer nights and relax with a few drinks.

You Should Book Early

Lagos is not a big city, and although it has a considerable number of hotels, everything gets fully booked quite early for the high season. If you’re planning to visit between June and September, make sure you book accommodation well in advance. Check prices and availability here : Lagos Hotels, Apartments, Hostels

Official Lagos Tourism Office

Everything you need to know about Lagos and to plan your visit is on this website. It offers entirely independent and complete information from locals and travel experts, not sponsored by or associated with any local institution or organization. However, if you still have any questions when you’re in town, pass by the official tourism office, which is located in the heart of the city, in Praça Gil Eanes . It also provides information about the entire Algarve region, as does the tourism office at Faro Airport, if you’re arriving by plane.

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Guide to What to See and Do in Tavira

Tavira old town and monuments to visit.

Tavira is one of the best-preserved historic towns in Algarve and one of the most pleasant to visit. It has a pretty Old Town and some of the region’s finest beaches . The Old Town is accessed through Porta de Dom Manuel , a gateway from 1520 that stands to the left of the tourism office. It’s a maze of cobbled streets and tiny squares, whitewashed buildings with pyramid-shaped rooftops , churches, and the ruins of a castle. If you visit just one monument, make it Igreja da Misericórdia, which is the finest Renaissance building in Algarve. There’s a total of 21 churches in the city, or 37 if you count those in the surroundings, but only about a dozen are open to the public. If you find them open, take a peek inside, as their plain façades often hide rich interiors.

The city’s coastline stretches for almost 18km, and is part of the protected Ria Formosa Natural Park . It has two islands ( Ilha de Tavira and Ilha de Cabanas ), with white sand beaches, which are among the best in southern Portugal. Boats take you there through the wetlands, and the journey is an opportunity to observe a variety of flora and fauna, particularly birds -- over 30,000 of them, both resident and migratory, shelter here throughout the year. The beaches are a seemingly-endless landscape of dunes, except for the eastern side of Ilha de Tavira, which is covered with pine trees. In order to preserve the dunes, there are boardwalks between the piers and the beaches.

When walking around the city, notice the traditional doors. They’re called “portas de reixa” or lattice doors , and their origin dates back to Moorish times. They allowed women, who couldn’t go outside their homes without the company of men, to observe the street without being seen. This type of door was maintained even after the Moors were expelled in the 13th century, as they also ventilated the interiors while inhabitants kept their privacy.

Many have hand-shaped door knockers , and this may actually go all the way back to the Phoenicians. Archaeological excavations in Tavira revealed hand-shaped designs in everything from ceramics to necklaces. It’s an image associated with Baal, an ancient god worshipped by the Phoenicians, and over the centuries it was believed that these hands on the doors protected homes from bad luck and the evil eye.

As for the iconic rooftops (known as “telhados de tesoura” or “scissor rooftops”), they don’t cover the entire buildings but rather each individual room. No one knows their origin and they have no particular function, but may have been influenced by Indian architecture, after the opening of maritime trade routes between Portugal and the East, starting in the 15th century.

Monuments and Tourist Attractions in Tavira

Roman bridge.

There are now several bridges crossing the Gilão River, but this is the oldest. It has seven arches and it’s said that it dates back to the Roman occupation, although it was rebuilt and altered over the centuries, especially in the 1100s and 1600s. It remains one of Tavira’s main landmarks , and as you cross it (it’s for pedestrians only) you can enjoy some of the best views of the city.

Praça da República

Tavira’s main square marks the center of town. It’s found on the riverfront, by the Roman Bridge, and is home to the arcaded building of the Town Hall, the tourist office, and a number of outdoor cafés. At the center is a reflecting pool with fountains and a monument to the victims of WWI.

Jardim do Coreto

From Praça da República you can turn to what is officially called the Jardim Público de Tavira (“Tavira Public Garden”), but is better known as Jardim do Coreto (“Bandstand Garden”). It was laid out in 1890, and its wrought-iron bandstand dates from the same year. This is where locals of all ages meet, and it’s often the stage of special events .

Mercado da Ribeira

At the end of Jardim do Coreto is the city’s former market, which closed in 1999 and is now occupied by shops and eateries instead. The building dates from 1887, and maintains the original architecture, inside and out. It sometimes hosts cultural events.

Rua José Pires Padinha

Igreja da Misericórdia

This is the first monument you see when you access the Old Town through Porta de Dom Manuel. Built in 1541, it’s the best example of Renaissance architecture in Algarve , although most of the interior decoration is from the 1700s. That includes the gilded retable and the blue-and-white tile panels that line the walls. Visitors can go up to the bell tower for a view over Tavira.

See the Igreja da Misericórdia visitor’s guide .

Tavira Castle

Tavira’s castle was originally erected by the Moors, but King Dinis rebuilt it in the 13th century. It was nearly destroyed by an earthquake in 1755, and remains a ruin to this day. The interior has been landscaped and is now essentially a garden. There are beautiful views over the city from the ramparts.

See the Tavira Castle visitor’s guide .

Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo

Built by the castle in the 13th century, this is Tavira’s main church . Although it was damaged in the 1755 earthquake and largely reconstructed, it preserves the original gothic portal, a couple of gothic and Manueline (Portuguese gothic) chapels, and 17th-century tile panels. The altarpieces reflect the styles of the different periods after the reconstruction, mainly the rococo and the neoclassical. This is where Paio Peres Correia, who conquered Tavira from the Moors in 1242, is buried, along with seven knights who died in the battle. Their tombs can be seen in the main chapel. There’s also a display of sacred art, which includes sculptures and paintings, dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The large clock outside on one of the towers was added in the 1800s. The church is open to visitors on weekdays and Saturday mornings.

Largo Abu-Otmane

Igreja de Santiago

Located just a few feet from Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo, this is a similar whitewashed church, dating all the way back to 1270. Like all other buildings in Tavira, it had to be rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, but lack of funds kept the exterior plain. Much of the art inside, including altarpieces and paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries , was brought from other churches and convents that closed in the city over the years. It’s open on weekdays and Saturday mornings.

Rua Dom Paio Peres Correia

Igreja de São Pedro Gonçalves Telmo

This early-16th-century church belonged to a brotherhood of fishermen and had to be rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. The exterior is plain, but it features a magnificent painted ceiling from 1765, rich Renaissance and baroque altarpieces , and 18th-century images venerated by the fishermen. One of those images is that of Our Lady of the Waves (“Nossa Senhora das Ondas”), which is the second name of the church. It was all beautifully restored in 2014, when the monument opened to visitors for the first time in many years.

Rua Dr. Marcelino Franco, 19

Igreja de São Francisco

The Convent of St. Francis, built in 1250, was one of the most important buildings in medieval Algarve, but was devastated by the Great Earthquake in 1755 and again by fire caused by lightning in 1881. Its domed church preserves some of the original gothic architecture, but is mostly a baroque reconstruction. One of the chapels is richly decorated with gilded woodcarving and images of saints used in the traditional Holy Week procession.

Praça Zacarias Guerreiro

Igreja do Hospital do Espírito Santo

Erected in 1454, this church was part of a hospital and also became known as Igreja de São José (St. Joseph’s Church) in 1721, after a miracle attributed to an image of the saint. In the early 18th century, King João V declared it a royal church , which explains the royal coat of arms on the portal. It was rebuilt in 1752 in the baroque, rococo and neoclassical styles, and not much of the gothic original survives.

Tavira Municipal Museum

Tavira’s main museum is divided into different branches, but the main one occupies a 16th-century palace called Palácio da Galeria. It opened as a museum after a renovation in 2001, and presents exhibitions related to local history and culture, as well as contemporary art. Excavations revealed Phoenician remains (7th to 6th centuries BC) related to religious rituals, most likely dedicated to Baal, the god of storms or thunder. The building preserves gothic, Renaissance and baroque elements, including on the elegant façade from 1746. A second branch, located next to the tourist office on Praça da República, focuses on the city’s Moorish past. It’s very small but presents a curious collection. The highlight is an 11th-century vase with human and animal figures around the rim, whose significance led to a loan to the Louvre Museum in Paris, but is now here on permanent display. It’s closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Largo da Misericórdia

Edifício André Pilarte

One of the few buildings to have survived the 1755 earthquake , this one dates back to the 1500s and is said to have been erected by André Pilarte, who was responsible for the building of Igreja da Misericórdia (see above). Inside it preserves some Manueline and Renaissance features. You’ll likely find it closed, but it sometimes opens for exhibitions.

Rua Dom Marcelino Franco

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Things to do in Faro, Portugal (Algarve’s Entry City)

by Drifter Planet | Jul 30, 2022 | Portugal

Faro is a lovely little historical city in Portugal’s Algarve region . It is the entry point to Algarve because it has an airport. Faro is used as a base to explore Algarve’s other beach destinations like Lagos , Albufeira, Portimão, Sagres, Benagil Cave , Vilamoura, etc.

I have this thing for old Portuguese buildings, town centers, and family restaurants with chairs on the sidewalks so I highly enjoyed my time in Faro. In some ways, Faro reminded me of Lisbon , but thankfully it is tiny and isn’t as touristy. But it did have some of the things I loved about Lisbon .

If you’re wondering how many days you need in Faro, then the answer is two. That way, you can also visit the Ria Formosa area. If you are in Portugal for a short time, then you can reduce this time to one day. It all depends on how you enter Portugal and your pace of travel.

Is Faro safe for solo women travelers? Yes. Faro is where I landed before I headed off to Lagos. And this is where I came back a day before I flew back home to Germany.

As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe in Faro and overall it was a very easy destination in every way.

Before you go further, I’d like to share my highly researched itinerary for spending 3 days in Lagos , and it is tried & tested.

Here are things to do in Faro, Algarve’s entry city.

Walk around in Faro & admire Azulejos

Walking around in Faro was a fun experience because I saw some interesting old buildings, artwork, and azulejos. Azulejos are painted ceramic tiles that are everywhere on older Portuguese buildings. I fell in love with these tiles the first time I visited Portugal.

Sometimes they are just around the doors and windows but at times I saw the face of the walls covered with them. I photographed at least 20 different ones in Faro.

The time I visited Faro, the city was blooming with Jacaranda flowers. I could see purple flower petals on the streets and the air smelled nice.

Here’s an important tip for walking around in Portugal – the old town streets are wretchedly slippery. Be careful with your shoes and wear the ones that are least likely to slip. A friend’s friend fractured her ankle because she slipped.

In my next points, I talk about specific areas of Faro that you can discover by walking. But I’d still like to recommend that you don’t limit your walking to just those sections because I saw so many interesting sights in the most random places too.

Stop at a nice place for a coffee and Pastel de Nata and enjoy the warm weather that Faro is known for. I loved every bit of my time there and you will too.

Arco da vila

I have this thing for photographing arcs, and this one had the most perfect background of the old town street behind. It kind of reminded me of Prague’s arches where one can see the old town except it wasn’t as crowded as Prague always is.

Arco da vila is a city gateway that leads to the old town. It is right next to the Algarve Tourism office. This arch has a bell on top with a clock under it. This highly ornate arch dates back to the 19th century and is a national monument.

I asked a stranger to click this photo and it turned out decent. The light was perfect as it was just after the sunset with a warm hue of street lamps in the background. This spot was so empty at this time, it felt unreal.

I saw some massive bird nests on this building near the clock. I think they were vulture nests. I also saw vultures that were standing and sleeping here at night – was a strange sight.

Cidade Velha (the Old Town Area)

Cidade Velha is not the name of a place or a church but it means the old town. Faro’s old town is lovely in every way and what’s even special is that it is small and not busy.

Cidade Velha is the historical center, Centro Historico with well-preserved 18th-century architecture. Walking around here in the evening was one of the best things to do in Faro. Don’t do this during the afternoon unless you don’t have any other time because it gets hot.

Take some time in the evening before or right after the sunset to walk around Cidade Velha to enjoy with pretty lights.

The evening breeze makes it a pleasant experience and you can also find a restaurant with outdoor seating. Check out my restaurant recommendations at the bottom of this post.

At the end of the Cidade Velha, you will find Arco de Repouso . Just the way Arco da vila is the entry point of the old town, Arco de Repouso is the exit point – or the other way around depending on your direction. It isn’t as special as Arco da vila.

Igreja do Carmo

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo & Capela dos Ossos is the full name, which isn’t so easy so just keep Igreja do Carmo in your head. This is the most famous church of Faro which was completed in 1719.

The Capela dos Ossos (the bone chapel) in the Igreja do Carmo church can be accessed through the church for EUR 2 entry. It is decorated with the skeletal remains of over 1,200 former monks. Yes, you can actually see their skulls and bones used as tiles. It is a very strange sight.

Igreja do Carmo doesn’t have wheelchair access or baby stroller paths.

Mercado Municipal (Faro Municipal Market)

I have this thing for local markets and Faro did not fail me. I entered Mercado Municipal without any expectations but I wanted to buy everything. There was a lot of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, honey, flowers, pastry, bread, and many other things.

Mercado Municipal is a modern building and is air-conditioned. It is a good place to pass your time and people watch. No, not in a creepy way but to experience the culture.

Faro Marina & Jardim Manuel Bivar

Faro Marina is the scenic dock area with I love Faro sign. This was right next to my room at Suites Aliança , so as soon as I got our of my room, I had an opportunity to walk around here.

There’s a Musicpavillion, Jardim Manuel Bivar, and a children’s playground next to the Faro Marina. Walk around here and you will see some musicians busking. Some are good and they stand next to restaurants with outdoor seating.

You will also see the stunning Banco de Portugal building in this area. That’s closer to the street than the actual marina.

Igreja de Santa Maria

Igreja de Santa Maria is the church that I saw from my balcony at Suites Aliança , which appeared to be right behind the Arco da vila. It also has a few bells on top, like Arco da Vila. In reality, it was much farther and I realized it while I walked through the old town, Cidade Velha.

A local told me that it is possible to go to the rooftop of Igreja de Santa Maria, and he highly recommended that I do it at sunrise to see the view. But I did not want to wake up at 5 am on my vacation. I’d still like to mention this to you, in case you want to experience this.

Igreja de Santa Maria has two chapels, a garden with a sun clock, and the rooftop that I mentioned before. You need to pay EUR 3.5 to enter. The interiors are lovely but keep in mind that I recommend this place mostly for the views.

Ria Formosa Lagoon

Ria Formosa Lagoon is close to Faro, are a group of islands and six inlets that collectively form the Ria Formosa Nature Park. This lagoon was recognized in 2010 as one of Portugal’s 7 natural wonders .

The wetland of Ria Formosa Lagoon islands, channels, marshes, and sandbars between the beaches of Garrão and Manta Rota. If you are into birdwatching, then you should keep Ria Formosa on your list. My friend went kayaking here and saw flamingos.

There are restaurants in Ria Formosa by the sea and also the white city of Cacela Velha with a fortress that you can climb for a view.

I have handpicked a few tours for you to experience Ria Formosa:

• Ria Formosa Islands Catamaran Tour : 4-hour catamaran tour that includes a stop at Farol and Deserta islands. EUR 35 per person.
• 4 Islands, 4 Stops in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour : 4-hour catamaran tour that includes a stop at Deserta Island, Farol Island, Hangares, and Culatra Island. You will also have the option to have lunch in a typical restaurant on Breech Island – the cost of lunch is not included in the tour. This tour costs EUR 35 per person.
• Ria Formosa bird-watching tour : Get on an eco-friendly solar boat for a 2-hour bird watching tour. The tour costs EUR 30.

The above tours are by GetYourGuide – it’s a company I personally use for tours and have always had an excellent experience in terms of booking, service, and tour quality. I only recommend the companies that I personally use,

Praia de Faro

This is the main beach of Faro. If you’re going to visit the other destinations in Algarve, then this beach will not be special for you. However, if you have time and/or if you aren’t hitting Algarve’s beaches then make sure you visit Faro’s main beach – Praia de Faro.

This sandy beach stretches for a few kilometers and doesn’t tend to get crowded. It is very close to the airport so is a good place to stop right before you leave Faro in case you need to check out early but your flight is in the evening.

Experience Fado

Fado is Portuguese Blues and if you like live music then you should try to experience it while you’re in the country. Fado guitar recitals near the tourism office are popular in Faro and they cost just EUR 5.

Where to stay in Faro (my Hotel recommendations)

When I travel solo, I usually book a bed in a hostel to save money and make friends. But in Faro, I decided to book an entire hotel room for myself because they weren’t expensive and I found some really stunning ones.

SUITES ALIANÇA

This hotel was actually the best hotel experience in Portugal for me because it had everything. It was in a beautifully preserved old building with stunning new interiors and fittings. I’d call the interiors Art Deco.

My room was comfortable with a nice bed and air conditioner. This hotel also has a kitchen with all the appliances that one can use.

The best part for me was the reading room and the view from the window. It looked directly onto the old streets! I think that’s the room I enjoyed the most while I was here. I used it for Yoga, and reading and made a few videos.

The location was perfect because this hotel is next to Arco da vila so you have the entire old town at your feet. The main bus station is also nearby, it is on the other side of the hotel. Faro marina is super close and you can see it from the terrace.

Rate Hotel Afonso III – Eurosun Hotels

This is a basic hotel in Faro that’s close to everything. The train station is just next to it so that was a big relief. My room had a super tiny attached toilet and shower. My room also had an air conditioner, which is much needed in Portugal’s summer months.

I decided to eat breakfast here and it was just 5 euros. It was pretty basic and I enjoyed it.

Restaurants in Faro:

I spent two nights in Faro, so I got a chance to try out a few restaurants. Here are the three that stand out:

Taberna Modesto for seafood

Taberna Modesto was recommended to me by a local and it was perfect in every way. The vibe was perfect because it is in Cidade Velha, the old town. There is outdoor seating and an amazing atmosphere. I was here alone but the romantic vibe made me miss my husband.

I love fish and seafood in general, so I loved the menu here. I wanted to order everything because there were so many varieties of freshly caught fish, prawns, octopus, and crabs. I eventually decided to order one of the fish, which arrived with potatoes and broccoli.

I also drank green wine, which is something I tried for the first time in Portugal. I thought the price was for one glass but for that, I got a small bottle – wow. I ate chocolate souffle too. I was surprised at how affordable my meal was as compared to the rest of Europe.

Chelsea for breakfast

What do you look for in a good hearty breakfast? For me it is avocado, fruit, eggs, and coffee – I had all of that in Chelsea.

I ordered Eggs Benedict which arrived on sourdough bread, avocado, chia seeds, and hollandaise sauce. They also had smoothies, salad bowls, pancakes, and many other delicious things. I also enjoyed my orange juice and soy milk cappuccino here. I packed Pastel de Nata for the way and they were super delicious.

Apart from the above two, there are three more restaurants that I wanted to visit but didn’t. They are:

• Cidade Velha Rooftop: This restaurant was recommended to me by Google and looks like the rooftop area has an amazing sunset view. I did not go there but I’d like to mention this to you.
• Namastey Indian: It is an Indian restaurant that I wanted to visit but I decided to eat the local specialties so skipped it.
• Chefe Branco: This was recommended by someone on a travel forum because they have local specialties.

Getting around in Faro

You don’t need anything like a rental car to get around in Faro. Yes, if you want to explore the rest of the Algarve then a rental car will help you but in Faro, you can just explore everything by walking or by hopping on to an E Scooter.

Faro Airport

Faro airport to the city center is just 5 kilometers. I was told that I could get bus 16 from the airport and it drops off in Faro itself. But I decided to take a taxi instead because I landed late and I didn’t want to wait for the bus.

Faro Train Station

Faro train station is small. I noticed a big queue for tickets and I was nervous since I was there just 10 minutes before my train to Lagos. But luckily I found out that I could just buy the tickets on the train so I didn’t have to stand in line.

Faro Bus Station – Terminal Rodoviário Faro

Faro bus station is 3 minute walk from Faro Marina. From here you will find buses that leave for other destinations within the Algarve , to Lisbon , Nazare , and also to Porto .

I traveled on train and bus both in Algarve. The trains are faster and better since you can stand up and walk around. The buses are decent too and the one I was on had very good internet.

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Related Posts:

Buzzard nests!? You don’t know about the storks?

Now that you mention storks, yes I think that what I saw. 🙂

Hi. Faro looks lovely. I’m a solo disabled traveler. I’m just wondering how hilly Faro is. I walk with a cane, so sometimes hills and stairs are my arch nemesis. Just curious how Faro is. Thanks!

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Hello Travelers!

Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

I love European city breaks, nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. I have a think for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.

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Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by Drifter Planet

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