Faro holidays

Beaches in Faro

Faro’s beaches offer a tranquil escape, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ria Formosa lagoon and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic. Whether you’re after pristine sands, a family-friendly atmosphere, or a secluded retreat, Faro’s coastline caters to every beachgoer.

• Praia de Faro: The most accessible beach from the city, Praia de Faro is a lively stretch of sand with plenty of facilities, including cafes, restaurants, and water sports. Perfect for families or those seeking a vibrant beach day, it’s easily reachable by road or bus.

• Ilha Deserta: True to its name, Ilha Deserta (Desert Island) offers a peaceful, unspoiled paradise. Accessible by boat, this secluded spot is ideal for those wanting to unwind in nature, surrounded by untouched sands and crystal-clear waters.

• Ilha do Farol: Famous for its picturesque lighthouse, Ilha do Farol is a charming island beach with calm waters, making it great for swimming. Small eateries nearby serve fresh seafood, adding to the relaxed, laid-back vibe.

• Ilha da Culatra: Located further along the Ria Formosa, this idyllic island beach offers a mix of golden sands and vibrant local culture. Take a short ferry ride and enjoy a day of tranquillity, with local restaurants offering the catch of the day.

• Praia da Barrinha: For an off-the-beaten-path experience, Praia da Barrinha provides a remote setting perfect for quiet walks and connecting with nature. Accessible by a short trek through the Ria Formosa, it’s worth the effort for those seeking solitude.

Faro’s beaches deliver a perfect blend of natural beauty and serenity. Whether you’re exploring the islands of the Ria Formosa or enjoying the lively buzz of Praia de Faro, the region’s coastline guarantees an unforgettable beach day during your holiday.

Local dishes in Faro

One of the greatest highlights of holidays to Faro is indulging in its culinary delights.

Some typical dishes

• Caldo Verde: This traditional soup, made with finely shredded kale leaves, onion and potatoes in broth, usually comes with chouriço (Portuguese sausage) in it. Simple but delicious!

• Feijoada: A hearty bean and pork stew, this is a staple across the entire Algarve region, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Cataplana de Marisco: Named after the wok-like lidded copper vessel in which it’s cooked, this seafood stew is one of the local favourites and contains clams, prawns and fish with onion, garlic and some fresh herbs.

• Grilled Sardines: A summer favourite, grilled sardines provide one of the country’s most appetising smells. Typically served with olive oil and salt, they capture the taste of Portugal’s coast.

• Arroz de Polvo: Octopus rice, a local favourite, is both comforting and full of bold flavours.

Sweets and desserts

• Dom Rodrigo: Well worth the extra calories, this ubiquitous Algarve dessert is made from a mixture of eggs, sugar and almonds, and is totally delicious.

• Figos Cheios: This yummy dessert is composed of dried figs which are stuffed with sugar and almonds. An ideal pair for coffee so just hit a local café and enjoy!

• Pastéis de Nata: These are classic custard tarts which have a sweet creamy filling and are deliciously flaky. For an extra touch of flavour, enjoy them with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Local drinks

• Medronho: Known as “firewater”, this potent brandy made from the arbutus berry is an Algarvean speciality.

• Vinho Verde: This light, slightly sparkling wine hails from northern Portugal and is wonderfully refreshing. Best when served chilled, it’s perfect for enjoying on a sunny afternoon in Faro.

Best things to do in Faro

With excellent beaches within easy reach and an attractive historic centre south of the marina, Faro offers great holidays.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Arco da Vila: The old town is entered through the 18th-century monumental gate, the Arco da Vila. Its terrace, open to visitors, is a great spot from which to snap lovely photos of Faro.

The best districts

• Cidade Velha (Old Town): The only part of Faro to have survived the town’s various historic upheavals is the Cidade Velha, an oval of cobbled streets, some of them mosaic-tiled, set within a run of sturdy walls. Bright-white houses are fronted by decorative balconies and tiling, a few now serving as antique shops, cafés or art galleries.

Parks and gardens

• Jardim da Alameda: Jardim da Alameda is the largest and probably best park in Faro, with many tree species, peacocks, a picnic area, a small pond with swans, a playground and several cafés.

• Jardim Manuel Bívar: This small park near the marina, perfect for a short relaxing break, enjoys nice views of the water.

Historical monuments

• Faro Cathedral (Sé): A mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, Faro Cathedral dates from the 18th century. Inside there’s fine azulejo tiling, though for most people the highlight is to climb the bell tower for superb views over the old town and the mudflats beyond.

• Carmo Church: Faro’s most curious sight is the Baroque Carmo Church. A door to the right of the altar leads to a macabre Capela dos Ossos, its walls decorated with bones disinterred from the adjacent cemetery.

Day trips in the area

• Ria Formosa Natural Park: The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a series of barrier islands fronted by extensive sandy beaches. This stunning coastal lagoon is home to diverse wildlife, including flamingos and other migratory birds. Take a boat tour or a walk through the salt marshes to discover the area’s natural beauty.

• Tavira: Just 30 minutes away, Tavira’s old town is made up of white mansions with hipped roofs and wrought-iron balconies. Also, visit the superb island beach of the Ilha de Tavira, which lies within easy reach of the town by ferry.

• Milreu: The Roman site at Milreu is the Algarve’s principal Roman excavation, just south of the attractive town of Estói. The lavish villa that once stood here was inhabited from the first century AD and was constructed around a central peristyle. Southwest of the villa is an impressive bathing complex, with an underfloor heating system and striking fish mosaics.

Activities for families in Faro

Faro holidays offer a plethora of fascinating activities that will keep entire families entertained all day.

• Interactive museums: The Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve (Algarve Life Sciences Centre) in Faro offers hands-on exhibits about marine science and the region’s natural environment, perfect for curious young minds.

• Land train: The kids will love the tourist hop-on hop-off train which trundles from the marina to the Sé and through the modern town before skirting back to the marina via the market.

• Beaches and swimming: Praia de Faro, a long sweep of beautiful sand, is a family-friendly beach with calm waters and plenty of space to play.

• Boat trips: Various boat trips depart from Faro’s jetty below the old town walls, including the highly recommended trip to the Ilha Deserta which boasts a great beach, ideal for a family day out.

Free things to do in Faro

Many of the region’s best experiences are free so don’t think twice and enjoy!

• Museums: Faro’s likeable little Regional Museum is a refreshingly low-tech ensemble of items representing traditional Algarve culture. There are agricultural implements, musical instruments, recreations of house interiors and model fishing boats. It’s free on the first Sunday of each month.

• Free events: Keep your eyes peeled for free local festivals, open-air concerts, and cultural celebrations like the Carnival or summer music performances in the old town.

• Walking central Faro: Faro’s attractive pedestrianised shopping area is the heart of the town, home to innumerable restaurants, cafés and bakeries. Walking the area and window shopping costs nothing at all.

Nature and outdoor activities in Faro

The Algarve’s breathtaking landscapes make Faro a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Island hopping: The Ria Formosa lagoon is dotted with islands like Ilha Deserta and Ilha do Farol. Take a ferry or join a guided tour.

• Water sports: Faro’s coastline is perfect for activities such as kayaking, sailing and stand-up paddleboarding. Explore hidden coves and glide through the serene waters of the lagoon.

• Dolphin watching: Set off on a boat tour from Faro’s marina to spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat. It’s an unforgettable experience for all ages.