Faro city breaks

Wander the cobbled streets of the Algarve’s pretty capital and you’ll soon fall for its traditional Portuguese flavours. The quaint cobbles of the old town are at the heart of things – and a showcase of colourful tiles, decorative arches and painted doors mean photo opps galore. Dinky authentic eateries and wine bars are tucked down sidestreets, wedged between independent boutiques and secret courtyards. By the marina, it’s a swanky scene of yacht-watching and lazy al fresco brunches, where just-netted seafood plays a big part on most menus. And of course, you’re near the coast here, so golden sands and surfer vibes are all part of the appeal too.

Just for decoration

Strut around the fashionably historical streets, with their charming, rustic appeal and typical Portuguese design. There are streets specifically tailored for shopping, while pavements are dotted with quaint eateries ready to serve up seafood worth savouring. Cast your eyes out across the coastline to views of splashing waves and tree-topped cliffs.

A piece of the Algarve

Rugged coastline, staggering levada walks and an abundance of manicured golf courses highlight the Algarve as a vibrant destination to unearth. Faro is no different, with its postcard-perfect rolling views and tumbling seaside splendour. Its inner-city cultural hotspots make the cool capital a great hub of cosmopolitan activity in a must-explore landscape.

Beach bliss

Put the sights on hold for a couple of hours and make your way to the sensationally sandy spots of Faro. Its beaches are long, lush and brushed with glistening sunlight. A dip or paddle in the rich blues of the Algarve will be just the tonic after a long day.

Hotel Faro & Beach Club

Faro City, Faro

Our rating

Based on 1556 reviews

Great location
Rooftop terrace with whirlpool
Beach club
Close to the historical centre
350m from Faro Cathedral

AP Eva Senses Hotel

Faro City, Faro

Our rating

Based on 2277 reviews

Perfect for relaxation
500m from the nearest train station
Rooftop pool and bar
Overlooking the marina
Stylish and modern rooms

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Arco da Porta Nova

Faro

Vila-Adentro, the oldest part of Faro’s old town, is enclosed within medieval walls and is accessed via three arches, one of which is called Arco da Porta Nova. It’s a small town gate that connects the city to...

Arco da Vila

Faro

A stunning way to enter the old town at Faro is through the Arco da Vila. The arch was built at the start of the 19th century, but as you wander through, there’s evidence of the Moorish walls that existed...

Capela dos Ossos

Faro

The Capela dos Ossos was built by a Franciscan monk in the 16th century and lined with the exhumed skeletons of hundreds of his peers as a meditation on mortality and eternity. The inscription at the entrance...

Language

Portuguese

Currency

Euro

Time difference

+0hr

Cost of a beer

£1.10 / €1.25

One-way public transport ticket

£2 / €2.25

Three course meal

£26.70 / €30

Sightseeing

The Old Town and its splendid architectural cathedral centrepiece both sit charmingly behind the defensive walls of the city. There’s a curiously alluring site of old bones and skulls, plus marble gravestones in the Jewish cemetery. Jump aboard a boat and discover verdant Ria Formosa – you can’t miss its glorious greenery.

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Eating and drinking

It’s all about the seafood. We’re talking lobster, razor clam, fish stew – and every mouthful is utterly delicious. From café-lined streets to tiled restaurants, you’ll be spoilt with culinary marvels, whether it’s big brunches or suppers accompanied by a drop of refreshing Algarvian wine. Grab a slice of morgado, a pumpkin, fig and almond cake.

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Shopping

Enjoy a lazy afternoon exploring the car-free shopping precincts, all filled with glittering jewellery boutiques, clothes shops, and small stores selling fine wines by the bottle-load. You can even get your hands on local sausages and cheeses. If ambling around the stacked stalls tickles your fancy, Mercado Municipal is a market brimming with local goodies.

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Getting around

Faro’s pretty sights are within easy walking distance in the mosaic-adorned city centre. If your legs get weary, then buses and taxis run regularly and relatively cheaply, so take advantage of the local transport. If your discovery plans span further, why not hop on a boat and go from city to coast?