For the island in Sweden, see Fårö. Faro is a city in the Algarve region of Portugal that is a popular sun destination in the summer, and a base for exploring the surrounding area.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Faro (FAH-roo, /ˈfa.ɾu/) is the southernmost city in mainland Portugal. During summer, Faro is a popular destination for sun-seekers from northern Europe and the UK, especially due to the presence of its international airport. It also enjoys a reputation as being more friendly than many other parts of the region. Outside of summer, the beach-goers are mostly gone, but it is still a base to explore the more remote areas of the Algarve, a convenient stop between Lisbon and Seville (or Spain in general), and what it loses in partying outside summer, it gains in peacefulness, reverting to a quaint and charming small city.
Downtown is small and close to the public transport options: the train and main bus stations being within 250 m of one another few hundred metres from the city centre. Walking is very viable for most visitors. Regional buses are run by the Vamus Algarve that connects Faro with other cities in Algarve. Local buses are run by the Proximo company. Buses 14 and 16 go around the city, to the airport and to the beach of Faro. Tickets can be bought from the driver for €2.70 (Jan 2024). Bolt and Uber cover the town. Faro lies on the Algarve rail line connecting Lagos to V. Real St.
1 Bone Chapel (Capela dos Ossos (inside Igreja do Carmo)) (within Igreja do Carmo church). This chapel is almost completely made of bones taken from a former monk graveyard. €2. 2 Old town (Centro Historico). A well-preserved section of town off the harbour with cobblestone streets and 18th century Portuguese and Moorish-influenced architecture. It is a great place for a peaceful and almost private walk back in time in an area that has been virtually untouched by modernity. 3 Cathedral (Sé) (within the old town). The view from the tower over the old town and the Rio Formosa is a highlight. €5.00. (updated Mar 2024) 4 Roman Ruins of Milreu (Ruínas Romanas de Milreu) (in Estoi, near Faro).
1 Ria Formosa National Park. In Faro and Olhão you can take a boat trip, birdwatching tours, kayaking or other eco tours and other activities to discover the nature and wildlife of this natural park. Several companies offer packages and tours. Ask at the tourist information or at your accommodation. (updated Oct 2020) 2 Faro beach (Praia de Faro). This beach is several kilometres long and so normally never gets crowded, even in the height of summer. Most of the beach is gently sloping though it can take a sudden dip in places. There are the usual beach-side stalls and a public lavatory, but no showers. Praia de Faro is just past the airport, the airport bus stops there.
The restaurant of the supermarket Pingo Doce at Tridente has very affordable meals for lunch and dinner. 1 Restaurante Travessa, R. de Santo Antonio 58. Despite being identified as "tapas" the servings are generous. Good variety of dishes. €11 for the menu of the day. (updated Apr 2024) 2 Snackbar El Sombrero, Av. da República 138. Simple pleasant cuisine right next to the bus station. €5-15. (updated Jan 2024) 3 100 Montaditos Faro, R. Ivens 16. Tapas restaurant with a good atmosphore and nice outdoor seating. (updated Apr 2024) 4 Restaurante Sal e Pimenta, R. do Montepio 9a. Hidden spot with good homemade food, generous portions and a family vibe. €5-10.
1 Bar CheSsenta, Rua do Prior 24 (this is the main bar and cafe street in Faro), ☏ +351 931 194 314. M–Th 16:00–04:00, F–Su 21:00–04:00. Decorated with many photos of Che Guevara and attracts a 20s-30s crowd with reasonably priced drinks. They do karaoke on some nights also. (updated Apr 2021)
Faro and the Algarve region are reasonably safe year round. Pickpockets are not unheard-of, however, especially near beaches at night, so be on your guard. Not unlike other Mediterranean tourism hot spots like Alicante or Mallorca, Faro attracts its share of poorly-mannered tourists (especially from the UK, the Netherlands, and Germany) that go to Faro to drink and let loose. Though the police does a great job at maintaining order, do be careful at night.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Faro typically sees ~29°C daytime highs and 0 rainy days.
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