Things to do in Faro: Travel Guide

When most people think of Faro, they just see it as the place where their plane lands before heading off to the beaches of the Algarve. They fly straight to the south of Portugal chasing the country’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. But here’s the thing, Faro itself has so much more to offer than just an airport stop!
You can easily spend a full day, or even two, soaking up everything this charming city has in store. With a perfect mix of history, culture, and nature, Faro is a destination that deserves a spot on your travel itinerary. In this article, I’ll share my favorite things to do in Faro and the must-see activities you won’t want to miss!

Capela dos Ossos de Faro

Looking for a truly unique experience? Then you have to visit the Capela dos Ossos, also known as the Chapel of Bones, in Faro. This small but fascinating chapel, part of the 18th-century Carmelite church Nossa Senhora do Carmo, is completely lined with the bones and skulls of over 1,200 monks. It might sound a little eerie, but trust me, it’s an incredible and unforgettable place to visit.

Note: The church closes during the afternoon hours, so make sure to check the opening times when planning your visit!

Take a stroll through Faro Old Town

When you enter Faro Old Town, also known as Cidade Velha, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a living museum. This charming neighborhood is one of the best-preserved historic areas in the Algarve, surrounded by medieval city walls with sections dating all the way back to Moorish and Roman times.

Inside the walls, you’ll find cobbled streets, traditional whitewashed houses adorned with colorful tiles and cozy squares lined with restaurants and cafés. It’s the perfect place to wander around, soak up the atmosphere and visit some of Faro’s must-see sights.

Municipal Museum of Faro

If you want to dive deeper into Faro’s rich history, a visit to the Municipal Museum is a must. It’s one of the city’s most important museums, housed since 1969 in the former Nossa Senhora da Assunção convent — a beautiful Renaissance building from the 16th century.

Inside, you’ll find a fascinating collection of archaeological finds, religious art, and ancient mosaics. One of the true highlights? A stunning 3rd-century Roman mosaic depicting Oceanus, the god of the sea. It’s absolutely worth seeing up close!

Paço Episcopal de Faro

The Paço Episcopal de Faro, the former Episcopal Palace, is another gem tucked away in Faro’s Old Town. Dating back to the 16th century, this beautiful building is a perfect example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture blended together. Inside, you’ll find stunning traditional Portuguese tiles — known as azulejos — depicting religious scenes and intricate patterns. It’s absolutely gorgeous and a real treat for anyone who loves history and art.

Today, the palace serves as the seat of the Diocese of Faro, where the bishop carries out his work and manages the diocese’s affairs. Because of this, the building isn’t always open to the public. We got lucky and were able to step inside — and it was definitely worth it!

Arco da Vila and the storks

The Arco da Vila is one of Faro’s most iconic landmarks — and it comes with a special surprise! Rebuilt in the 19th century in a neoclassical style, this impressive gate stands on the site of a much older medieval entrance. It’s one of the best-preserved city gates in Faro and you can still see parts of the original Moorish walls inside.

At the top, there’s a charming clock tower and hidden within the archway are remnants of the old Arab entrance to the city. But what makes Arco da Vila even more magical? It’s one of the best places to spot Faro’s famous storks! These beautiful birds build their massive nests right above the historic gate — a picture-perfect sight you won’t want to miss.

Faro Marina

Faro Marina is the heart of the city’s waterfront and the perfect spot to unwind. Located right next to the Old Town, this lively harbor is a favorite hangout for both locals and visitors. Along the promenade, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafés, and terraces where you can sit back with a drink and watch the boats gently bobbing in the water. It’s a great place to relax any time of day, but it gets especially magical at sunset, when the sky lights up in warm colors over the marina.

Jardim Manuel Bivar

Right next to the marina, you’ll find Jardim Manuel Bivar, Faro’s lively central square. This is where the city comes to life with regular markets filled with stalls selling local products, souvenirs, and beautiful handmade jewelry. From cork goods and colorful ceramics to traditional azulejos (Portuguese tiles), clothing, and delicious regional treats — it’s the perfect spot to pick up a unique souvenir to take home.

Discover Ria Formosa Natural Park

Just a stone’s throw from Faro’s city center lies the breathtaking Ria Formosa Natural Park — one of Portugal’s most beautiful protected areas. Stretching over 18,000 hectares along 60 kilometers of the Algarve coast, this stunning lagoon landscape is a true paradise for nature lovers.

Ria Formosa is made up of sandbanks, islands, channels, marshes, and salt pans, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem. It’s especially famous as a birdwatcher’s dream, home to rare species like the purple gallinule, flamingos and herons. And if you’re really lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of wild seahorses swimming in the shallows!

Boat tour Ria Formosa Natural Park

One of the best ways to explore Ria Formosa Natural Park is by boat, kayak, on foot, or by bike. We chose to take a boat tour through the park — and it was an amazing experience! During the tour, you cruise through the peaceful channels of Ria Formosa, spotting different seabirds along the way. The guide shares lots of interesting facts about the park, the local wildlife and the history of the area.

You’ll also make a couple of short stops at two islands: Ilha Deserta and Ilha do Farol. Here, you can explore the natural beauty, take a refreshing swim at the stunning beaches or grab a bite and a drink at MarAmais, a cozy beachside spot.

The tour we picked lasted about three hours — a uper comfortable boat, plenty of free time to explore and a really friendly guide. Highly recommended if you want to see the best of Ria Formosa!

Shopping in Faro

If you love shopping, Faro won’t disappoint! In the historic center — especially along R. de Santo Antonio — you’ll find plenty of boutiques, souvenir shops and a few familiar international brands.

Comur

If you’re a fan of sardines (or just love quirky, local shops), don’t miss Comur! This charming store sells products from the traditional Murtosa Canning Factory, famous for its beautifully packaged canned fish. From sardines and tuna to anchovies — every tin comes in a colorful design, making it a perfect (and tasty) souvenir.

Forum Algarve

Looking for bigger stores and well-known brands? Head over to Forum Algarve, a modern shopping mall just outside the city center. Here you’ll find more than 100 international fashion stores like Guess, JD Sports, Lacoste, Zara, and many more. The mall also has a movie theater and a huge food court with over 20 restaurants, offering everything from fast food to international dishes and traditional Portuguese favorites. Perfect for a shopping spree and a relaxed lunch!

Food & drinks in Faro

When it comes to food and drinks, Faro has something for everyone! From authentic Portuguese restaurants to trendy brunch cafés, you’ll find plenty of delicious options all around the city. Here are a few of our favorites:

• O Coreto — Perfect for lunch or dinner with a beautiful view of the marina.
  8 Tapas — A cozy spot to enjoy a variety of tasty tapas dishes.
  Cafetaria Chelsea Coffee & Brunch — Great for a relaxed coffee break or a delicious brunch.
  MarAmais — A laid-back beach restaurant on Ilha do Farol, ideal for a casual lunch by the sea.