Let’s get straight to the answer here — yes, Faro is absolutely worth visiting! Our city is the capital of the Algarve and offers the perfect mix of fun, adventure, culture, history, and relaxation. There truly is something for all travellers here, from Ria Formosa boat tours to equipment rentals in Faro for independent exploring!
Faro International Airport (FAO) is the Algarve’s only international airport, making it the gateway to exploring the beauty of southern Portugal. But Faro is far more than a hub to pass through. It’s worthy of a place on any Algarve itinerary!
Of course, we don’t expect you to just take our word for it, so we have provided some of the many reasons why you need to visit Faro below! If any questions come to mind as you read, please get in touch with our team for the answers you need.
Faro’s Old Town is a Blend of Charm, Warmth, and Romance
Strolling around Faro’s Old Town (Cidade Velha) feels like stepping back in time. Picture cobblestone streets winding through a maze of historical architecture, bougainvillaea adding bursts of vibrant colour, and quaint bars, cafes, and restaurants reverberating with life. As you walk through this enchanting district, you’ll discover hidden treasures around every corner — from centuries-old churches to picturesque plazas.
Just some of the must-see visit spots in the Old Town include:
- Arco da Vila
- Sé Cathedral
- Igreja do Carmo
- Largo da Sé
But the true joy of Faro’s Old Town is simply wandering around, soaking up the beauty and atmosphere without a care in the world. The Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths, Byzantines, and Moors have all occupied Faro at various points in history, so our city is one with many stories to tell.
And when you stumble on a restaurant that catches your eye, you can indulge in the mouthwatering foods you should try in southern Portugal.
Faro Marina is Perfect for Sunset Walks and Long Evening Meals
Faro Marina is a bustling, compact waterfront lined with charming restaurants, welcoming cafes, and ice cream parlours. The marina is a wonderful place to walk and breathe in the sea air at any time of day, but it truly comes to life in the evening.
As the sun sets over the horizon, lending the surroundings a gorgeous light, the gentle hum of chatter and the clinking of glasses rises. Take a stroll along the promenade, admiring the view of the boats bobbing in the harbour and the vibrant hues of the sunset. Then duck into one of the local restaurants and spend a couple of hours enjoying freshly caught seafood, exquisite regional wine, time spent with loved ones, and people-watching.
On sultry nights, you can also find live music in and around Faro Marina, including traditional fado performances. Check out our blog Best Things to Do in Faro at Night for even more travel inspiration.
Faro is a Paradise for Nature Lovers and Birdwatchers!
Nature enthusiasts rejoice — Faro is paradise found! Our home city is on the doorstep of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a coastal haven boasting an incredible diversity of ecosystems and wildlife. The labyrinth of salt marshes, lagoons, sand dunes, canals, and barrier islands is home to a myriad of bird species, including flamingos, herons, storks, and spoonbills.
We can’t cover the remarkable array of species in this blog. However, if you want to take a deeper dive into this topic, be sure to read our Birdwatching Guide to Ria Formosa and our Essential Guide to Ria Formosa Natural Park. Both are filled with insights and advice from local experts!
Our Ria Formosa Birdwatching Tour allows you to take a guided cruise through the park’s winding channels lined with lush vegetation. Expert nature guides lead these tours, so you can be sure that your excursion will head to the very best spots for bird-viewing opportunities.
Whether you’re an avid birder or simply seeking solace in nature, this trip from Faro promises an unforgettable experience.
Faro Offers an Authentic Portuguese Experience
The mass tourism that you may associate with Lisbon and Porto simply isn’t present in Faro, so our city still offers visitors an authentic experience. The smaller crowds mean local life and interactions carry on as they always have. Restaurants serve freshly caught seafood from local fish markets, artisans sell handmade goods, and you can easily find beautifully crafted souvenirs.
Of course, our city does cater to tourists, but you’re still highly likely to stumble on a family-run restaurant as you explore or strike up a conversation with a friendly local while having a coffee in a quiet cafe.
So, whether you’re sipping on a glass of port or admiring the intricate azulejos adorning the historic buildings, Faro offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with the real Portugal.
Have we already tempted you to visit our city? Then we think you’ll love our Ultimate Guide to Faro: Where to Stay, Eat, and Play! It’s packed with all the information you need to make the most of your time in our special part of the Algarve coast.
Faro’s Beautiful Beaches Await!
No trip to Faro would be complete without a visit to its breathtaking beaches. We have previously looked at our favourite picks for the five best beaches in Faro, including Praia de Faro, Ilha Deserta, and Ilha da Culatra. If you want to spend some time sunbathing, swimming in azure waters, and disconnecting from life, read our recommendations when you have finished here.
Praia de Faro is our city’s most popular beach, primarily owing to its location near and accessibility from the centre. But some of our most picturesque beaches are part of Ria Formosa and are only accessible by boat. Our Boat Tour to Deserta and Farol Islands in Ria Formosa makes visiting some of these easy and convenient.
This excursion visits Farol Island (which is part of the same land mass as Culatra Island) before moving on to Deserta Island. And on the journey to and from these stunning spots, you can admire the sights and sounds of the Ria Formosa Natural Park!
Add Ria Formosa Boat Tours to Your Algarve Adventure!
So, is Faro worth visiting? We hope we’ve inspired you to answer yes! Start planning your time in our beautiful city by browsing our Ria Formosa boat tours and equipment rentals in Faro. And if you have any pre-booking questions for the Formosamar team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
