10 Best Things to Do in Faro

Sé Catedral de Faro is a Roman Catholic cathedral dating back to the late-13th century. One of the most culturally significant structures in Faro, it’s quite easy to spot when you’re exploring the Old Town. Head inside to find gilded carvings and white-plastered ceilings, as well as Sé de Faro’s grand 17th-century organ.

The Chapel of the Saint Lenho displays the tomb of the church’s founding bishop. You can climb the clock tower for stellar vistas of Faro and the Atlantic Ocean. Entrance fee to Sé Catedral de Faro costs around €3.50.

Capella dos Ossos is part of Igreja do Carmo, an 18th-century church in central Faro. ‘Macabre’ might just be the right word to describe the chapel, as its name directly translates to ‘Chapel of Bones’. Spanning around 24 square metres, Capella dos Ossos is well worth a visit thanks to its rather terrifying ornaments – over 1,200 bones and 1,000 skulls belonging to monks of the Carmel Order cover the entire site.

You’ll be able to set foot inside this sinister sanctuary for around €2. A visit to Igreja do Carmo itself is a cheerier alternative to the chapel. It has elegant woodcarvings on the inside and a very picturesque façade.

Ria Formosa Natural Park is a collection of islands, sandbars and lagoons just off the coast of Faro. Join a boat tour to navigate through the waterways, where you can encounter exotic birds such as flamingos and white egrets. The shallow and rich waters around Armona Island are excellent for snorkelling – seahorses often flock around the seabed.

Visit Culatra for its charming fishing boats and fresh seafood, or Ilha do Farol to soak up views of a towering lighthouse and golden beaches. Besides boat tours, you can take a public ferry from Faro Town to each of the islands within Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Ilha Deserta (Barreta Island) is one of the most isolated islands in Ria Formosa Natural Park. Migrating birds like the spoonbill land on this pristine island from September to November. One of the easiest ways to explore the island is by following a designated walking trail – the Santa Maria boardwalk is around 2 km long, offering views of the ocean, Ilha Deserta’s pristine beach, and its arid interior. You can also join a boat tour, which also stops at several islands within the nature reserve.

The waters around Faro are home to unique and adorable creatures, including dolphins. There are around 5 species of dolphins near Faro’s coastline – you can see these gentle animals in their natural habitat by joining a dolphin watching tour.

Boats from Faro Town can take you to the natural sandstone arches and coves of Ria Formosa Natural Park. The best time for viewings is between May and September when the weather and the water are at their warmest. Besides the playful dolphins, you might also see orcas and sea turtles during your trip.

The Roman Ruins of Milreu lie in the parish of Estoi, around 10 km north of Faro’s city centre. The site has some of the best-preserved Roman structures in southern Portugal, making it rather popular among photographers and those interested in Roman history. You can walk around the large villa complex – highlights include a brick temple dedicated to the deity of water, Roman baths, and wonderfully conserved mosaics depicting fishes.

A museum at the entrance of the complex provides plenty of background information on the Roman villa, which was excavated in 1877. A scale model of the villa in its glory days gives you an excellent impression of its former glory.

Palacio de Estoi is a rose-coloured heritage mansion around 10 km north of Faro's city centre. It serves as a luxury hotel (with 63 rooms and suites), but non-guests can explore the first floor and French-inspired gardens at no cost.

The inside of the neo-baroque building has superb décor, including paintings, classic furniture, and golden chandeliers that give the hotel its lavish feel. After a walk around the premises, you can grab a drink and a bite at the hotel’s on-site bar.

This scenic strip of sand is disconnected from the mainland, but reachable from Faro Town via a bridge. You can enjoy sunbathing and swimming, while aspiring surfers can improve their skills on relatively easy waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Restaurants and bars dotting the central area provide refreshments and local meals.

The bridge to Praia de Faro can get quite congested with cars in the summer. Avoid traffic by renting a bicycle in town and cycling to the beach at your own pace.

From relaxed speakeasies to bouncing nightclubs, Faro Town has many to-go spots for an evening out. The epicentre of night-time fun in the city is Rua Conselheiro Bivar, a historic street dotted with bars and cafes.

Aperitivo Bar, located halfway down the street, is excellent for quick tapas and a fantastic selection of drinks. Afterwards, head over to Bar Chessenta for live music, unique cocktails and beers. The casual Boheme has many Portuguese and foreign craft beers by the bottle, as well as large screens showcasing live sports events.