Epic 2 Days in Faro Portugal: Gateway to the Algarve

Q: Is Faro Worth Visiting?

Yes, Faro is worth visiting . It's the most accessible city in the Algarve, offering a unique mix of quaint coastal charm and urban vibes. The old town is charming, with a stunning beach just a short ferry ride away. Plus, Faro is an ideal base for day trips across the Algarve.

Veganderlust contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. For more info, see the Disclosure Policy.

Faro is not just the capital of the Algarve in Southern Portugal it’s also the gateway to this stunning coastal region as a whole. Its strategic location makes it the perfect base for exploring some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches, charming towns and delicious cuisine.

But with only 2 days in Faro Portugal, how can you make the most of your time? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this epic itinerary that will take you through all the must-see spots in Faro and its surrounding areas.

Table of Contents

Day 1: Exploring Faro

Spend one day in Faro Portugal exploring the city itself. The city center is often overlooked as people head straight for the beach or the surrounding towns but Faro offers some unique experiences you shouldn’t miss.

See Faro Old Town

An impressive city gate leading to Faro old town — Arco da Vila: The most famous city gate of Faro

Start your day with exploring the charming old town of Faro. The winding, cobbled streets are lined with quaint cafes, boutique shops and historic buildings that will transport you back in time.

Start by walking through the Arco da Vila which was once the entrance gate to the city.

Don’t miss the Igreja de Santa Maria, or Faro Cathedral, dating back to the 13th century and one of the best historic landmarks in Faro. Climbing the bell tower for panoramic views of the city and coast alone justifies the entrance fee.

Visit Capela dos Ossos de Faro

The intriguing Capela dos Ossos in Faro, Portugal, featuring walls adorned with rows of real human skulls and bones, creating a unique and somber historical experience on a 2-day visit to Faro. — Seeing the bone chapel was a very unique experience

Visiting Capela dos Ossos de Faro is one of the most unusual things to do in Faro. It’s a Bone Chapel decorated entirely with human bones and skulls from over a thousand skeletons.

It may seem macabre but it was built in the early 19th century to remind people of their mortality and encourage them to live a virtuous life. This is also reflected on the engraving above the door which translates to: “Stop here and consider, that you will reach this state too.”

The chapel is located in the courtyard of the Igreja da Ordem Terceira de Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo church. You have to pay a small admission fee to at the church entrance to be able to see the courtyard and the bone chapel.

Eat Some Delicious Vegan Food

A colorful vegan meal at a café in Faro, Portugal, featuring a slice of pizza with vibrant toppings and a crispy empanada, complemented by a fresh orange juice, showcasing local culinary delights to enjoy over 2 days in Faro Portugal. — My vegan snacks from the Vegan Box

There are some amazing all vegan restaurants and café in Faro. The Vegan Box is a great spot for a quick lunch while Outro Lado is the best place for a nice dinner.

Another great place for a healthy and refreshing vegan snack is Oakberry Açaí. It’s not a local all-vegan place but a world-wide vegetarian chain but I love their açaí bowls, it’s so great that you can add unlimited toppings.

Stroll Through the Harbour

The bustling Faro marina, where boats are docked along the palm-lined waterfront, a scenic spot that's a must-visit for travelers seeking things to do in Faro Portugal. — The Faro marina is the perfect place for a nice stroll

A great way to spend an afternoon in Faro is by strolling through the Marina and Harbour. You can walk next to the old city walls, relax on a bench overlooking the boats and then hop on the ferry to the Península do Ancão.

On the peninsula, you can find some beautiful beaches. The further away from the ferry station you walk towards the east the quieter the beach gets. Make sure to catch a sunset here for stunning views.

A serene beach setting in Faro with visitors enjoying the sun and sea, a prime example of the relaxing activities to enjoy while exploring things to do in Faro. — Praia de Faro, the main beach of Faro on the Atlantic Ocean

Day 2: Day Trip from Faro

On the second day of your 2-day Faro itinerary it’s time to explore the rest of the Algarve region. There are endless options for day trips from Faro and most of them can be easily done by train.

Here are some of the best places to visit near Faro Portugal.

Option 1: Boat Tour to the Benagil Caves

A cave with a circular opening at the top and green water at the bottom; those are the famous Benagil caves in the Algarve — The famous Benagil Cave

The Benagil Cave is one of the most iconic spots in the Algarve and it’s easily accessible on a boat tour from Faro. And if you’re lucky you’ll even see some dolphins on the way there. I was lucky enough to see some and it was amazing.

🤩 The best way to see the Benagil Caves is with a boat tour!

Option 2: Boat Tour to the Ria Formosa Natural Park

Two sun beds with an umbrella on Culatra beach in the Algarve — Praia da Culatra on Ilha da Culatra in the Ria Formosa Natural Park

Another popular boat trip option is the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This stunning natural park is made up of a series of islands, marshes and lagoons that are home to many species of migratory birds and marine life. Most boat tours also stop at some of the islands for beach time.

🤩 See unique ecosystems and pristine beaches on a boat trip from Faro!

Option 3: Visit the Town of Lagos

Limestone cliffs in the ocean with a few trees growing on them — Lagos is the perfect place to see stunning rock formations in the Algarve

Lagos is one of the most popular towns in the Algarve and for good reason. The town is known for its picturesque beaches, rocky cliffs, and charming old town. Take a stroll along the promenade, visit the iconic Ponta da Piedade lighthouse or relax on one of the many beaches.

Option 4: Visit the Town of Tavira

Visiting the iconic Anchor Cemetery on the dunes of Praia do Barril, where a collection of rusted anchors memorialize Tavira's tuna fishing past, is among the unique things to do in Tavira. — The anchor cemetery: A very unique sight in Tavira island

If you’re looking for a quieter and more authentic experience, Tavira is the perfect day trip from Faro. This charming town has a rich history and is home to pretty streets, charming cafes, and some stunning beaches on Tavira Island.

Best Time to Visit Faro

The best time to visit Faro is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October). The weather is still warm and sunny, but there are fewer tourists compared to peak summer months. I visited in September and it was amazing.

But if you’re looking for a beach vacation, then summer months are also a great option. Just be prepared for higher temperatures and more crowds.

The majestic Carmo Church in Faro, Portugal, stands against a bright blue sky, its intricate Baroque façade capturing the architectural beauty that contributes to Faro's allure for visitors. — The Carmo Church in Faro

Where to Stay in Faro

Faro offers various accommodation options. After thorough research, I discovered some amazing choices:

The Roots Hotel is an amazing value for money, boasting a very modern design and is just a short walk away from Faro’s Marina.

7 Styles Apartments by Raspberry Cascade is an excellent choice for everyone who wants to stay in a charming apartment near the old town of Faro.

🤩 Check the prices of this amazing Faro hotel!

FAQ about 2 Days in Faro Portugal

What to Do in Faro for a Day?

On a day in Faro is enough time to explore the city itself in the morning and spend a relaxing afternoon on the beach.

Is Faro Worth Visiting?

Yes, Faro is worth visiting. It’s the most accessible city in the Algarve, offering a unique mix of quaint coastal charm and urban vibes. The old town is charming, with a stunning beach just a short ferry ride away. Plus, Faro is an ideal base for day trips across the Algarve.

Is Faro a Beach Holiday?

Faro itself doesn’t have a beach, but just a short ferry ride away is the Península do Ancão with long stretches of sandy beaches.

How many Days in Faro Should You Spend?

You can see the main sights of Faro in one day, but Faro is also a great home base to explore the Algarve on day trips from Faro without a car. So, if you want to spend more time on the beach and do multiple day trips you can easily spend 4 days in Faro or even more.

Tina enjoying a refreshing passion fruit popsicle under straw umbrellas on a sandy Faro beach, embodying the joyful, laid-back atmosphere that makes you answer the question "Is Faro worth visiting" with yes. — One of the best things is to simply enjoy the great weather and some ice-cream

Final Thoughts: 2 Days in Faro Itinerary

A weekend in Faro offers you an incredible peek into the stunning Algarve, showcasing its diverse beauty and vibrant culture in just a short span of time.

You can spend one day exploring the city of Faro with its charming old town and unique attractions, and the other day taking a day trip to one of the many stunning spots in the Algarve region.

However, you can easily spend more days in Faro and make it your home base from which you explore the whole Algarve.

Epic 2 Days in Faro Portugal: Gateway to the Algarve