Don’t Miss These Spots in Faro Old Town (With Map!)

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.

Facebook Tweet Pin Print Email

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect much from Faro. Like many travelers, I thought of it as just the city with the airport, a starting point to get elsewhere in the Algarve.

But during a three-week housesit in the nearby countryside, I took a day trip into Faro’s Old Town, and I really enjoyed it.

The historic center is small, but its cobbled streets, grand gates, and quiet corners make it a lovely place to wander. It’s not packed with sights, but it’s full of character.

In this guide, I’ll share the best things to see in Faro Old Town, along with my honest impressions and personal highlights.

Table of Contents

Walk Through Faro’s Historic City Gates

One of the best things to do in Faro Old Town is simply walk, and as you wander, you’ll pass through the city’s impressive historic gates. The old town is still partially enclosed by thick stone walls, and you can visit three of its original gates, each with its own character and story.

Arco da Vila: The Grand Entrance

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

This is Faro’s most famous gate, and it makes a great first impression. A mix of Neoclassical and Moorish design, Arco da Vila stands right next to the small park Jardim Manuel Bivar, right next to the harbour.

I passed through it as I entered the old town, and the view of the narrow streets beyond instantly made me slow down. It’s also a lovely spot to pause on a bench in the park and watch the world go by.

Arco do Repouso: The Gate of Rest

View through a stone gate in Faro to the next stone gate just a few meters off, there's also a gate to the side — Arco do Repuso: The Gate of Rest

Located on the eastern side of town, Arco do Repouso has a different feel.

Some say King Afonso III rested here after taking Faro from the Moors. Another legend speaks of a Moorish woman cursed to rest at the gate forever after falling in love with a Christian knight.

What stuck with me most was unusual three-way layout, it really stood out from the others.

Arco da Porta Nova: A Passage to the Marina

View through a smaller stone gate in Faro to the ocean — Porto Nova leading to the marina

Porta Nova is the newest of the city gates and leads straight to the marina. It’s not the most visually exciting gate, but it’s practical and well-placed. If you’re heading to the waterfront for a boat tour or beach trip, you’ll probably pass through here, just don’t expect to stop for a photo.

Climb to the Rooftop of Faro Cathedral

A stone tower of Faro cathedral with a flat roof with bells — The tower of the Cathedral, you can climb the top

Tina on the rooftop of Faro cathedral, in the background you can see a bit of the city and the ocean — The tower of the Cathedral, you can climb the top

Faro Cathedral is located right in the heart of the city. It’s a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, with beautiful Portuguese azulejos lining the interior.

For €5, you can explore the church, a small museum, a rooftop viewpoint, and a modest Bone Chapel. The real highlight for me was the rooftop, after a narrow climb, you’re rewarded with sweeping views over the old town and out toward Ria Formosa.

The Bone Chapel is small and a bit eerie, but if you’re curious, the one outside the old town at the Church of the Third Order of Our Lady of Monte do Carmo (Capela dos Ossos) is more impressive. So, if you have at least two days in Faro, I recommend checking that out too.

Walk Beside Faro’s Historic City Walls

Old city walls of Faro next to the ocean; some plants are growing behind the walls — City walls from the outside

The old city is still partially enclosed by stone walls that date back to Roman times and were later reinforced by the Moors. Some sections are impressively intact, while others have crumbled over time, but they still frame the town with a quiet sense of history.

One of my favorite walks was along the stretch near the waterfront. With the train tracks on one side and the Ria Formosa in the distance, it’s a peaceful spot to slow down and appreciate the contrast between the past and present.

Pause at Largo da Sé

Largo da Sé is the main square near the cathedral, and while it has all the makings of a picturesque plaza, it’s also a parking lot. So it’s not exactly the Instagram dream you might expect.

That said, I still enjoyed stopping here. The square is lined with orange trees and historic buildings, making it a peaceful spot to sit with a coffee and watch life go by.

If you’re visiting with kids, the Faro Story Spot museum is also right on the square. It seemed especially geared toward families, more interactive and visually engaging. I visited solo, so I skipped it, but I can imagine it being a fun stop for travelers with younger kids.

Step Into Faro’s Past at the Municipal Museum

Picture of a white building, inside is the Municipal Museum of Faro — Unfortunately, the museum was closed when I visited

Tucked just behind the cathedral, the Municipal Museum is housed in a 16th-century convent and offers a deeper look into the region’s history, from Roman artifacts to Moorish tiles and modern art. Unfortunately, it was closed when I visited, which was a bit disappointing.

Still, it’s worth checking the hours if you’re in the area. The entrance fee is really affordable and it might give you a different perspective of the city.

Where to Stay Near Faro’s Old Town

While I couldn’t find a place within the old town that fit my booking needs, there are some lovely options just outside the city walls, all within easy walking distance of the main sights.

Senhor Gigi: Best for a Budget-Friendly Guesthouse
Senhor Gigi is a sweet and simple guesthouse close to the old town. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and it really has that home-away-from-home vibe. Check prices and availability.

Lemon Tree Stay: Best for Rooftop Views
A bit further from the old town than the others, but still walkable, Lemon Tree Stay offers a variety of rooms and one of my favorite features: a rooftop terrace perfect for relaxing at the end of the day. Check prices and availability.

The Sunny Cottage: Best for a Cozy Apartment Feel
This charming little apartment is warm, peaceful, and just a short stroll from the historic center. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a quiet retreat after a day of exploring, but still want quick access to restaurants and attractions. Check prices and availability.

Map of Faro Old Town Attractions

To help you plan your visit, I’ve created a Faro old town map with all the places mentioned in this post. It’s a handy way to see how walkable everything is and to build your own route based on what interests you most.

When to Visit for Fewer Crowds and Better Weather

Faro is lovely year-round, but I found the shoulder seasons, especially April/May and October/November, to be ideal. The weather is still warm, but the crowds are thinner, making it easier to enjoy quiet moments around the city and at nearby attractions.

Restaurants and shops are open, but not overwhelmed, and the light in the early evening gives the old buildings a soft, golden glow. It’s the perfect time for slow strolls, boat rides through the Ria Formosa, and taking in the town at your own pace.

What to Do After Exploring the Old Town

Once you’ve wandered through the historic gates and soaked in the views from the cathedral, don’t rush off just yet, Faro has more to offer beyond the old town walls.

I’ve put together a detailed two-day itinerary for Faro that helps you make the most of your time, including a visit to the impressive Capela dos Ossos outside the center.

And if you’re using Faro as your base, you’ll find plenty of options in my guide to the best day trips from Faro, whether you’re after beaches, nature, or other historic towns.