Is Faro Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons Why It Is

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The capital of the Algarve, Faro, is often overlooked by tourists as they head straight for more popular destinations like Lagos and Albufeira. And as much as I love Lagos, Albufeira not so much by the way, I think Faro deserves more than a quick stop at the train station.

Faro has a charming old town, a lively marina, a beautiful beach just a short ferry ride away and it got a very unique blend of small-town and big-city vibes. It’s also the ideal base for exploring the Algarve with day trips by train.

So, yes, I believe Faro is worth visiting, and I’ll explain why in more detail in this post.

Table of Contents

Reasons Why Faro Is Worth Visiting

1. Easily Accessible

The first reason why I think Faro is worth visiting is quite practical. Faro airport is the only international airport in the Algarve. The city is also well connected by trains and busses to other cities in Portugal and Spain.

This makes it an easily accessible destination, perfect for a weekend getaway in Faro or as a starting point for a longer Algarve trip.

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

2. Charming Old Town

The old town of Faro is a maze of cobbled streets, white-washed buildings, and quaint cafes. It’s easy to get lost in its charming alleys and stumble upon hidden gems like local restaurants and artisan shops.

One of the highlights of the historic old town is the Arco da Vila city gate and the Faro Cathedral. From the top of the cathedral’s bell tower you can get the best views of the city and the coast.

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

3. Unique Atmosphere

Faro is not just Algarve’s capital, it’s also the biggest city in the Algarve. It definitely has some big-city vibes but when you wander through the narrow streets of Faro old town you feel like in a small coastal town.

It’s this unique blend of cultures and atmospheres that makes Faro stand out from other cities in the region.

Speaking of unique things in Faro, visiting the bone chapel, capela dos ossos, is definitely one of them. The little chapel made completely with bones and skulls a little creepy but worth a visit for the historical and cultural significance.

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. — The main beach of Faro on the Atlantic Ocean

4. Beautiful Beach

Admittedly there is no beach in Faro itself but the Praia de Faro (Mar) is just a short ferry ride away on the Península do Ancão. On the peninsula there’s sandy beaches as far as you can see. And the beach is surprisingly quiet for being located so close to the Faro airport.

The good thing about the beaches in Faro is that it’s so long that you can easily find a spot for yourself, you might just have to walk a little bit away from the ferry stop. This is not possible with Albufeira’s beaches for example, which are near the city center and surrounded by cliffs.

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.

5. Not As Touristy

Compared to other cities in the Algarve, Faro is not as touristy. Don’t get me wrong, Faro still sees a fair share of tourists but when I strolled through the city it just didn’t feel as touristy as Lagos for example.

This means you can still experience a somewhat authentic Portuguese city without being surrounded by crowds of visitors. But if you really want an authentic Portuguese coastal town in the Algarve I recommend visiting Olhão or Fuseta.

During high season in the summer months it can still get crowded, so the best time to visit Faro Portugal is in the shoulder seasons. I visited in September and I think it was the best time, it was hot enough to relax on the stunning beaches but there were fewer crowds.

Calm waters at Faro Island with a blue boat in the foreground and a line of moored boats leading to the cityscape in the distance, inviting visitors to discover the tranquil beauty and answer the question: Is Faro Portugal worth visiting? — Ilha de Faro in the Ria Formosa Lagoon

6. Delicious Vegan Restaurants

Being vegan in the Algarve is not as super easy as being vegan in Lisbon but you can still find some amazing vegan restaurants in the cities of the Algarve.

Faro has a surprisingly good selection of vegan food. I had a delicious snack at the Vegan Box and an açaí bowl at Oakberry Açaí.

The vegan restaurant in Faro I was most lloking forward to because of their amazing reviews, Outro Lado, was unfortunately closed during my days in Faro.

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

7. Great for Day Trips

Last but not least, Faro is a great base for day trips by public transportation to other cities in the Algarve. The train station in Faro has direct connections to popular destinations like Lagos, Tavira, and Portimão.

Faro is also a perfect jumping-off point for boat tours exploring the breathtaking Benagil Cave and the wildlife-rich waters of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a unique ecosystem of barrier islands which is great for spotting migratory birds.

🤩 Explore the natural beauty of the area on Ria Formosa boat tours!

A beach and the ocean with very shallow water; one of the most beautiful Olhao beaches — I loved the crystal-clear waters on my boat trip to Ilha da Culatra in the *Parque Natural da Ria Formosa*!

Where to Stay in Faro

Picking out the perfect spot to stay in Faro can be tricky since there are so many great options. To help you out I did a little research and found those amazing places:

First up, the Roots Hotel. It’s a beautiful, modern hotel near the lively Faro Marina. Roots Hotel is also very affordable for what it offers.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more of a cozy, “I could live here” kind of vibe, the 7 Styles Apartments are your best choice. These apartments and lofts deliver on the promise of a comfy yet stylish getaway, near Faro’s old town.

🤩 Check the prices of this amazing Faro hotel!

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 marina is the perfect place for a nice stroll

Final Thoughts: Is Faro Worth Visiting?

In conclusion, Faro may not have the same hype as other cities in the Algarve, but it definitely has a lot to offer. From its charming old town and its beautiful beaches to delicious vegan restaurants and day trip opportunities, Faro is worth visiting.

So next time you arrive at the gateway to the Algarve, spend at least two days in Faro before heading to other destinations in Southern Portugal.

Is Faro Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons Why It Is