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.
Is Faro Worth Visiting? Here’s Why I Think It Absolutely Is
When I first planned my trip to the Algarve, I almost skipped Faro entirely. Like many travelers, I saw it as just the place you fly into before heading to the “real” highlights like Lagos. But after spending time here, I realized how wrong I was.
Faro is one of those cities that quietly wins you over. It’s compact, walkable, and full of character, with whitewashed streets, peaceful island beaches, and a surprisingly great vegan food scene.
In this post, I’ll share exactly why Faro is worth visiting, from its relaxed local vibe to its easy access to stunning nature and day trips.
1. Faro Is Very Easy to Reach
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Faro is how easy it is to get there. Faro Airport is the only international airport in the Algarve, so no long transfers or extra travel days. From the airport, it’s just a 15-minute ride into the city center by bus, taxi, or Uber.
But because everyone flying into the Algarve lands here, Faro Airport can get very busy. Expect long lines at check-in and security, especially during peak holiday periods. I definitely recommend leaving extra time when flying home, better to relax at the gate than stress in line.
Already in Portugal? Even easier. There’s a direct train from Lisboa Oriente to Faro, which makes it a super convenient and car-free add-on to any Portugal itinerary.
2. Faro has a Charming Old Town
Faro’s old town is small but full of character, a maze of cobbled streets, whitewashed facades, and tucked-away cafés where locals sip coffee in the shade. It feels like stepping back in time, but without the tourist crowds you find in other Algarve cities, like Lagos.
One of the highlights is walking through the Arco da Vila, the city’s iconic archway that leads into the old town. From there, you can wander aimlessly and take in the atmosphere.
Don’t miss the Faro Cathedral in the heart of the old town. Climb the bell tower for the best panoramic views of the city and the coastline beyond, it’s the perfect way to get your bearings on your first day.
3. Faro Has a Unique, Relaxed Atmosphere
Faro strikes a balance you don’t often find, it’s the capital of the Algarve, yet it still feels calm. Walking through the narrow streets of the old town reminded me more of a small fishing village than a big city.
That’s exactly what I loved about Faro. When I visited in September it was easy to find quiet corners, empty alleys, and peaceful plazas. It never felt overwhelming or crowded, just authentic and easy to enjoy without a plan.
And if you’re into quirky sights, Faro has its own surprises, like the Capela dos Ossos, the bone chapel. It’s a small but fascinating chapel filled entirely with human bones and skulls. A little eerie, sure, but well worth visiting if you enjoy offbeat historical spots.
4. A Beautiful Beach Just a Short Ferry Ride Away
Faro doesn’t have a beach right in the city, but you’re only a short ferry ride from the beautiful Praia de Faro, located on the Península do Ancão. It’s the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, or just taking a long barefoot walk along the shoreline.
What surprised me most was how quiet it was, even though it’s so close to the airport. The beach stretches for miles, and the further you walk from the ferry stop, the more peaceful it gets. I had entire stretches of sand almost to myself.
That kind of uncrowded beach is rare in the Algarve, and almost impossible to find in places like Albufeira, where the beaches are wedged between cliffs and packed with sunbeds.
5. Not as Touristy as You Might Expect
Compared to hotspots like Albufeira, Faro feels refreshingly untouristy. Don’t get me wrong, it still gets its fair share of visitors, especially in the summer. But it moves at a noticeably slower pace.
That’s what makes Faro such a great choice if you’re craving a more local, laid-back vibe. You can sit in cafés where you’re the only tourist, browse quiet markets, and wander cobbled streets without being surrounded by crowds or tour groups.
Of course, summer still brings crowds, but it’s nothing compared to other Algarve cities. For the best mix of warm weather and fewer people, I highly recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons. I went in September, and it was perfect: sunny beach days, but no tourist crowds.
6. A Perfect Base for Day Trips
One of the best things about staying in Faro is how well-connected it is to the rest of the Algarve. The city’s train station has direct connections to some of the region’s most popular spots, like Lagos, Tavira, and Portimão, making it easy to explore without renting a car.
During my trip, I took full advantage of the regional trains and found them cheap, reliable, and scenic. It was such a stress-free way to hop between towns, and I loved being able to come back to Faro in the evening and unwind somewhere quieter.
Faro is also a great jumping-off point for boat tours. You can join a guided trip to the Benagil Caves, or head out into the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a unique lagoon ecosystem known for its migratory birds and peaceful islands.
👉 Want more day trip ideas? Read my post about the best day trips from Faro without a car.
7. A Surprisingly Good Vegan Food Scene
Being vegan in southern Portugal isn’t always easy, so I didn’t have high expectations when I arrived in Faro. But I was genuinely surprised by how good the vegan food scene was.
I grabbed a tasty snack at Vegan Box, and for a lighter option, I loved the açaí bowls at Oakberry Açaí. But the spot I was most excited to try was Outro Lado, a fully vegan restaurant with amazing reviews.
You won’t find dozens of vegan restaurants here, but what’s available is fresh, flavorful, and well worth seeking out. If you’re vegan, Faro has more to offer than you’d expect, and it’s another reason the city stood out to me.
Where to Stay in Faro: Top Picks for Style and Location
Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or using Faro as a base to explore the Algarve, it helps to stay somewhere central and comfortable. Here are two standout options that I think are worth considering:
If you want sleek design and great value, The Roots Hotel is a fantastic choice. It’s just a short walk from Faro’s marina and old town, with modern rooms, smart layout, and surprisingly affordable rates. Ideal for travelers who want something stylish but not over the top.
👉 Curious? Check availability and prices for Roots Hotel here.
Prefer something that feels more like a home away from home? 7 Styles Apartments by Raspberry Cascade are full of personality. With individually themed apartments near the old town, they’re perfect if you want a cozy, independent vibe with a bit of flair.
Final Thoughts: Is Faro Worth Visiting?
While I absolutely think Faro is worth visiting, it’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. There are two things you should know before you go:
- It doesn’t have a long list of “must-see” tourist sights. If you’re looking for castles, palaces, or famous landmarks, you might feel underwhelmed. Faro’s charm is more about the atmosphere, not checking boxes.
- There’s no beach right in the city. You’ll need to take a ferry or a short drive to reach Praia de Faro. It’s easy to do, but if you’re dreaming of walking straight from your hotel onto the sand, this isn’t the place for that.
That said, if you enjoy slow travel, local culture, relaxed coastal towns, and car-free exploring, Faro delivers. It’s convenient, easygoing, and a great base for seeing more of the Algarve.
👉 Need help planning your time? Check out my 2-day Faro itinerary for the perfect balance of exploring, eating, and relaxing.
Read more about the Algarve:
- 10 Best Places in the Algarve: Best Towns & Nature Spots
- Best Time to Visit Algarve Portugal for a Perfect Holiday
- Ultimate Algarve Itinerary For Different Trips
- 10 Absolute Best Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal
- 2 Days In Lagos Portugal: Amazing 2-Day Itinerary
- Is Lagos Portugal Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons Why It Is
- 10 Top Things to Do in Albufeira Portugal: Beach & Fun
- Is Albufeira Worth Visiting? Why I Don’t Think It Is
- 5 Best Olhão Boat Trips On the River Formosa
- 15 Best Things to Do in Olhão Portugal
- The Best Olhão Beaches to Relax and Swim
- Salinas Do Grelha near Olhão: A Hidden Gem in The Algarve
- Fuseta Portugal: Ultimate Travel Guide
- 13 Incredible Things to Do in Tavira Portugal
- Most Beautiful Beaches in Tavira Portugal & How to Get There
- Faro Old Town: Travel Guide to Visit the City Center
- Epic 2 Days in Faro Portugal: Gateway to the Algarve
- Is Faro Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons Why It Is
- 7 Amazing Day Trips from Faro to Explore the Algarve
- Best Day Tours From Faro Portugal to Explore the Algarve
- Best Tours From Lisbon to Algarve
Pin it for later:
