A Lovely 2 to 3 Days in Faro Itinerary

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by Neota Langley


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Located on the sun-soaked southern coast of Portugal, Faro may not get the same attention as Lisbon or Porto, but that’s precisely what makes it worth visiting. As the gateway to the Algarve, putting together an itinerary for Faro is an absolute pleasure.

From its cobbled streets to the local cuisine, quirky galleries and museums. It’s the kind of place where I think you can lose yourself for hours, stumbling upon hidden squares, and discovering perfect photo opportunities around every corner. 

An infographic outlining a 3-day itinerary for Faro, Portugal

How Many Days in Faro?

Faro is the perfect Portuguese destination for a long weekend away. There is too much to see and do to fit it into a one-day itinerary so it’s best to spend 2 or 3 days to really make the most of this varied city and its surrounding natural beauty. 

With 2 days in Faro, you will be able to get a feel for the city itself, delve into the culture and explore the nearby Ria Formosa Natural Park. If you are limited on time, 2 days is the minimum amount of time to spend in Faro, if you only have 1 day, you could end up feeling rushed. 

Ideally, you would spend 3 days here. This way, you can live life like a laid-back local, take your time relaxing on the beach and even head out along the coastline to discover the dramatic cliffs and sea caves the Algarve is so famous for. 

Faro Cathedral
Faro Cathedral

Getting To & Around Faro

Faro is the epicentre of the Algarve, so transport to and around this city is straightforward and easy to navigate.

The most direct way to reach Faro is by air. Faro Airport (FAO) is the main airport in the Algarve region, located about 6 km from the city centre. It serves both international and domestic flights. If you want to hire a car, you can do this from the airport and then drive into Faro. 

If you are using public transport and are already in Portugal or Spain, you could opt to make use of the country’s well-connected rail network. The high-speed train from Lisbon takes about 3 hrs or if you are in Porto, it’ll take 6 hrs to reach Faro. You can view schedules here. 

Once you have arrived into the city, if you want to explore outside of the centre, you can either hire a car or rely on the local bus services.

Whilst you could easily spend 2 to 3 days in Faro spending time in the city centre, there is so much to see and do on the outskirts that you will, at some point, want to take a car or bus along the coast. 

The first two days of our itinerary are based within the city and the Ria Formosa Natural Park which are both accessible on foot and by boat. So, if you want to save money on car hire, you may only need one for the final day. 

Faro Town Hall
Faro Town Hall

2 to 3-Day Faro Itinerary

Whether you’re here for a long weekend or planning to linger a little longer and visit other Algarve cities like Lagos or Albufeira, Faro is a city that definitely deserves your attention.

Day 1 – Explore Faro’s Highlights

Old Town 

I think one of the best ways to get to know a city is by delving into its history, meandering through the old town discovering hidden gems along the way. You can do this independently or join a walking tour.

Enclosed by medieval walls, Faro’s old town is the perfect way to kick off your itinerary, with its cobbled streets, orange trees, whitewashed buildings and vibrant tiles.

Enter through the impressive Arco da Vila, an ornate gateway leading to the heart of the Old Town. With influences from the Moors, Romans, Visigoths, Phoenicians and Byzantines you’d be right to assume there is a real mix of architecture.

Municipal Museum

Delving even deeper into Faro’s history, the next stop on our tour of the city is the Municipal Museum of Faro.

Housed in a 16th-century convent, here you can find the remarkable 2nd-century Roman mosaic of Oceanus, discovered in Faro. You can also see other artefacts from the Roman, Moorish, and medieval periods.

There is plenty to see, as well as the building itself. Built in the 16th century, this ex-convent is home to some of the most beautiful cloisters in the Algarve as well as well-tended gardens. 

Museum of Faro
Museum of Faro

Marina & Lunch 

Fringed by palm trees, seafood restaurants and local cafes, the marina is the perfect place to take a midday stroll and stop off to sample some local cuisine.

Walk along the water’s edge, admiring views of the boats moored in the harbour against the backdrop of the Ria Formosa Natural Park before settling into an outdoor terrace for lunch. 

Seafood is at the heart of Faro’s dining scene, with dishes like cataplana de marisco (a fragrant seafood stew), grilled sardines, and octopus being must-tries. Traditional dishes also includes bacalhau à Brás (salt cod with eggs and potatoes) and hearty stews.

If you enjoy a glass of wine, I recommend pairing your meal with a glass of local varieties like Negra Mole and Arinto.

You’ll also find the Maritime Museum at the marina so if you want to learn more about Faro’s maritime heritage this museum is worth a stop and is free to visit.

It is housed on the first floor of the Port Authority building and gives you a look into the Algarve’s fishing and shipbuilding heritage, long before it became a tourist destination. 

Faro Marina
Faro Marina

Faro Cathedral

After taking a stroll around the marina, head back into the heart of the Old Town to visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria.

Built in the 13th century on the site of a former mosque, the cathedral showcases a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles due to its long history of reconstruction. Inside, you’ll find gilded altars, intricate woodwork, and traditional azulejo tiles.

There is also a bell tower you can climb up to take in views across Faro and the marina. Make sure you time it so that you are not at the top during a bell chime however, it can get very loud! 

Carmo Church – Chapel of Bones

One of the most interesting things to do in Faro is to visit the Chapel of Bones. This tiny chapel is housed in a small building behind the main church, Igreja do Carmo.

Before you reach the Chapel of Bones, take a moment to stroll through the church, known for being one of the most beautiful in the Algarve region. The interior is beautifully gilded, with intricate carvings and altars throughout.  

The Chapel of Bones is a small yet poignant chapel, tucked away in the back gardens. Mainly constructed with mortar and femur bones then decorated with the skulls of over 1,200 monks.

The plaque over the entrance reads  “Pára aqui a considerar que a este estado hás-de chegar” which translates to ‘stop and consider that this state will befall us all’.

During the peak tourism season, you may find a queue to enter but it is worth waiting for.

Carmo Church
Carmo Church

Evening

Before dinner, consider joining a sunset cruise before heading to one of Faro’s excellent restaurants. I suggest you try À Do Pinto for an authentic Portuguese experience with delicious food, exceptional local wines and warm, welcoming service.

After dinner, unwind with a drink at a rooftop bar like Columbus Bar, where you can sip Algarve wines or cocktails while enjoying scenic sunset views. Alternatively, catch live Fado music at O Castelo, the best place to spend your first evening in Faro.

Day 2 – Explore Ria Formosa

Ria Formosa Natural Park

Day 2 in Faro revolves around the beautiful natural park, Ria Formosa.

Forget about the limestone sea caves and cliffs the Algarve is known for, this park is a coastal lagoon made up of an intricate network of marshes, islands and sandbanks. It is a vast area, covering 40 miles of coastline so there is plenty to explore. 

There are over 200 species of birds recorded in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. You can spot Storks and Flamingos among others.

It’s not just avian species that thrive in this natural park, the aquatic wildlife is also abundant. If you’re lucky, Dolphins, Turtles, and even Minke Whales can be spotted off the coast. 

The best way to experience the natural beauty of this park is from the water. Either by hiring a kayak or taking a guided boat tour.

You can also hire a bike to explore on two wheels if you are not a fan of boat trips but this does somewhat limit the islands you can visit. 

Ria Formosa Marshlands
Ria Formosa Marshlands

Ilha Deserta

Translated to ‘Deserted Island’ this is one stop you can’t miss. A continuous, 4-mile-long stretch of white sands with no permanent residents, this beach is unlike any other in the Algarve region.

If you are seeking out a unique experience, away from the crowds of the popular beaches then this remote, unspoilt island is just what you are searching for. During the summer months, the waters can reach 24 degrees (75 degrees Fahrenheit) so this is the perfect place to take a dip in the sea.

The only building is a restaurant, with incredible sea views and local cuisine so this is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before continuing on your island exploration.

The organised boat trips from Faro usually allow between 45 minutes to an hour here which should be plenty of time to take a stroll and sit down for some lunch in the restaurant but if you want more time, consider renting a kayak to explore at your own pace.

Ilha do Farol

The next stop is Ilha do Farol. This island is home to a small community with a towering lighthouse at its centre, overlooking another stretch of open sandy beach and dunes.

The beach here is much busier when compared to Ilha Deserta but a short walk out of the village to the east provides you with the peace and tranquillity this natural park is known for.

For a bird’s eye view of the village, natural park and beyond to Faro and the nearby city of Olhão, I recommend climbing up to the top of the 50m lighthouse. 

Ilha do Farol
Ilha do Farol

Day 3 – The Algarve’s Sea Caves

Benagil Caves

Visiting the iconic Benagil Sea Caves is a must for any Algarve trip. This may be one of the most popular spots in all of Portugal but it is for good reason. Located just 35 miles west of Faro, this coastal road trip is the perfect way to spend day 3 of our itinerary. 

You have several options to reach the caves, from a full-day guided tour departing from Faro to finding your own way and hiring kayaks or paddle boards to go on an adventure at your own pace and admire the natural beauty from up close. 

There are endless options for boat trips, from speedboats to sunset trips. It’s best to book on as early as possible to avoid the midday rush.

Boats launch from all along the Algarve coastline so it can become very busy. On the other end of the scale, a sunset cruise also affords you a quieter visit but these tours often skip the extra stop-offs of the daytime cruises.

If you are opting to take a guided tour, make sure to book at least a few days in advance as during the high season, this is a very popular day trip option.  

You can hire other watercraft from Benagil Beach, so you don’t have far to paddle before reaching the caves.

On a smaller, self-powered vessel you will be able to get further into the caves and spend more time there but under new rules, you are not allowed to disembark onto the sand. Swimming is also forbidden because of the large number of boats that visit the caves. 

You can see the cave from above by taking the 7 Hanging Valleys trail but the perspective is much better from the water. From above the cave appears as a large hole in the ground, interesting but perhaps not as breathtaking as viewing it from sea level. 

Cliffs at the Benagil Sea Caves
Cliffs at the Benagil Sea Caves

Praia da Marinha

With accolades such as ‘One of the top 10 beaches in Europe’ and ‘Top 100 beaches in the world’, Praia da Marinha is definitely worth the visit. Famous for its golden cliffs, turquoise waters, and dramatic rock formations.

There are several options for reaching Praia da Marinha, it is very close to the Benagil Sea Caves and is often included as a stop on the boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard tours. Although you are not allowed to disembark in the caves themselves, here you can sunbathe on the sand and swim in the ocean to your heart’s content. 

You can also access this beach via the 7 Hanging Valleys trail from the village of Benagil. This footpath is relatively easy, as long as you are wearing suitable footwear and takes around 1hr from Benagil to Praia da Marinha. There are several “algares” (holes in the ground creating caves) fenced off along the route and the views along the coast are incredible. 

At the bottom of the staircase, there is a small restaurant and bar with public toilets so it’s easy to settle in and spend the entire day on this beach. You have everything you need right there on the sand. The food and drinks are surprisingly affordable considering it has the potential to be a real tourist trap. 

Have More Time?

Tavira 

Most people head to the Algarve region to soak up the sun on the incredible coastline but don’t overlook the quaint towns and mountain villages a little further inland.

Located along the Gilão River, Tavira is often considered one of the most charming towns in the Algarve. Plus, it is still only a stone’s throw away from white sandy beaches.

The perfect blend of Moorish and Portuguese influences offers a more relaxed and authentic experience compared to the region’s bustling resort towns.

Climb up to Castelo de Tavira for the best views of the city and the river that flows through it. The town is home to over 30 churches, including the Igreja da Misericórdia, known for its azulejo tilework.

Strolling through the historic centre, you’ll discover traditional whitewashed houses with distinctive Tavira doors, tiled facades and wrought-iron balconies. This place is a photographer’s dream. 

Outside of the city itself, you can take a ferry to Tavira Island, home to a pristine Blue Flag beach with golden sands and clear waters. 

Town of Tavira
Town of Tavira

Loulé 

The true inland hidden gem, Loulé is a historic market town full of authentic charm and bags of culture to discover. 

One of Loulé’s highlights is its famous market, Mercado Municipal. Open daily, it is housed in a traditional Moorish-style building. This is the place to go for fresh local produce, seafood, cheeses, and regional delicacies like almond and fig sweets.

If you are visiting with the market in mind, try to catch it on a Saturday. The farmers market expands beyond the indoor space, sprawling out on the streets and the bustling ‘Gypsy Market’ is also set up for the day where you can find homemade crafts, fashion and local souvenirs.

Beyond the market, Loulé is rich in history with landmarks like the 13th-century castle, which offers panoramic views and a small archaeological museum.

Pop into Conceição Chapel to discover the beautiful interior then head across the old town to take a peek at the Islamic Baths excavation site. The town’s mediaeval cobbled streets are filled with traditional whitewashed houses, artisanal shops, and cosy cafes.

Roman Ruins of Milreu

From one historic destination to another, although this time all that’s left are the ruins. Dating back to the 1st century CE, Milreu was once a grand Roman villa.

The site features perfectly preserved mosaics, particularly those depicting marine life which suggest the villa belonged to a prosperous Roman aristocrat. You will also find remnants of bathhouses, a temple, and agricultural facilities.

Whilst visiting Milreu is not a full-day trip, it is only a short drive from Faro and could be visited with a little diversion on the way to Loulé.

Castle of Loule
Castle of Loule

Where to Stay in Faro

Lemon Tree Stay – This comfortable 3-star hotel is perfect for couples or families looking for a central stay in Faro. Not only are there several great rooms, they also have a lovely terrace, breakfast each morning and luggage storage for guests.

3HB Faro – A ritzy and glamorous luxury hotel in Faro, this place has a gorgeous swimming pool, incredible rooms, an on-site spa and wellness centre and much much more. This is perfect for those looking for a luxurious stay when they visit the Algarve.

Casa da Madalena Backpackers Hostel – This hostel has a near-perfect rating, offers free breakfast and has a wonderful social atmosphere. There are both traditional dorms and privates available.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Faro hotels!

No matter how you spend your time in Faro, you’re guaranteed to head home with a big smile on your face, a belly full of incredible local produce and a dream of returning in the not-so-distant future!

Are you planning to visit Faro? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

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Neota Langley

Neota is a writer for The World Was Here First. Born and bred in Cornwall, she can usually be found with hiking boots on, ready to embark on an adventure. For the last 6 years, she has travelled throughout Europe in her self-built campervan with her trusty canine companion, Ivy. She loves exploring France, the Nordics and spending time in Alpine destinations.

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