Faro, Portugal: Travel Guide to the Algarve's Historic Capital and Gateway to the Ria Formosa

Faro is the capital of the Algarve, Portugal's sunny southern coast, but many visitors only see its airport on the way to the beach resorts. That's a shame, because Faro has a charming walled old town, a remarkable bone chapel and direct access to the Ria Formosa, a protected lagoon of islands, salt marshes and pristine beaches. With storks nesting on rooftops, fresh seafood and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere, Faro deserves more than a quick stopover.

Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Faro

1. Old Town and Faro Cathedral

Faro's Old Town (Cidade Velha) is enclosed by medieval walls built on Roman and Moorish foundations. You enter through the Arco da Vila, an elegant 19th-century neoclassical gateway topped by a stork's nest. Inside, cobbled streets lead to the peaceful Largo da Sé, a square lined with orange trees. Here stands Faro Cathedral, built in the 13th century on the site of a former Roman temple and mosque. Its interior features gilded wood carvings and colourful tiles, but the highlight is the view from the bell tower over the old town, the marina and the lagoon.

Booking tip: Cathedral tickets are inexpensive and sold at the entrance. A guided walking tour, available on GetYourGuide, explains the town's Roman, Moorish and Portuguese history.

2. Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones)

Behind the Baroque Igreja do Carmo lies one of Faro's most unusual sights: the Capela dos Ossos, or Chapel of Bones. Built in 1816, its walls and ceiling are lined with the skulls and bones of more than 1,000 monks, exhumed from the church's cemetery. An inscription above the entrance reminds visitors of the brevity of life. It's a striking and thought-provoking experience.

Booking tip: Entry is paid at the church and includes access to the main church. Visit in the morning, as opening hours are limited, especially on weekends.

3. Ria Formosa Natural Park

The Ria Formosa is a protected lagoon system stretching along 60 kilometres of coastline, separated from the ocean by a chain of barrier islands and sandbanks. It's an important habitat for birds, including flamingos, spoonbills, herons and the rare purple swamphen, and it's one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. Boat tours depart from Faro's marina and visit islands such as Ilha Deserta, with its wild, empty beaches, and Ilha da Culatra, home to a small fishing village.

Booking tip: Boat tours and island-hopping trips are best booked in advance on GetYourGuide, especially in summer. Choose eco-friendly tours led by local guides who explain the lagoon's ecosystem.

4. Estoi Palace and Milreu Roman Ruins

About 10 kilometres from Faro, the village of Estoi is home to the Estoi Palace, a pink Rococo palace with gardens, fountains and tiled terraces, now a luxury hotel. Nearby, the Roman ruins of Milreu preserve the remains of a large Roman villa, with mosaics depicting fish and sea creatures, and the ruins of a temple.

Booking tip: The palace gardens can be visited freely. Milreu has a small entrance fee.

5. Day Trip to Benagil Caves and the Western Algarve

From Faro, it's easy to explore the famous golden cliffs and sea caves of the central Algarve. The Benagil Cave, with its dome-shaped ceiling and circular opening, is one of the most photographed natural wonders in Portugal. Boat tours and kayak trips leave from nearby beaches and the town of Portimão, exploring dozens of grottoes, arches and hidden coves along the coast. Combine the trip with a stop in charming fishing towns such as Carvoeiro or Ferragudo.

Booking tip: Day trips from Faro, including boat or kayak tours to Benagil, can be booked on GetYourGuide.

Practical Travel Tips for Faro

Getting Around

• From the airport: Faro Airport is just 7 kilometres from the city centre, connected by bus and taxi.
• By train: trains connect Faro with Lisbon in about three hours and with other Algarve towns.
• On foot: the old town and marina are compact and walkable.
• Boats: ferries connect Faro with the islands of the Ria Formosa.
• Car rental: useful for exploring the Algarve.

Local Culinary Specialties

• Cataplana: a seafood stew cooked in a copper clam-shaped pan.
• Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato: clams cooked with garlic, olive oil and coriander.
• Oysters from the Ria Formosa: fresh and delicious.
• Grilled fish: try sea bream or sea bass.
• Algarve sweets: made with almonds, figs and carob.
• Medronho: a strong brandy made from strawberry tree fruit.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March–May): pleasant weather and blooming wildflowers.
• Summer (June–September): beach season.
• Autumn: warm sea temperatures and fewer crowds.
• Winter: mild and sunny, ideal for sightseeing.

Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to Faro

Faro combines history, nature and authentic Algarve charm. Whether you're exploring the old town, visiting the Chapel of Bones or cruising the Ria Formosa, it's a destination worth discovering.

Plan ahead: book your boat tours and excursions on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Faro.