★ 2 · last edited Jun 18, 2020
Faro
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Faro
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Capital of the Algarve, Faro is primarily the airport gateway for millions of holidaymakers heading to southern Portugal. Nevertheless, the city also boasts some historic buildings, nearby beaches, and a nature reserve on its outskirts.
Overview of Faro
Capital of the Algarve, Faro is primarily the airport gateway for millions of holidaymakers heading to southern Portugal. Nevertheless, the city also boasts some historic buildings, nearby beaches, and a nature reserve on its outskirts.
Key facts
- Type de lieu: city.
- Intérêt touristique: (worth seeing).
- Localisation:
- Distances:
- Heure locale: .
- Population: 64,560 inhabitants (2012).
- Superficie: 201.31 km².
- Altitude: sea level.
- Site internet:
History of Faro
What to see in Faro
Faro Cathedral
In the heart of the old town, facing the episcopal palace, the building originally constructed in the 13th century had to be rebuilt a few centuries later after an earthquake.
In the heart of the old town, facing the episcopal palace, the building originally constructed in the 13th century had to be rebuilt a few centuries later after an earthquake.
Igreja do Carmo
This is a beautiful 18th-century Baroque church, best known for its Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), which houses a thousand monk skeletons, with skulls and some bones arranged in geometric patterns.
This is a beautiful 18th-century Baroque church, best known for its Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), which houses a thousand monk skeletons, with skulls and some bones arranged in geometric patterns.
Vieille ville
Like many historic centres, it’s a mix of narrow streets, squares, beautiful façades, and ancient monuments such as the cathedral. The district is still surrounded by walls pierced by four gates, the most beautiful of which is the Arco da Vila.
Like many historic centres, it’s a mix of narrow streets, squares, beautiful façades, and ancient monuments such as the cathedral. The district is still surrounded by walls pierced by four gates, the most beautiful of which is the Arco da Vila.
Museums
Musée maritime
It is located in the port authority building. Models and various collections explain "the art of fishing" in the region.
It is located in the port authority building. Models and various collections explain "the art of fishing" in the region.
Faro Municipal Museum
Housed in the 16th-century former Convent of Our Lady of the Assumption in the heart of the old town, it features archaeological collections and old paintings.
Housed in the 16th-century former Convent of Our Lady of the Assumption in the heart of the old town, it features archaeological collections and old paintings.
Regional Museum of the Algarve
It offers a glimpse into traditional life in southern Portugal through reconstructions, photos, paintings, objects, and more.
It offers a glimpse into traditional life in southern Portugal through reconstructions, photos, paintings, objects, and more.
What to do in Faro
Beaches and water activities
Other activities
Climate and weather in Faro
The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate influenced by the Gulf Stream. Winters are mild and humid, while summers are hot and sunny (the Algarve is the sunniest region in Portugal).
Sea temperature throughout the year
| Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faro | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 16 |
Transport
Getting there
Getting around
Accommodation
Eating
Useful addresses
Nearby
Some interesting places near Faro:
Albufeira
The former fishing village has transformed into a bustling seaside resort, lively (its main appeal) and rather upscale.
The former fishing village has transformed into a bustling seaside resort, lively (its main appeal) and rather upscale.
Castro Marim
On the Spanish border, this ancient town boasts a medieval fortress. It is surrounded by marshes designated as a nature reserve. Several beaches nearby.
On the Spanish border, this ancient town boasts a medieval fortress. It is surrounded by marshes designated as a nature reserve. Several beaches nearby.
Lagoa
An area of beautiful beaches (and occasional cliffs) between Albufeira and Portimão. Several churches, convents, and old forts in the surrounding area.
An area of beautiful beaches (and occasional cliffs) between Albufeira and Portimão. Several churches, convents, and old forts in the surrounding area.
Loulé
Slightly inland from the coast, the town features several churches and a hilltop castle overlooking the area. Nearby are renowned beaches and golf courses, including Quinta do Lago.
Slightly inland from the coast, the town features several churches and a hilltop castle overlooking the area. Nearby are renowned beaches and golf courses, including Quinta do Lago.
Ria Formosa Natural Park
Just outside Faro, this lagoon area is renowned for its birdlife. You can also take boat trips, enjoy the beaches, and visit some Roman ruins.
Just outside Faro, this lagoon area is renowned for its birdlife. You can also take boat trips, enjoy the beaches, and visit some Roman ruins.
Silves
West of Faro, the city has one of the region’s prettiest old centres, featuring a beautiful cathedral and an ancient Moorish fortress surrounded by walls.
West of Faro, the city has one of the region’s prettiest old centres, featuring a beautiful cathedral and an ancient Moorish fortress surrounded by walls.
Tavira
A charming town with partly 18th-century architecture that can serve as a gateway to the Ria Formosa Natural Park and nearby beaches.
A charming town with partly 18th-century architecture that can serve as a gateway to the Ria Formosa Natural Park and nearby beaches.
Vilamoura
One of Europe’s largest beach and tourist resorts, located west of Faro near Quarteira. A few Roman ruins amid it all.
One of Europe’s largest beach and tourist resorts, located west of Faro near Quarteira. A few Roman ruins amid it all.
Further reading
Worth a look / Other
Igreja do Carmo
★★ This is a beautiful 18th-century Baroque church, best known for its Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), which houses a thousand monk…
Old Town (Faro)
★★ Like many historic centres, it’s a mix of narrow streets, squares, beautiful façades, and ancient monuments such as the cathedral…
Faro Cathedral
★ In the heart of the old town, facing the episcopal palace, the building originally constructed in the 13th century had to be rebuilt a few…
Maritime Museum (Faro)
★ It is located in the port authority building. Models and various collections explain "the art of fishing" in the region.
Faro Municipal Museum
★ Housed in the 16th-century former Convent of Our Lady of the Assumption in the heart of the old town, it features archaeological…
Regional Museum of the Algarve
★ It offers a glimpse into traditional life in southern Portugal through reconstructions, photos, paintings, objects, and more.