Before you go

Your trip to Faro.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Faro – Faro Destination Algarve Capital

How to get there

Aeroporto de Faro (FAO) 7 km
Estação de Faro 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Aeroporto de Faro (FAO) is about 7 km from the center; there are buses and taxis. Check before you buy. From Lisbon, the train takes about three hours to Estação de Faro, next to the center.

How many days

One day is enough for the Cidade Velha, the Sé, the Carmo and a boat trip on the Ria Formosa. With two days you'll have time to visit an island with a beach.

When to go

June to September is best for the islands and beaches. Spring and autumn are good for walking in the Cidade Velha and birdwatching in the Ria. In winter fewer boats run to the islands.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The center and the Cidade Velha are explored on foot, and boats to the islands depart from the quay near the center. There is a bus to Praia de Faro.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Faro

Morning
Old Town
Enter through the Arco da Vila, walk to Largo da Sé and climb the Sé tower for views over the Ria Formosa.
Afternoon
Boat trip on the Ria Formosa
Take a boat trip from the quay, with a stop on an island such as Ilha Deserta or Culatra.
Late afternoon
Igreja do Carmo
Return to the center and visit the Igreja do Carmo and the Capela dos Ossos.
Evening
Dinner in the center
Dine in Faro's downtown, near Rua de Santo António, with fish or cataplana — a seafood dish cooked in a closed copper pan.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is Faro worth a visit or just an airport?

Worth a day: it has a walled Cidade Velha, the Sé, the Capela dos Ossos and boat trips on the Ria Formosa.

How to get from Aeroporto de Faro to Faro city center?

By bus, taxi or ride-hailing app; it's about 7 km.

Does Faro have a beach?

Yes — Praia de Faro is on an island connected to the mainland by a bridge, near the airport, and there are beaches on the Ria Formosa islands, accessible by boat.

What is cataplana?

A typical Algarve dish of fish or seafood cooked in a closed copper pot called a cataplana.

Back to Faro