Faro itself is pretty compact. You can walk the old town in half a day without rushing, which makes it easy to add to a longer Algarve trip. But if you stick around, there’s more going on than you might expect—nature reserves like Ria Formosa, small galleries, live music, and local restaurants that don’t receive the hype they deserve. Here’s a list of our favorite things to do in Faro for your next Portugal trip.
Housed in a 16th-century convent, the Museu Municipal de Faro is a good introduction to the region’s long history. The building—formerly the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Assunção—still has its original cloister and Manueline details, and the quiet garden courtyard is a nice place to pause between rooms.
Inside, the museum focuses on archaeology and religious art, with pieces from the Roman, Moorish, and medieval periods. The Roman section includes an impressive mosaic of Neptune and the Four Winds that was uncovered near Faro Beach. There’s also a collection of Islamic pottery and some 19th-century paintings that show how life in the Algarve has changed over time.
It’s manageable to visit in under an hour, and you don’t need a guide to get something out of it. Still, it's easily one of the best things to do in Faro, especially if you have a limited amount of time.
Faro town in Algarve, Portugal © Digital signal/Shutterstock
Praia de Faro is a great base for stand-up paddleboarding, especially on the calmer lagoon side of the Ria Formosa. The water here is shallow and usually pretty flat, which makes it beginner-friendly.
If you're more experienced or looking for a bit more of a challenge, you can head out toward the ocean side, where conditions are rougher. From the board, you get a totally different view of the area—quiet waterways, marshlands, little inlets, and birds swooping overhead.
You might see fish swimming below or crabs moving along the shore. There are local outfits nearby that rent gear or lead guided paddles, often with a bit of insight into the nature reserve.
Igreja do Carmo is one of Faro’s standout Baroque churches, with gold-leafed altars and hand-painted tiles that reflect the style of the 1700s. But what draws most people here is the Capela dos Ossos, or Chapel of Bones, tucked around the back.
Built in 1816, it’s lined with the bones and skulls of over 1,000 monks. At the entrance, there's a clear message: “Stop here and think of the fate that will befall you.” It's not meant to shock—more a quiet reminder of mortality.
The contrast between the decorative church and the raw simplicity of the chapel makes it memorable. It’s smaller than the bone chapel in Évora, but also less crowded, which gives you space to take it in without distraction. This is by far one of the best things to do in Faro.
Algarve dolphing watching © Fareharbor
If you’re staying in Faro, it’s an easy trip over to Olhão for a dolphin-watching tour. Boats head out into the Ria Formosa, where the conditions are just right for dolphins—especially common and bottlenose varieties. Sightings are pretty regular throughout the year, and it's definitely one of the best things to do in Faro.
Tours usually last 2–3 hours and are run by crews who really know their stuff. A marine biologist is often onboard, and they’ll explain what you’re seeing as you go. They’re also careful not to disturb the animals. It's a fun way to see the beaches of the Algarve.
You might also see other wildlife—sea birds, fish, maybe even a few surprise guests—and the views of the coastline alone are worth the trip. Mornings tend to be calmer, while sunset rides have more atmosphere. This is a great thing to do in Portugal with kids.
Faro’s Mercado Municipal is a good place to see what everyday food culture looks like in the Algarve. It’s a covered two-story market just outside the old town, and it’s busiest in the mornings—especially on Saturdays.
On the ground floor, you’ll find fishmongers with the day’s catch laid out—everything from sardines to octopus to local specialties like percebes (goose barnacles). There are butchers here too, selling traditional cuts like pork shoulder for grilling, and a few cheese and cured meat counters.
Upstairs is where you’ll find fresh produce—lots of it grown nearby. There are seasonal fruits like oranges and figs, local almonds, and vegetables from small farms. You can also find honey, olive oil, and homemade sweets, which make easy and useful souvenirs. Some vendors speak English, but it’s a good chance to try a little Portuguese if you feel up for it.
Igreja do Carmo in the old town of Faro © Shutterstock
The Faro Cathedral, or Sé, sits in the heart of the Old Town and has gone through a lot over the centuries—earthquakes, fires, pirate attacks. Architecturally, it’s a bit of a patchwork: Gothic base, Baroque interiors, and Renaissance elements added along the way.
Inside, you’ll find gilded woodwork, tiled chapels, and a small museum of religious artifacts. But the main draw is the climb up the bell tower. The stairs are steep and narrow, but once you’re up there, the views are wide open—red rooftops, the curve of the old city walls, the lagoon, and the barrier islands in the distance. It’s one of the best views in Faro.
This trail is tucked inside the high-end Quinta do Lago area, but it feels surprisingly wild for something so close to the city. It’s part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and stretches for about 3.5 km on a flat, wooden boardwalk. It's easily one of the best hikes in Portugal.
The path leads through salt marshes and lagoons, and if you’re into birdwatching, you’ll probably catch glimpses of flamingos, egrets, or even the elusive purple swamphen. Signs along the way give context about the landscape, and the whole route is easy to follow, with no real hills or rough patches.
It’s a peaceful walk, especially early in the morning or around sunset when the light is softer and the birds are more active. You can even keep walking all the way to the beach if you want to stretch it out.
Arco da vila gateway leading to old town of Faro, Algarve Portugal © Shutterstock
Arco da Vila stands at the entrance to Faro’s Old Town and has been the gateway into the city for centuries. The version you see now was built in 1812, but behind its neoclassical façade is a horseshoe arch that dates back to the 11th century, part of the old Moorish city wall.
Above the arch, there’s a small statue of St. Thomas Aquinas, Faro’s patron saint. You can go inside and climb a narrow spiral staircase—it's tight but manageable—and from the top, there’s a clear view across the marina and the Ria Formosa beyond.
It’s easy to pass through without realizing how much history is packed into the structure, so it’s worth slowing down here, even just for a few minutes. It’s also nicely lit in the evenings if you’re walking through after dark. For more advice, see our Portugal travel tips.
Just outside Faro, the Ria Formosa is a winding network of shallow channels, mudflats, and barrier islands. It’s a protected coastal lagoon, and kayaking through it is a quiet, low-impact way to explore the area—easily one of the best things to do in Faro.
You’ll paddle past oyster beds, shifting sandbanks, and stretches of salt marsh—sometimes alongside herons, egrets, and other birdlife. The water is calm, and the pace is relaxed, so even if you haven’t kayaked before, you’re not likely to feel out of your depth.
Most guided trips last about 2 to 3 hours and leave from the marina or nearby access points. Early mornings tend to be best for birdwatching, while late afternoon tours can be especially nice for the soft light over the water. You’ll learn a bit about the ecosystem as you go. This is a fantastic way to get around Portugal.
Ria Formosa © VisitAlgarve
If you’re curious about Fado and want to hear it somewhere that really understands the tradition, Tertúlia Algarvia in Faro is a good pick. It’s set inside a restored 19th-century building in the old town and focuses on celebrating Algarve culture—Fado included.
Fado is all about expressing saudade, that deep, nostalgic feeling that doesn’t quite translate but hits you anyway, even if you don’t speak Portuguese. Performers sing with real intensity, backed by the distinctive sound of the Portuguese guitar. You can usually catch a show a few nights a week, and they’re often paired with a regional dinner, so you get a full evening out. These are some of the best restaurants in Portugal for entertainment.
The Ecovia do Litoral is a long-distance cycling route that runs for about 133 miles (214 km) along Portugal’s southern coast. Faro is one of the main hubs along the way and a good place to base yourself if you're not planning to tackle the entire thing.
You’ll ride past cliffs, beaches, quiet fishing towns, and long stretches of protected nature. A lot of the route is flat and has dedicated bike lanes, so it's doable even if you’re not a seasoned cyclist. One of the highlights is pedaling through the Ria Formosa Natural Park—especially if you like birdwatching. Depending on the season, you might catch sight of flamingos, herons, or storks.
If you’re starting in Faro, it’s easy to rent a bike or e-bike, and there are a few shops that can help with gear or repairs. Riding along the coast is definitely one of the best things to do in Faro.
Portugal Algarve Seven Hanging Valleys trail, lighthouse Farol de Alfanzina near Benagil © Shutterstock
Ilha Deserta is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and really lives up to its name—there are no permanent residents, no roads, and very little development. It’s only accessible by boat, usually from Faro, and makes a good day trip if you’re looking for some quiet time in nature.
The island has the longest stretch of undeveloped beach in the Algarve—about 4.3 miles (7 kilometers)—and it’s great for a long walk or swim. You’ll also find Portugal’s southernmost point here. There’s a raised wooden path that cuts across the island, which helps protect the dune system.
Aside from the boardwalk and the beach (one of the best beaches in Portugal), there’s just one restaurant, Estaminé, which focuses on seafood and sustainability. It’s the only place to buy food or drinks, so bring water and whatever else you’ll need for the day. Ferries and water taxis usually run more frequently in summer, but it’s a quiet escape year-round if the weather holds up (see more about the weather in our guide to the best time to go to Faro). This is what to do in Faro to get out in nature.
Within the Ria Formosa lagoon, there’s a network of small, family-run oyster farms that use traditional methods to raise oysters in tidal beds. These farms are usually reached by boat from towns like Faro or Olhão, and most tours are guided by someone who works directly with the oysters.
You’ll ride through the shallow channels by small boat, stopping to see how oysters are grown in mesh baskets and how the tides and water quality affect their growth. It’s a low-impact process that’s been refined over generations, and most tours explain both the environmental and economic side of it.
Most visits end with a tasting—fresh oysters opened on the spot, often served with vinho verde or sparkling wine. Depending on the tide, you might have the tasting on a sandbar, a dock, or right on the boat. Without a doubt, this is one of the best things to do in Faro.
Planning a trip to Portugal? Don't miss our guide to the best things to do in Lisbon.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 03.06.2025
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