Faro
Faro
Faro is the capital of Portugal's sunny Algarve region. Located at the southern tip of the country, it's often overlooked as tourists rush to nearby beach resorts, but Faro itself is worth exploring.
The city's historic old town, surrounded by ancient walls, features cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture. The 13th-century cathedral (Sé) offers amazing views from its tower. Faro's bone chapel (Capela dos Ossos) at the Carmo Church is a bit creepy but fascinating - its walls are decorated with the bones of over 1,000 monks.
The Ria Formosa natural park surrounds Faro - it's a stunning lagoon system stretching along the coast with islands, wetlands, and diverse wildlife. It's considered one of Portugal's seven natural wonders.
Faro has a more authentic Portuguese feel compared to some tourist-heavy spots nearby. With around 65,000 residents, it maintains a relaxed pace of life. The city enjoys over 300 sunny days per year, making it a great year-round destination. Its university brings a youthful energy to the city, with students filling the cafes and bars in the evening.
The food scene focuses on fresh seafood, with clams, octopus, and sardines as local specialties. Don't miss trying a cataplana, a traditional seafood stew cooked in a copper pot.
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Things to do in Faro
Top things to do in Faro by www.planetware.com
Where to stay in Faro
Best hotels in Faro:
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Hotel 3K Faro (budget hotel)
Hotel 3K Faro is a great spot if you're flying in or out of Faro Airport. It's just a quick 10-15 minute walk from the terminal, so super convenient for early morning flights or late arrivals.
The rooms are clean and comfy, with air conditioning and balconies. There's also a nice outdoor pool where you can relax and soak up some sun. The staff are friendly and helpful if you need anything during your stay.
While it's not right in the center of Faro, there's a grocery store nearby if you want to grab some snacks. And if you feel like venturing into town, it's only about a 10-minute drive. Overall, it's a solid choice for a night or two, especially if you want to be close to the airport without sacrificing comfort.
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À dos Reis (homestay)
À dos Reis is an old-world character with modern comforts. Located on a lively street in the historic center, it's just steps away from restaurants, bars, and major sights. The recently renovated building maintains touches that pay homage to its past as the home of a master carpenter named Joaquim.
The three cozy rooms each have their own bathroom, air conditioning, and TV. Two rooms even boast balconies with views over the city and Ria Formosa lagoon. Downstairs, guests can mingle in the shared kitchen and lounge areas. The friendly hosts Sónia and João go out of their way to make you feel at home and share insider tips about exploring Faro and the Algarve region.
With its central location and homey atmosphere, À dos Reis offers the perfect base for experiencing the best of Faro. You're within easy walking distance of the old town, marina, churches, and museums. After a day of sightseeing, you can relax on one of the balconies and watch the sunset over the city.
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3HB Faro (luxury hotel)
3HB Faro is a modern and comfy, with cool touches like Bluetooth speakers and USB ports by the beds. The rooftop is definitely the highlight - there's an infinity pool with amazing views over the city, plus a bar for cocktails at sunset.
The breakfast spread is pretty epic, with tons of fresh options including homemade yogurt. There are two restaurants on-site if you don't feel like venturing out. The staff are super friendly and helpful too.
Location-wise, you're just steps from Faro's main sights and restaurants. It's also an easy trip to the airport or train station. Overall, this place nails the upscale modern vibe while still feeling warm and welcoming. Perfect for a stylish city break in the Algarve.
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Roots Hotel (medium range hotel)
Roots Hotel is close to the train station, making it easy to get around. The rooms are modern and have everything you need, including kitchenettes so you can whip up your own meals if you want. Some even have balconies with city views.
The place is spotless and the staff are really friendly and helpful. There's a nice outdoor patio area where you can relax, complete with a saltwater waterfall. It's a great base for exploring Faro's charming old town, with its whitewashed churches and narrow alleys just a short walk away.
Overall, Roots Hotel offers comfort and convenience in a central location. The mix of apartment-style rooms and hotel amenities gives you the best of both worlds for your stay in Faro.
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Best hostels in Faro:
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Hostel Casa d'Alagoa (hostel)
Hostel Casa d'Alagoa is a historic building has tons of character, with high ceilings and balconies overlooking a garden square. It's super close to all the main sights - you can easily walk to the old walled city center and check out the cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
The hostel has a laid-back vibe with a mix of dorms and private rooms. There's a big kitchen if you want to cook, plus outdoor spaces like a terrace and barbecue area to hang out. The staff are really friendly and organize fun activities like dinners and bar crawls to help you meet other travelers.
With its central location and social atmosphere, Casa d'Alagoa is a great home base for exploring Faro and the Algarve region. You're just steps away from restaurants, shops and the bus station, making it easy to take day trips to the beaches nearby. Overall it's a chill, budget-friendly option in a prime spot.