Faro Holidays

Faro is the Algarve’s regional capital, but it has a calmer, more lived-in feel than many of the purpose-built holiday resorts further along the coast. It suits travellers who like a mix of culture, good food, easy transport links and access to natural beaches rather than a full-on resort strip.

The historic centre, known as the Cidade Velha, is one of Faro’s main draws. Inside the old city walls you’ll find cobbled lanes, quiet squares, the cathedral and traditional buildings that give the area plenty of character. Around the marina and pedestrian streets, the atmosphere becomes livelier, with cafés, shops and restaurants that are easy to explore on foot.

Faro is not a beachfront resort in the usual sense, as the city sits beside the Ria Formosa lagoon rather than directly on the open sea. However, beaches are still close by. Ilha de Faro is the easiest to reach, with a long sandy beach on a barrier island and a more relaxed, local feel. Boat trips also run into the Ria Formosa Natural Park, including routes to islands such as Ilha Deserta and Ilha do Farol, where you’ll find wide sands, clear water and a quieter setting.

Food is a big part of a Faro holiday. Restaurants range from simple tascas serving grilled fish and seafood rice to smarter places around the old town and marina. Local specialities often include clams, octopus, cataplana and fresh fish from the Algarve coast.

Evenings in Faro are generally relaxed rather than rowdy. There are bars around the marina, old town and central streets, with a sociable feel, especially during weekends and university term time. It’s a good choice if you want drinks and atmosphere without the intensity of the Algarve’s bigger nightlife resorts.

Popular things to do include visiting the Chapel of Bones at Igreja do Carmo, climbing the cathedral tower for views, browsing local shops, taking a Ria Formosa boat tour and using Faro as a base for easy day trips by train or bus to places such as Olhão, Tavira and Loulé.