Tired of the lockdown and looking for a memorable vacation to a peculiar place? Great! Now you’ve landed on the right page. Read this article and travel virtually to explore the top things to do in Faro in Portugal. Being the capital city of the Algarve, Faro is truly a versatile city that will attract tourists for different reasons. In fact, this coastal town will satisfy your craving for beaches, sunshine, bars and amazing seafood as well. To sum up, the city’s natural environment, lagoons and a maze of waterways are some of the best in Europe and will truly impress you in all possible ways.
Top 10 Things to Do in Faro
- Faro Cathedral
- Arco Da Villa
- Cidade Velha
- Ria Formosa Cruise
- Island Beaches
- Igreja do Carmo
- Faro Municipal Museum
- Muralhas de Faro
- Museu Marítimo Almirante Ramalho Ortigão
- Praia de Faro
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#1 Faro Cathedral
First in the list of attractions in Faro comes the Faro Cathedral. This mesmerizing monument was built in the year 1215. Since the place was ruled by Moors, the cathedral has a warlike appearance with a square Gothic tower. Witness the streets, lagoons and other attractions in Faro from this tower. Then you will be stumbled on the rich and luxurious interiors with gilded woodwork and tile panels. Eventually, get attracted by the shiny gold altar and side chapels even from a longer distance.
#2 Arco Da Villa
The age-old Arco da Villa is truly one of the must-visit attractions in Faro. In the year 1812, the Faro waterside gateway was given a striking new touch. An Italian architect named Francisco Fabri worked hard in order to give a welcoming ambience to this attraction. Get amazed at the pediments, balustrade, pinnacles and belfry. On top of the belfry lies the permanent stork’s nest which is one of the highlights here. Witness the statue of St Thomas Aquinas in an alcove.
#3 Cidade Velha
Enter into a whole new world in Faro through this arch of Cidade Velha by the marina. Once you reach Faro’s old town, you will feel like you are in a completely different place far away from the city. You will experience a quieter enclave with calçada Portuguesa, whitewashed houses roofed with terracotta tiles, and sequestered little squares where you might discover solitary and suttle restaurants. Grab some oranges in the beautiful plaza in front of the cathedral, which has rows of orange trees.
#4 Ria Formosa Cruise
An immense lagoon that flows along the coast of Faro for around 60 kilometres is protected by Ria Formosa. If you are interested in knowing about the natural splendour and traditional modes of life of Faro, Ria Formosa is one of the best attractions in Faro where you can know that. You can also spot flamingos, razorbills, spoonbills, storks, ospreys, stilts and shanks here. Take a nature-spotting trip on an old tuna-fishing barge as you can feel a Portuguese way of living here.
#5 Island Beaches
Visit the golden sandy beaches with turquoise blue lagoons in Faro and you will lever feel like leaving the place. You could only reach the beaches by boats and there are no other means to reach the place. This is the most private and secluded place in Faro. All you can see is the lighthouse and some isolated communities. You can also go on a guided boat trip and spend a whole day by sinking your body in the smooth sands of Faro. The island beach is indeed one of the must-visit attractions in Faro.
#6 Igreja do Carmo
The Igreja do Carmo church was built in the 18th century. It is considered as one of the most prized historical monuments in Algarve. Throughout your tour, you will be lamenting about the beauty of the Portuguese baroque architecture and the intricate sculptures. The gilded woodwork, stained glass and tilework have gained a separate fanbase in the region and are some of the exciting things to see in Portugal.
#7 Faro Municipal Museum
Faro Municipal is the second oldest museum in Algarve and is one of the important attractions in Faro. Initially, it was opened in 1894 on the 500th birthday of Henry the Navigator. You can witness a bulk collection of the Roman period. The inscribed stones, mosaics from the 2nd century and marble busts of Emperor Hadrian and Agrippina will captivate your attention. All other worlds are said to be the collections of monasteries and churches around Faro.
#8 Muralhas de Faro
Want to know more about Faro’s primitive pre-Roman origins? The walls that surround this compact town have a lot to speak about the history of Romans. Initially, it was set up during the Roman empire. Later in the Moorish period, it was restored and renovated. The magnificent Arco do Repouso also known as the Arch of rest is still standing strong in the town. You can also visit the other two gateways namely Arco da Vila and Arco da Porta Nova.
#9 Museu Marítimo Almirante Ramalho Ortigão
Initially, Algarve was an entirely different place. Before it became a tourist destination the city had a quaint touch ever. To know about the city, its ancient culture and traditions, head to the Museu Marítimo Almirante Ramalho Ortigão. Get a sneak peek also about the marine life and port which was founded back in the year 1931. Know about the marine species off these shores, like tuna, squid and sardines, and the story of Faro’s fishing industry as well. Take some amazing pictures near the authentic navigation instruments and model ships displayed here.
#10 Praia de Faro
Out of all the beaches of Faro, Praia de Faro is the only beach that can be reached by road. Fortunately, It is located at close proximity to the airport. Meanwhile, stroll around the endless length of pristine golden sand with knee-high waves and busy bars. Do not miss exploring the local cuisine of Faro in welcoming restaurants. To sum up, Praia de Faro is one of the top attractions that you should not miss.
It’s time to venture out the less trodden trails of the world. Also, there are many other attractions apart from the above-mentioned places in Faro. Some of them include Milreu Roman Remains, Palácio de Estói, Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve and Forum Algarve. With the aroma of local cuisine, refreshing coastal winds and Roman legacy, Faro will truly be your favourite destination. Head to the Pickyourtrail website and start planning your Portugal tour packages right away.
