Here’s our Faro Anti-Tourist Guide to make sure you take the best of it while feeling like a local.
One of the most southern points of Portugal, Faro has a lot to offer. Check out our Faro Anti-Tourist Guide and get ready to start your best journey!
Immerse yourself in the relaxing vibe of vibrant neighbourhoods of the city, diverse culinary scene, and a wide range of cultural events and activities.
Let’s find answers to the most important questions about traveling to Faro to have the most amazing experience there!
How many days should I save to visit Faro?
Tricky question! You could really spend weeks discovering all the cafes, art galleries and museums in Faro like in many European countries. But if you are backpacking or Interrailing and your travel time is limited, a couple of days would be enough to visit all must-see spots in Faro.
Now that this is covered, our next question is…
What are the main highlights of Faro?
1. Faro’s Cultural Scene
a) Roman ruins of Faro
Dive into the historical heritage of this city and explore the antique scenes and various monuments in Faro. From the Roman villas of Milreu, which still has colourful buildings and art pieces, to Cerro da Vila where you will find an ancient village full of artifacts!
b) Natural beauty of Faro
Faro is also renown for having a rich and incredible nature. Laying next to the old town, Ria Formosa is a huge natural park. Nature lovers will definitely find great areas to hike and explore here. It is covered in small islands divided by rivers all the way into the sea. Many regular and occasional guests come here to realise different activities. From fishing to hiking. But it is most famous for the migratory birds that come all the way from Africa. Filling the skies and marshes of colour!
c) Nightlife in Faro
Faro has a cozy nightlife. People enjoy late meals and drink delicious local wine under the stars. Don’t you worry, the town still has something for those who enjoy a good party as well. Our suggestion is to start your night by pre-drinks with fellow travellers at Casa D’Alagoa’s bar and discover the best bars in Faro by mingling with the locals. Enjoy a few games with your friends in GAME OVER, party like there is no tomorrow in Call In Faro, or enjoy a nice glass of wine in Bago Wine Bar.
2. Where to Eat in Faro
Faro holds special spot in any list for the best foodie destinations in Europe, we made a list with another 9 destinations here. Thanks to its traditional vibes, Faro’s gastronomic spread stands out for its local scene.
- Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try the region traditional foods like Cataplana de pescado (steamed fish or seafood), Piri Piri Chicken (butterfried chicken), or Bifanas (pork sandwiches). Our top pick of traditional restaurants is Taberna Zé-Zé, Cataplanas Place, and Cantinho da Ronha. All of them have an authentic atmosphere and interesting history behind them.
- Mercearia São Pedro – is a restaurant full of delicious local dishes. For a great price it can offer you a selection of the best meals you have only dreamt of! This is an extremely local restaurant. So expect the most authentic vibe!
- Faro Municipal Market – this one is a bit of a street food place. This is the local market where people go to buy fresh local products. It is also the best place to sample local dishes. Such as Pastel de Faro (pastry) or local wines. There is also live music every once in a while. Definitively a must go!
3. What to see in Faro
For us, the best way to discover a city is by walking it. We have made a list which covers all the must-see sites in the city, such as:
- Igreja do Carmo
- Cidade Velha (Old town district)
- Capela dos ossos
- Armona Island
- Praia de Faro
If you have more than a couple of days in Faro, we suggest you take the opportunity to explore its surroundings too. Fuseta, Almancil, Quarteira, Olhao, are just one of many other beautiful places to visit.
Did you know that Faro is an incredible place to take pictures? Its one of the Top of 42 Instagramable Hot Spots in Europe! Check them out to choose your next destination!
4. Alternative places in Faro
Now that we’ve covered the main points everyone should see in the 2 days in Faro, here’s our bonus section with some off-the-beaten-path attractions for you:
- Ilha Deserta – south of the town there is a vast beach area. Called desert island, it is a beautiful spot just after a natural park. Perfect for those who are looking for a retreat from the town life!
- Ludo trail – a lesser-known green area where you can enjoy nature, walk around, or have a picnic. And all that with amazing views of the Formosa Natural Park.
- Hangares – a small village on the nearby island inhabited by fishermen, it is the perfect spot to try some aquatic activities. You will find the best area to see the sunset!
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