Faro Things to do

Explore the Algarve’s lively leading town
Faro on Portugal’s sunny Algarve coastline offers holiday visitors far more than an airport town. Away from the international airport, Faro itself is a lively, bustling town, considered the region’s capital, and is well worth a visit as there are many things to do here. You’ll find attractive low-rise, white washed buildings, fascinating shopping streets and a beautiful Cathedral to explore. Another remarkable monument is the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, also ensure to take time to visit Faro’s museums including the Museu Infante Dom Henrique, and the Museu Etnográfico. You’ll also find some great bars and nightclubs in Faro.

Eat and Drink along shady streets
In Faro a great thing to do is wander around the shady, cobbled streets to choose a café or restaurant and sample the delights of Portuguese cuisine. There are countless eateries to enjoy but why not check out Dois Irmaos, the oldest restaurant in Faro, which began serving excellent seafood back in 1925. You’ll find it opposite the Cathedral on Largo Terreiro do Bispo, based in an old corner house fronted by beautiful gardens. Meanwhile Flor da Ameixa is a relaxed, good value restaurant with an indoor grill - a great place to eat chicken piri piri and other grilled specialities. For more pricey gourmet meals overlooking the beach, head to Camane on Praia de Far.

Visit Quarteira’s fish market and gypsy market
From Faro it’s easy to take day trips to neighbouring towns along the Algarve. Quarteira is a popular destination for a half-day trip. It’s a bustling town, with an attractive seafront and busy fish market. There’s also a regular gypsy market at Quarteira giving you the chance to haggle for clothes, shoes, pottery and handicrafts.

Play golf on some of the best courses in Europe
There are at least six great golf courses within 30 minutes drive of Faro centre. Just like the Costa del Sol in Spain, the Algarve boasts some of the very best golf courses in Europe. You can play in clement weather conditions and of course benefit from great views of the surrounding countryside and the ocean.

Take the kids to a Theme Park
Close to Faro is Atlantic Park, providing a fantastic day out for the family. Here you will find enormous ‘water-coasters’ and other spectacular water rides. You’ll enjoy great views as you ascend and descend, and the whole aqua park is set in beautiful subtropical gardens, so be sure to stay for lunch and enjoy all the other facilities. You’re advised to take you swimwear with you, as getting soaked is all part of the fun.

Head to the unspoilt beach at Tavira
Just half an hour east of Faro is the attractive town of Tavira. It’s famous for its Roman Bridge over the River Gilao, and gorgeously old Algarve architecture. Beyond the town and accessible by a short, pleasant ferry ride is a gorgeous golden sandy beach, so wide and unspoilt that you never feel crowded. For a departure from some of the busier beach resorts around Faro, this is a wonderful thing to do. Follow your day on Tavira beach with a great seafood meal back in the town.

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