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When to Visit

Faro as a part of Algarve province has a mild climate with many sunny days. The high season begins in April and lasts until October. As for the winters, they are also mild, with temperatures of +12°. Many people prefer to come to Faro out of the tourist season to admire the nature sightseeings in a calm and tranquil atmosphere.

In summer the temperature of the air can be up to +30 degrees, but it's never too hot because of the refreshing ocean breeze. The water temperature, even in the hottest weather (July-August), is not higher than +22 +24°C. Faro weather characteristics make the city comfortable to visit at any time of the year, but you should focus on the purpose of the trip.

Getting Around

Faro is small so it's possible to see all the major attractions, walking around for 2-3 hours as the weather conditions are pleasant here any time of the year. But public transport is also an available option. The most popular routes are buses number 16 and 14. The visitors of the city can buy tickets directly from the bus drivers for 1.9-2.3 €. Intercity buses run The major cities in the Algarve region are connected by intercity buses. The prices depend on the distance.

The most comfortable way to move around is by car, but in this case, you should remember that it is difficult to park in the central part of Faro. Large, free parking is located near the port. Parking near shopping centers is chargeable.

Travel Information

You can get an unforgettable experience while traveling in Faro if you consider a few simple Faro travel tips:

1. How do you make the first trip to Faro unforgettable?

To make the visit to Faro unforgettable, don't skip the beauty of nature in the Ria Formosa Park, which separates the city from the open ocean. This popular place to relax for both locals and visitors of the city combines lagoons and islands, boasting rich flora and fauna. Then, walk through the city and go directly to the viewpoint with the best view of Faro and the surrounding area, located on the bell tower of the Cathedral.

This is the main religious building of the city, which is also called the Church of St. Mary. The cathedral is also a must-visit place as it impresses travelers with its rich interior decoration and convenient location in the center. Even if you come to Faro in winter, it’s definitely worth spending time on the ocean.

2. What is a list of Faro hidden gems?

Just a 30-minute drive from the city, there is a quaint little village administratively belonging to the Faro region. In ancient times there was a Roman settlement, and nowadays it's an object of a unique cultural and historical heritage. In the center of town is the Igreja Matriz de Estoi, the village's main church in neoclassical style, founded in the 16th century. The building was heavily damaged by a major earthquake in 1755, but later restored. All the wooden elements used in the church's altar were taken from old ships and boats.

As for the nature wonders, there is Benagil Cave in a 45-minute drive from Faro. It has an undoubtedly stunning grotto with a hole in the ceiling known as the "eye". The sunlight goes through it, touching the golden sand and turquoise waters, creating an unbelievable magical image with a clear blue sky above.

3. What dishes are the must-try in Faro?

The greatest influence in the local kitchen of Faro was made by the close proximity to the ocean, so seafood is the main specialty. The most commonly served are trout, sea bass, sardines, swordfish, tuna, and cod (bacalhau), prepared according to various recipes. Seafood is often mixed with rice - for example, arroz de marisco is a popular dish among the locals.

One more dish to try is caldeirada, the traditional fish stew with quite a thick consistency, and various vegetables. As for the meat dishes, try goat stew with tomatoes and onions (cabrito estufado), as well as stews of various types of meat with beans and vegetables (cozido à portuguesa). Lunch or dinner in a restaurant will cost 20-40 Euros.