Faro holidays - Short breaks, weekend breaks and trips to Faro

Faro City Guide

The Algarve is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. It’s known for having 300 days of sunshine per year, great seafood, top golf courses and beautiful resorts. With this kind of weather and a coastline that runs for approximately 200 kilometres, non-stop, notable for its picturesque limestone caves and idyllic beaches, it’s no wonder it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

Faro, the Capital of Algarve

Faro is a picturesque city that’s well worth taking the time to explore. It has both Portuguese and Moorish-influenced architecture dating back centuries. In the old city, or Cidade Velha, on the eastern side of Faro’s Marina, you will find plenty of signs of the city’s past, alongside the theatres and cafes. This is a very compact part of town, so you can easily walk from attraction to attraction.

The Cathedral of Faro, also known as Sé, is one of the most important historic buildings of Faro. The view from the tower of Sé Cathedral offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views over Faro. Adjacent to the Cathedral is the 17th Century Episcopal Palace, another example of the city’s incredible architecture and the official residence of the local Bishop.

Faro is the largest city in the region and is a transport hub for the region, being home to the Algarve’s Airport and also playing host to the University of Algarve.

Beaches

Most of Faro’s best beaches are out on the islands. Take a ferry from the Porta Nova Pier in the Marina to the Natural Reserve Ria Formosa, a barrier of islands with awesome beaches. During the 30-minute ride you can enjoy the views and relax with the wind in your hair. If you’d rather not travel by boat, Faro Beach is also connected by bridge and can be reached by car.

Food, Nightlife and Shopping

The Ria Formosa Seafood Festival is held every year in Faro in August, serving traditional and drinks and seafood dishes local to the Algarve. For local arts and crafts, fish, fruits and vegetables don’t miss a visit to Faro’s daily market in Largo do Mercado.

You’ll find most of the city’s top restaurants in the town squares, such as Praça Ferreira de Almeida. If you’re looking for a night on the town, head over to Rua do Castelo and Rua do Prior, which really gets going during the weekends.

If you have a shopping itch to scratch, visit the Forum Algarve shopping mall with its big brand shops and boutique stores.

Accommodation

When it comes to choosing the best place to stay in Faro, options range from high rise resorts to traditional guesthouses or restored mansions. Many of these are run by Dutch, English and Germans expats who have chosen to live in the Algarve for the relaxed lifestyle.

Whatever your budget, no matter what kind of experience you are seeking during your stay, Faro is one city to add to your wish list.

Top Hotel Deals

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€89

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Hotel Eva

Avenida da Republica, 1, Faro

4.2

of 5, from 594 reviews

4.0 out of 5.0

With views over Faro's glamorous waterfront, Hotel Eva is a 5-minute walk from the lively Old Town. Guests can take a boat to Ria Formosa National Park and watch the birds take flight. Faro Beach, with its picturesque fishermen's houses and watersports in summer, is a 15-minute drive away.

€58

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Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto

Caixa Postal 409-A, Faro

4.1

of 5, from 132 reviews

3.0 out of 5.0

Situated near the airport, this hotel is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from University of Algarve and 2.6 mi (4.2 km) from Faro Island Beach. Carmo Church and Faro Municipal Theater are also within 6 mi (10 km).

€99

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Hotel Faro & Beach Club

Praca D Francisco Gomes 2, Faro

4.1

of 5, from 220 reviews

4.0 out of 5.0

This family-friendly Faro hotel is located on the boardwalk, just steps from Faro Marina and Misericordia Church. Hermitage of Nossa Senhora de Guia and Sao Pedro Church are also within 5 minutes.

€46

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Hotel Mónaco

Rua João Baptista Severino, Faro

3.7

of 5, from 70 reviews

3.0 out of 5.0

Located in Montenegro, this hotel is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Forum Algarve Mall and 2 mi (3.3 km) from Carmo Church. University of Algarve and Faro Municipal Theater are also within 2 mi (3 km).

€42

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Stay Hotel Faro Centro

Rua de Portugal 17, Faro

3.9

of 5, from 85 reviews

3.0 out of 5.0

Located in Faro City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Algarve Regional Museum and Carmo Church. Sao Pedro Church and Repouso Arch are also within 10 minutes.

€47

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Hotel Sol Algarve

Rua Infante Dom Henrique 52, Faro

3.9

of 5, from 81 reviews

2.0 out of 5.0

Located in Faro City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Sao Pedro Church and Carmo Church. Faro Marina and Vila Arch are also within 10 minutes.

€68

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Faro Boutique Hotel

Rua do Bocage, 66, Faro

4.4

of 5, from 42 reviews

3.0 out of 5.0

Located in Faro City Centre, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Algarve Regional Museum and Carmo Church. Repouso Arch and Sao Francisco Church are also within 5 minutes.

€43

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Best Western Hotel Dom Bernardo

Rua General Teofilo Da Trindade 20, Faro

3.0 out of 5.0

Wed, 29 Nov - Wed, 6 Dec

Dublin - Faro Intl.

€176
per person

Luna Hotel Da Oura

Top Deals on Flights

These prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices quoted are per person, return, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Fri, 24 Nov - Mon, 27 Nov

DUB

Dublin

FAO

Faro Intl.

€81.58

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Thu, 12 Jul - Sat, 21 Jul

ORK

Cork

FAO

Faro Intl.

€185.65

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Mon, 4 Jun - Mon, 18 Jun

SNN

Shannon

FAO

Faro Intl.

€217.98

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Tue, 24 Oct - Thu, 2 Nov

NOC

Ireland West

FAO

Faro Intl.

€217.98

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Faro Vacations