Top 10 Things to Do in Faro, Portugal (2026 Guide)

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• Get Lost in Cidade Velha (Old Town): Enter through the Arco da Vila, where storks famously nest on the towers. Wander the cobblestone streets lined with orange trees and 13th-century walls.

• Climb the Faro Cathedral Bell Tower: For a small fee, you can head to the top of the Sé Cathedral. It offers the absolute best panoramic view of the city’s terracotta roofs and the shimmering lagoons of Ria Formosa.

• Visit the "Ghoulish" Bone Chapel: Located at the rear of Igreja do Carmo, this chapel is decorated with the bones and skulls of over 1,200 monks. It is both macabre and a fascinating piece of religious history.

• Island-Hop the Ria Formosa: Take a ferry or solar-powered boat through this natural park. Don't miss Ilha Deserta (Barreta Island)—it is uninhabited, pristine, and home to the southernmost point of mainland Portugal.

• Dolphin Watching in the Wild: Set sail from the Faro Marina. In 2026, eco-friendly tours are more popular than ever, taking you out into the Atlantic to see common and bottlenose dolphins.

• The Pink Palace of Estói: A short bus ride away lies the Palácio de Estói. This Rococo-style pink palace features stunning azulejo (blue-and-white tile) gardens and is a perfect "Instagrammable" hidden gem.

• Explore the Roman Ruins of Milreu: Just down the road from the palace, these ruins showcase well-preserved mosaics from an opulent Roman villa, offering a deeper dive into the region's ancient past.

• Sunset Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar: Faro’s nightlife is all about the views. Head to bars like Columbus or 3HB Faro to watch the planes land and the sun set over the marina with a local Medronho cocktail.

• Feast at the Municipal Market: Skip the tourist restaurants for a morning at the Mercado Municipal. Buy fresh oysters and regional pastries like Dom Rodrigos (egg and almond sweets) alongside the locals.

• Hike the Ludo Trail: Perfect for birdwatchers and nature lovers, this trail winds through salt pans and pine forests where you can spot pink flamingos, especially during the spring and autumn months.

Why not see what Malta has to offer in 2026