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Things to do in Faro

The Algarve’s capital charms explorers with its walled old town, eclectic architecture, and nature reserve.

Our most recommended things to do in Faro

Faro: Ria Formosa Faro Islands Catamaran Tour

1. Faro: Ria Formosa Faro Islands Catamaran Tour

Sail to the beautiful Ria Formosa Natural Park by catamaran, with regular departures scheduled from Faro. The journey follows the Ria Formosa channels and includes stops at the magical islands of Farol and Deserta. See the imposing Santa Maria Lighthouse in Farol and enjoy time to explore and try island cuisine. In Deserta, admire the rolling dunes and unique landscapes. Look out for unique flora and fauna, including the chameleon. Enjoy plenty of swimming opportunities on both islands, with secluded beaches and pristine shores. On board, learn about the islands and the park with insightful commentary from your guide in various languages.

From Faro: Benagil Cave and Marinha Beach Guided Day Trip

2. From Faro: Benagil Cave and Marinha Beach Guided Day Trip

After gathering at the tour meeting point, your van will depart from Faro for the approximately hour-long journey after which you will arrive to Benagil Beach. It will be from this location, together with your instructor, that you will enter the cave. It will take between 5 and 10 minutes to enter the cave, after which you will have 40 minutes inside to enjoy its unique environment. You can choose to spend your time taking photos, swimming, and just generally relaxing. It will soon be time to head to Marinha Beach, which is considered the most beautiful beach in Portugal. At this location you will have an hour to discover the amazing cliffs and views, following which you will head back to Faro.

Faro: Dolphin and Wildlife Watching in the Atlantic Ocean

3. Faro: Dolphin and Wildlife Watching in the Atlantic Ocean

Discover different species of cetaceans, birds and other marine life on this exciting experience in the Algarve. Leaving from Faro, cross through Ria Formosa Natural Park towards the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the views of the Barrier Islands (Deserta and Culatra) or the marshlands as you cruise to the coastline. Once you reach the ocean, spot wildlife such as dolphins, whales, and porpoises. Whale season is between February and May, while dolphins are resident all year round. You will also see birds such as gannets and shearwaters flying overhead. When it comes to fish, spot species such as ocean sunfish, blue sharks, and hammerhead sharks, as well as a few marine turtles. A team of two marine biologists will help you find as many species as possible during your time on the ocean, and give you facts and information about the fauna and the surroundings.  After spotting a group of dolphins, enjoy 30 minutes free to watch the group. Feel free to ask any questions regarding dolphins and other marine life to one of your guides and take the opportunity to learn more about how biologists collect data for scientific research on dolphin populations. Once your observation time is over, return to Ria Formosa and cruise back to Faro.

Lagoa: Slide & Splash Water Park Entrance Ticket

4. Lagoa: Slide & Splash Water Park Entrance Ticket

Enjoy a day at Slide and Splash in Lagoa with its more 25 attractions. Relax in the cabanas, unwind with a massage, visit the fish spa center, and more. Experience the newest area of the park, home to the Big Fall, the Boomerang, a float trip with light effects, a full-speed shuttle, and the Race. Discover pools and water slides suitable for guests of all ages. For younger guests, enjoy the fantasy water world of Tropical Paradise and the children's Foam Slides. Thrill-seekers can ride the gravity-defying Big Wave or the new Big Fall, the fastest "trip-capsule" in the park – only for the bravest. Enjoy the Disco River, the Black Hole, the Banzai, shows with macaws, massages, the fish spa, 6 dining locations, and more. Relax in the leisure area with its 15 cabanas. Experience these new areas reserved for groups of 4-10 people. Enjoy perks such as fridge use, safes, and discounts at the restaurant and shop.

Loulé: Quinta da Tôr Winery Guided Tour & Wine Tasting

5. Loulé: Quinta da Tôr Winery Guided Tour & Wine Tasting

Visit Quinta da Tôr, a local family-owned winery in Algarve, and learn more about wine making as well as what makes it so special in the Algarve region. Taste 4 different wines from the winery with traditional bread and olive oil from the region. Algarve is known for its amazing beaches, golf courses and famous caves, but for some years now the wineries have become one of the highlights of the region, gaining recognition both nationally and internationally. During your tour of the winery you will not only see the facilities of the winery, but also learn more about the unique climate here: the low temperatures in the winter and high temperatures in the Summer, which allows Algarve to have a good and balanced maturation of the 7 grapes that its land has to offer (Touriga Nacional, Sirah, Carbernet Sauvignon, Aragonez, Siria, Arinto, Chardonnay). After your tour, indulge in a wine tasting with 4 different wines selected around your choice of wine class and type. Select from the groupings: Classic Wines, Oaky Wines, Brave Wines, Premium Wines and Golden Algibre Wines. Taste the regional bread and olive-oil with your wine.

Faro: Eco-Friendly Ria Formosa Bird Watching in Solar Boat

6. Faro: Eco-Friendly Ria Formosa Bird Watching in Solar Boat

Ria Formosa is a place of extreme nature, with an environment that is always different at every hour of the day. This is due largely to the fact that the sea level rises and falls about 3 meters every 6 hours. Whilst there, you will discover a complete self-regenerating ecosystem, which allows a part of the local population to develop fishing and shellfish production. This provides all of the ingredients for the varied diets of the migratory birds that continue returning to this area year after year. Watch the hunting of predatory birds, or enter into a maze of canals where the only thing that you will hear is the sound of the birds calling and their interactions with one another. At the conclusion of your tour, you will return by boat to your tour's point of origin.

Algarve Coast: Dolphin Watching & Cave Tour

7. Algarve Coast: Dolphin Watching & Cave Tour

Explore the Algarve coast which is legendary for pirate adventures and pristine beaches. Cruise along the coast between Albufeira Marina and Carvoeiro beach on a luxury boat that offers you the chance to swim, relax, and maybe even see a dolphin or two. Begin with a relaxing ride through the caves and rock formations that make this landscape so unique. Stop for swim in a stunning location with stunning views. Head out to sea in your search for the playful dolphins who call these waters home. Enjoy sailing along in comfortable vessel that is ideal looking for dolphins. Learn facinating facts about these majestic animals from your guide. Return to the meeting point at the end of your tour.

From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour

8. From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour

Enjoy a catamaran tour in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Discover its 3 islands with 4 stops included. Swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters, explore a traditional fishing village and see how oysters are farmed. Start your tour by crossing the channels of the Ria Formosa to observe the seabirds feeding on the edges of the marshes. Enjoy your first stop for 45 minutes at Ilha Deserta and swim and snorkel in the crystalline waters. Then, head to the next stop, Ilha do Farol for another 45 minutes to discover the lighthouse and take pictures of the typical Algarve houses around it. Sail towards Ilha da Culatra for the third stop, a fishing community, for 2 hours of free time. Enjoy the option to have lunch at a traditional restaurant on the island where the main course varies between fresh fish and seafood. Finally, make your last stop where you can observe oyster farming in the Hangars. Admire the tide changes at the Ria Formosa.

Olhão: 4-Hour Ria Formosa Islands Tour

9. Olhão: 4-Hour Ria Formosa Islands Tour

Navigate the waterways between the barrier islands of Ria Formosa off the coast of Olhão and discover a paradise of nature. Enjoy great views of the Farol Bar and Santa Maria Lighthouse on Farol Island. Stop for lunch in the fishing village of Culatra, home to about 1,000 residents with shops, a school, church, medical office, and even its own football pitch. Savor the local fresh fish at a typical restaurant or go for a nice picnic on the beach. Continue to Armona Bay and island, where you will stop for another 30 minutes to appreciate the nature. Return to Olhão, passing close to several tuna factories and the fishing harbor. See a larger area of Ria Formosa than most other tours, and benefit from the expert knowledge of your skipper to learn about the flora and fauna.

Boat trip from Faro to Ilha Deserta by Ferry

10. Boat trip from Faro to Ilha Deserta by Ferry

Discover a hidden paradise of the Algarve on a catamaran cruise from Faro. Climb aboard to journey through the channels of the Ria Formosa Natural Park on a 45-minute trip to see seabirds and native plants. Then, dock at Ilha Deserta (also known as Barreta Island and Santa Maria Cape Island). Only accessible by boat, the island remains unspoiled and it’s hard to believe such a natural jewel still exists in Europe. Go to a unique beach at the southernmost point of Portugal and sample the traditional flavors of the Algarve at the environmentally-friendly Estaminé Restaurant. Opt to stay on the island for a few hours or the entire day, and return to Faro whenever you want. Avail of a number of return crossings for your convenience.

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Frequently asked questions about Faro

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Other Sightseeing Options in Faro

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What people are saying about Faro

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 6,741 reviews

The communication was perfect. The night before I was contacted by WA and all details were sent through it. Meeting point, photo with it, everything necessary to have a stress free preparation. When we arrived, a bit late, the skipper was waiting for us. His name is William, a great character with a lot of experience sailing the region. Every minute it was safe and although we booked 4 hours we were in total 5 hours on the journey. 3 islands, great info/food! I recommend these guys! Really local and good value!

The tour with William was excellent. We enjoyed learning about the Ria Formosa and clam and oyster farming, and exploring a few islands. There was plenty of time to wander, enjoy the beaches and relax. The fresh fish lunch was excellent. Highly recommend.

The beach, caves and cliffs are a must see. The views on the cliff walks are incredible. The wetsuits for the swim to the caves were still wet (and cold) fron previous outings. Some of it felt a bit rushed.

Very good tour. Stunningly beautiful rocks and coastline line view from speedboat. Paulo was a good guide, liked his sense of humour. Will highly recommend.

The guide Miguel was excellent. The boat was comfortable and nice. The tour was well planned and managed