How to spend a long weekend in Faro, Portugal

Daniel James Clarke

Daniel James Clarke

The Algarve*, Portugal's southern coastal region, has long been a favourite sunny beach escape. Millions fly into Faro* yearly, using the region's capital as a gateway to week-long holidays in whitewashed beachfront resorts.

Faro’s historic cathedral
Faro’s historic cathedral © Hector Christiaen - Adobe Stock Image

Yet, often-overlooked Faro makes for a great weekend city break, too. There's enough to entertain without being too hectic. The airport practically touches the sand. And you can experience much of the Algarve's charm without hiring a car.

I'm likely biased; the Algarve's been my home for years but the stats back me up. Skyscanner recently reported* that Faro had 2023's biggest drop in flight prices, and the European Environment Agency ranks it as Europe's third least polluted city in 2024. Perhaps most importantly, it's one of the continent's sunniest cities year-round.

Here's how to spend a long weekend in Faro, soaking up the region's culture, cuisine and all-important coastline on a short sun-kissed getaway.

Getting to Faro: find great value city breaks to Faro with Jet2holidays*, which departs from airports across the UK year-round.

Friday afternoon

It's just a 20-minute bus ride from the airport to Faro's compact historic centre, Cidade Velha, easily toured on foot in one afternoon. Start with a coffee along the marina before entering the 9th-century walls via the Arco da Vila passageway.

Cobbled streets of Faro’s Old Town
Cobbled streets of Faro’s Old Town © Antonel - Adobe Stock Image

Earthquakes and a tsunami devastated much of Faro in the 18th century. Yet, once you're inside these sturdy walls, a tangle of cobbled streets and reconstructed heritage buildings will take you back in time.

Reaching the central plaza, edged by fragrant orange trees and the impressive Paço Episcopal, a former bishop's palace, head inside the cathedral, Sé de Faro, and climb the bell tower.

From above the terracotta rooftops, you'll have beautiful views across the wetlands and sandbars of the Ria Formosa nature reserve. You might even spot flamingos or storks.

At Museu Municipal, the Algarve's history unfolds inside a former convent. Here, you'll learn about the many cultures that have influenced the region, from Phoenician and Roman influences to the Islamic occupation. The highlight is the magnificent Roman Mosaic of the Ocean. There are often ticketed afternoon performances of Fado, Portugal's melancholic, soulful music, mid-afternoon.

After all that history, you've earned a drink. Beat the crowds to O Castelo, a popular bar atop the Old Town's walls, to ensure a front-row sunset seat overlooking the lagoon.

Friday evening

You can't come to the Algarve and not sample the region's signature dish, seafood cataplana. This flavoursome stew, cooked in a sealed copper pot of the same name, usually bursts with plump prawns, mussels, clams, and white fish.

Rich and tasty cataplana
Rich and tasty cataplana © Ricardo Rocha - Adobe Stock Image

Most restaurants in the Old Town serve their take on cataplana. Cantinho, with its traditional kitchen-style decor and characterful staff, would be my tip.

After dinner, why not join the locals for some live music and dancing? The Associação Recreativa, which occupies a former brewery, hosts performers in its open-air courtyard bar.

Saturday morning

Treat yourself to a pastel de nata (egg custard tart) or two for breakfast before taking the bus to Loulé. It's a 35-minute journey to this inland town, best known for its eye-catching neo-Arabic market. Being Saturday morning, expect plenty of action as you stroll through the stalls mounded with seafood and locally-grown oranges.

The colourful market in Loulé
The colourful market in Loulé © Bwendeln - Dreamstime.com

My favourite thing about Loulé is that the town has worked hard to preserve the Algarve's regional crafts. Ambling the town's narrow streets, you'll stumble on workshops where you can witness artisans at work.

Some are open on Saturday mornings, including Casa da Empreita for palm weaving and Oficina de Caldeireiros, where skilled workers craft copper cataplanas.

It's also worth checking if Loulé Criativo is hosting any workshops during your visit. You might be able to decorate an azulejo (Portugal's painted tiles) or fashion items out of cork for a very personal souvenir.

For a traditional Portuguese lunch, cosy Bocage is a great choice. I'm a big fan of their excellent value menú del día. Then, before returning to Faro, make a quick stop at the Castle Museum or the recently excavated Islamic Baths.

Saturday afternoon

There are many ways to explore the expansive Ria Formosa that fronts Faro. Silent electric boats will take you on bird-watching trips, while kayak tours are equally serene.

A wading blackwinged stilt in the Ria Formosa
A wading blackwinged stilt in the Ria Formosa © Rudiernst - Adobe Stock Image

Why not go further on a sunset boat trip to spot dolphins dancing in the deep blue? Ocean Vibes, led by friendly Alfredo, offers responsible trips accompanied by marine biologists. With his expert knowledge, you're pretty much guaranteed dolphin sightings, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a whale.

Saturday evening

Seafood may rule supreme in the Algarve, but piri piri chicken is another tasty local staple. Chargrilled and marinated in the region's signature spicy sauce, it tastes best from a churrasqueira (grill restaurant). I'd recommend O Recife, where you'll receive a warm welcome and decent portions.

After dinner, head to EPICUR Wine Boutique to learn more about Portugal's world-class wines. The wine-obsessed owners Jorge and Pedro have an impressive array of wines from across the Algarve and Portugal and will happily pair you with the perfect glass (or two).

Sundays are beach days

Sundays start slow in the Algarve. So enjoy a lazy stroll through downtown's whitewashed streets, admiring the calçadas (Portuguese pavements). Rua de Santo Antonio has some of the prettiest patterns in all of Portugal, and Pastelaria Gardy's terrace is a great spot to appreciate them over breakfast.

Artistic calçadas on the streets of Faro
Artistic calçadas on the streets of Faro © Hector Christiaen - Adobe Stock Image

Sundays are also beach days, so follow the locals towards the sands. You could hop on the bus to reach Praia de Faro, but I'd recommend upgrading your sunbathing experience by taking the ferry to Ilha Deserta instead. This uninhabited barrier island is spectacular. Walk a little, and you'll soon find a footprint-free spot to claim as your own.

If you'd prefer to island hop, Animaris' boat pass will let you flit between three islands. On Ilha do Farol, beachfront Bar do Tiago is terrific for cold beers and kayak rentals; the perfect end to your long weekend in Faro.

Climate in Faro

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
Sea temperature °C

The above guide shows the climate in Faro. Find out more about conditions across the Algarve in our complete guide to the climate in Portugal.

Ready to discover Faro? Check out current deals on breaks to Faro from across the UK with Jet2holidays.

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More about the Faro

Faro by month

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Daniel James Clarke

Daniel James Clarke

Posted on Thursday 12th September 2024 in: City Culture Europe Excursions

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