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Faro, located in southern Portugal, is also known as the gateway to exploring the Algarve region of Portugal. If you are planning your vacation to the Algarve region, you will most likely fly to the airport in Faro. Faro may not be the ideal base location for exploring Algarve. However, if you land in the middle of the day, you will likely have the evening to spend before continuing your journey further.
Faro is an ideal location for resting before or after exploring the rest of the Algarve. It has lovely stays, and the relaxed and laid-back atmosphere is undoubtedly the best way to rejuvenate. Oh, wait! Although Faro is not a place to spend a couple of days, there is surely a lot to see in a day or an evening.
Faro is a charming city! It is a fun place to soak up the Mediterranean vibes while relaxing and enjoying all the amenities of a city. The best way to explore Faro is by going on a walking tour.
Why Go on a Self-Guided Walking Tour in Faro?
It is a fantastic way to get your foot in the city, which holds good for most places, especially when visiting for the first time. Going on a walking tour will help you learn a bit more about the city, its people, and its culture. Mostly the walking tours are focused on taking you around the center of the city or town, which is also frequented mainly by the locals. This allows you to get to know more about their lifestyle and culture. Isn’t that what traveling is all about, rather than just hitting a bunch of popular places and calling it a day?
Faro has a quaint and charming old town filled with classical Portuguese-style cobblestone streets, eateries with nice outdoor seating (yeah weather is warm for most of the year), churches with awe-inspiring bell towers and storks sitting with their massive nests on the towers of the cathedrals.
The essence of Faro’s Old Town lies in its narrow alleyways, where traditional whitewashed houses adorned with colorful tiles line the streets. Each step reveals a story, a glimpse into the lives of the locals who have walked these paths for generations. And going on a self-guided walking tour gives the time to see everything and the flexibility to wander off the path and see some more.
I have added a map with all the spots so you can always find your way to the next spot. (That’s pretty cool, right?)
But if you like to go with a group and a guide to learn more about Faro’s history, you can always try this free, highly-rated guided walking tour.
If the time and day of the guided walking tour don’t fit your schedule, then hop on with this self-guided walking tour. (I guess I have sold it enough, let’s begin anyway!)
How to Use Our Self-Guided Walking Tour?
It is pretty simple and straightforward. You just need two things:
- Open the map in the blog post on your Google Maps so that you can also track where you are and easily follow along the path.
- Keep this blog post open so you can read a little more on every spot. I always drop in extra photo spots and tips, so you wouldn’t miss any when you have the blog post open. (Who can remember everything in the memory? Surely I can’t).
Psst! Sometimes I take a lot of notes to get you all the information possible. If you like my guides, drop in a comment. It sure will light up my day and would cost you nothing.
Tip! I usually make my walking guides in a loop so that you can start and stop at any point in the path, but this one is not intended to be a loop, but if you want, you can always make it a loop. All you have to do is check which stop is closest to your current location and continue by following the path, and once you reach the last stop, head on to the first one from there. It is not very far.
Chop! Chop! So put on your walking shoes. Let’s begin!
The Walking Route
How To Use The Map?
The locations from the walking route are numbered in the map. If required, zoom in and click on a number to view brief details about the location. Click ‘View in Google Maps’ to view the location’s complete details in Google Maps.
1. Igreja da Ordem Terceira de Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo
This church has a simple exterior facade but don’t be fooled by its appearance. This 18th-century church was finished in the early 1700s, but a significant part of it was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, which shook Portugal. The facade and some other parts of the church were renovated later in the late-Baroque style.
This church has quite a contrasting interior with intricate carvings. The altars of this church and baroque-style organ are quite the masterpiece, making it a must-visit.
Another main attraction of this church is the Capela dos Ossos, also called the bone chapel, which is a part of the main church and is located in the back garden. This is something quite different than any other chapel, and that’s what attracts people here. The chapel is made of actual human bones. Around more than 1200 skeletons fill this tiny chapel. The bones are not just buried; the skulls and femur are used on the surface aligned symmetrically with a burgundy line going in between, which highlights the bones. The skeletons are said to belong to Carmelite Monks exhumed from the nearby cemetery.
Route Guide
The next stop is just a little further down the road, where you take a right onto Largo de São Pedro. The walk is only about 210 meters.
2. Igreja de São Pedro
This church was built in the late 16th century, and the facade is constructed of locally sourced white limestone. You can observe that most houses and buildings also have a similar exterior, making them glow in the Algarve sun. The interior of the church has a magnificent Baroque altarpiece.
Psst! If you do not have much time, I suggest skipping going inside the church. Instead, you can have a quick glance from the outside on the way.
Route Guide
The next stop is a bit different. It is around 350m from Igreja de São Pedro. There are two parallel roads, and you could take either of them. Still, I suggest taking the R. Filipe Alistao, which I consider more quaint and charming than the other one. Feel free to take either of them.
Psst! If you are taking the R. Filipe Alistao, check out the two little houses painted in pastel orange and green next to each other. Nothing fancy, just that I thought it looked cute for a picture.
3. Comur – Faro
This is not any historical place. It is a shop, well to be more precise, it is a canned sardine shop. Do not judge me for recommending you to a shop selling fish in a tin in a coastal city. Comur, short for Companhia de Conservas de Peixe da Murtosa, is a famous Portuguese brand specializing in high-quality canned fish products. It was established in 1942 and has ever since become a symbol of tradition and excellence in preserving and showcasing the flavors of Portugal’s coastal treasures.
For people who are not into fish, I would still recommend you to drop by the store because the store looks pretty cool. The vibrant aesthetic of the shop gives me a retro vibe, and also, do not forget to look for the sardine tin with your birth year printed on it. They have tins for almost all the years.
The store has a lot more than canned sardines. It also has some souvenirs you could pick up, which are not canned fish. They also sell locally sourced olive oil and a few other products. Be sure to check with the staff about all that they have.
Route Guide
The next stop is just another 160m from Comur. The route is pretty straightforward, and on the way, do not miss to check out the other buildings on your left.
4. Arco da Vila
This is one of the most notable points of attraction in the city. It has more history to it other than also being one of the places for capturing good pictures (photo spot for the gram!). During medieval times the city was protected by fortified walls called Muralhas de Faro to safeguard it from any possible attacks. There were several gateways to allow access to the fortified city.
This archway, the Arco da Vila, is one of the grand entrance gates built in the 19th century. Arco de Vila means the Arch to the Town. Although this gate is fairly newer than the actual walls of the city, it was constructed on the same site as the older gateway that was built in medieval times.
Psst! Before entering the archway do, checkout for Storks sitting on top of the towers of the entrance. They really have impressive massive nests.
The Moorish architecture is still visible in some parts of the old walls near the entranceway from the previous gateway. If you have a lot of time, I suggest you wander more in the streets following the entrance. They are quaint and charming.
Route Guide
As soon as you enter the archway, continue walking on the same road and take a right to enter Largo da Sé. It is only about 250m from the arch, and the street looks wonderful, and it was one of my favorite photo spots.
5. Se Catedral de Faro (Santa Maria Cathedral)
The original church was built in the 13th or 14th century, was then raised to a cathedral in the 16th century, and is currently the oldest surviving church in Faro. This church holds significant importance in history. It is said that an early Paleo-Christian basilica was built here, which turned into a Mosque during the Arab rule and was then later converted to a church. (Interesting, isn’t it?)
Psst! While walking past the church, do not miss out to check on the orange trees lined near it. Also, if you love spotting flights, you could see the flights up very close from here as they proceed for their landing at Faro airport. It looks impressive to see them just fly very close to the buildings. (They look huge!)
Route Guide
The route going forward requires a little walking back and forth in the same route, but it is worth it. (You will understand when you have a look at the map). The next destination is around a 300m walk from the church and is another arch. (Oops! I gave it away.)
6. Arco do Repouso
This archway is another entry into Faro’s medieval walls and was also considered one of the vulnerable entrances. This entrance was then reinforced with two towers with two side entrances to strengthen the defense. This was named after D. Afonso III, who stayed here during the conquest of the Algarve from the Moors.
Route Guide
Walk out of the old city walls through this arch towards your next stop, which is just 110m and is on the street to the left side of the arch.
7. Belmarço Palace
This 20th-century building built in the revivalist style is one of the iconic buildings in Faro. (Photo Spot!)
Due to its excellent architecture, it was classified as one of the notable buildings and a symbol of Faro. The work of this mansion was commissioned by a wealthy merchant named Manuel Belmarço.
Route Guide
This is when you must walk back along the same path, enter the walls via the Arco do Repouso, and walk a little further for around 100m to reach your next stop. You can identify this place by the statue of King D. Afonso III.
8. The Municipal Museum of Faro
The building behind the statue of King D. Afonso III is the municipal museum of Faro. It was a 16th-century convent which was later converted into a museum which was opened in 1973. The museum houses the artifacts found in the city and its surroundings. Most of the collections are from the Roman and Moorish period. The museum allows free entry on Sundays until 2:30pm.
Route Guide
Woohoo! If you are tired from all the walking and the history lecture (I tried my best to keep it simple), then the next spot is perfect for you to take a break and enjoy the local cuisine. Walk just about 80m from the museum to this beautiful Tapas place.
9. Old Tavern
Even if you are not hungry, I recommend walking past this area like we did. We weren’t as hungry when we reached here as we just grabbed a snack before leaving for the walk. This local Portuguese Tapas place has outdoor seating and a perfect ambiance. Not just Old Tavern, there are a few other restaurants around this area where you can see people enjoying their food outdoors, and it is pretty lively.
Route Guide
The next stop is just around the corner at about 160m from The Old Tavern. You could take two routes to get there, but I recommend taking the one via Rua do Trem.
Photo Spot
It is a narrow alley but very picturesque. When you join this road, you will take a left to reach the destination. If you walk towards the right, it will lead you to the Cathedral. Still, the short segment of the street is adorable, and you could take some good pictures.
10. Antiga Fábrica da Cerveja (Former Beer Factory)
This brightly colored building is a former beer factory currently turned into a culture hub. The place has its own unique character. The architecture is a blend of industrial design combined with traditional Portuguese elements that suit the new purpose of the place. It is worth checking out if you are into art and creativity.
Antiga Fábrica da Cerveja serves as a venue for concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and other cultural events that contribute to the vibrant arts scene in Faro.
Tip! There are frequent events hosted here, so check out if something interests you during your visit. Also, the roof is open to visitors sometimes, which is an excellent place to get a view of the old town of Faro, as this building is fairly tall. You can enjoy stunning views of the old Portuguese architecture from up here.
Route Guide
We are slowly reaching my favorite spot. One more to go until that. The next one is a memorial around 170m from the Former Beer Factory. You have to walk towards the coast, and immediately a little further to your right, you will find it.
11. The Memorial dos Pescadores Farenses
This memorial was erected as a tribute to the fishermen who braved their lives to save the airmen who crashed into the sea near Faro. The memorial looks like a painting cut into columns of metal. If viewed from an angle, you can make out the big picture. If you are keen, read more on the actual story of the fishermen.
Tip! The view of the memorial during sunset fills the cutouts in shades of orange, which is quite the view.
Route Guide
And now we are heading to my favorite spot. It is nothing fancy, and that is what I like about it. Make sure to visit during sunset. Probably you would like it too. Walk straight from the memorial backward, but go straight into Rua Comandante Francisco Manuel instead of heading back toward the Former Beer Factory.
12. Rua Comandante Francisco Manuel
This narrow road goes along the railway track, which runs along the coast. Once in a while, you can spot a train going past. You could spot a lot of boats sailing in the water too. And did I mention you could also see the flights heading towards the Faro airport from here?
All these together during the golden hour make it a perfect place to stand for a while and soak up the views. It was magical. It works as a pretty good photo spot too.
Route Guide
Walk along this beautiful cobblestone road, watch the sun go down, and continue for another 300m until the next stop.
13. Cais das Portas do Mar
It is the ferry point of Faro, but there is a railway line between the water and the road, so there is a signal you can check to cross the tracks safely and get to the other side. The view from here is definitely more beautiful, and you could also see the entire track from here. Okay, I know I’m a little obsessed about trains and tracks, but you will definitely like it if you visit during the golden hour.
Route Guide
From where you cross the track, right behind it, you will see a small arched pathway, just enter through that, and that is your next spot.
14. Porta Nova
It is another entrance into the fortified city. But, as soon as you enter this small land and look backward, it gives you a nice view of the sea framed by the arch and is a lovely place to capture pictures.
Photo Spot
If you walk a bit further, you will reach the Se Cathedral. But, just before that, you will spot colorful bougainvilleas beside each other against the yellow and white houses that pop up really well.
Route Guide
Before heading onto the next spot, right around the corner where the Bougainvilleas are, towards your right, you will see the Faro Story Spot, where you can get to know more about Faro’s history and culture. Moving on, walk back on the same path, exit the city walls through Porta Nova, and continue walking along the coast.
15. Faro Marina
We are now almost at the end of the walking tour with only one more stop to go, which is mostly about food, so save some space in your tummies. The marina offers berthing services and facilities for private boats and yachts. It provides a safe and convenient docking area for recreational and professional sailors.
It is also the hub for various boating and water sports activities. Boat tours, fishing charters, and water-based adventures can be booked from the marina. You can book your tours to explore the stunning coastal landscapes and the diverse marine ecosystem of Ria Formosa from here.
The marina also features a vibrant promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops. Faro is filled with many restaurants, so if you are keen on trying more in a short time, then snack a bit along the way so that you get to try more without overloading yourselves.
Psst! Faro Marina offers breathtaking views during sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the marina comes alive with a warm golden glow, casting enchanting reflections on the water. ( I will add a small section at the end of the post mentioning all the best places to watch the sunset.)
Route Guide
We are heading to the final stop, which is only about restaurants. Walk around 230m to reach R. Conselheiro Bivar, the 3rd exit in the roundabout.
Where to Eat in Faro?
You are back at the city’s main center, which is filled with shops and restaurants. This particular lane is filled with outdoor seating and a fun vibe, and it becomes lively as the sun goes down and the night lights are up. You could choose from a variety of restaurants with different cuisine options. If you are particular about eating in a specific restaurant, make sure to book a reservation. They tend to get really busy, especially if you are visiting in the peak season.
Psst! If you want to eat where the locals eat and have some great food at an affordable price, then check out Pastelaria Coelho. It is a bit far, around 800m from here, but it would be an excellent option if you want to experience a non-touristy little eat-out place. (It is definitely not a fancy place, but it has good food.)
Yay! And with that, we have come to the end of the self-guided walking tour. Hope you had some fun exploring this little city.
Where to Stay in Faro?
The following are some highly rated stays in Faro in different price ranges. Book one of these for spending the night in Faro.
Want to explore more options in Faro? Please search on Booking.com here. We use Booking.com to book all our stays and have always had a good experience.
Where to Watch the Sunset in Faro?
Faro has some beautiful lookout points where you can enjoy the golden hour and watch the sun sink through the horizon. I have compiled all the places I mentioned throughout the walking tour from where you can enjoy sunset views.
- Faro Marina
- Porta Nova (It is beautiful during the golden hour)
- Faro Ferry Point (Cais das Portas do Mar)
- The road along the railway line (R. Cmte. Francisco Manuel)
- The roof of the Former Beer Factory (It is only open on a few days a year)
- Memorial dos Pescadores Farenses (beautiful during the golden hour)
- Bonus! Sunset cruise to Ria Formosa
And with that, we have come to the end of the walking tour. I would love to hear from you if you liked reading it. Feel free to reach out to us in the comments or via social media. Do tag us in your beautiful pictures. We will be thrilled to see them!
When in Faro, do visit Carvoeiro and Ferragudo on day trips. We have created day trip guides for Carvoeiro and Ferragudo already for you.
If you are traveling to Lisbon after exploring Faro, check out our posts about the best things to do in Lisbon in Fall, some helpful information you need to know before visiting Lisbon, and the best way to spend a day in Lisbon. Also, the beautiful town of Sintra is near Lisbon, so consider visiting it. Check out our posts about the best things to do in Sintra, some useful information you need to know when planning a trip to Sintra, and our flexible Sintra itinerary for 1, 2, and 3 days.
Great little itinerary for a relaxed walk in Faro. Thanks for putting it together!
Glad that you liked our post. Thanks for the compliment! 🙂
This was so helpful, first time in faro and used all this info, thank you
Glad that you found our post helpful! Hope you had an amazing time in beautiful Faro! 🙂
Thank you so much, Kiki….we enjoyed your tour and even had lunch at the Old Tavern and it was delicious!!
Glad that our post was helpful, and nice to hear that you had an amazing time in Faro! 🙂