Cheap Faro Holidays 2025/2026 from £609pp

Holidays in Faro

Faro is often undersold as the 'Gateway to the Algarve'. True, it’s a convenient entry point for the beach resorts and golf courses of the region, but book a break here and you’ll soon discover its many wonders, from historic churches, museums and pavement cafes to contemporary art galleries and gorgeous beaches.

In many ways, a Faro holiday bears all the hallmarks of a classic city break. There are plenty of attractions, like the unusual Capela dos Ossos, decorated with the bones and skulls of 1,200 monks; numerous coffee shops where you can chill out or refuel; and an array of entertainment (think Fado).

And that’s not even mentioning the city’s rich history, which it proudly wears on its sleeves. Or, to be more accurate, which it showcases the exterior of its fascinating and eclectic architecture. The historic centre, the Cidade Velha, is a case in point – here you can easily trace its medieval origins, Roman influences and the legacy of the Moors all within a confined space.

There are plenty of natural wonders too. To the south of the city lies the Ria Formosa nature reserve, a protected wilderness of tidal flatlands, islands and lagoons. Home to more than 270 species of water birds and aquatic creatures, visitors will also love its spectacular and unspoilt beaches, including those on the 'desert island' of Ilha da Barreta.

And then, of course, there's the day trips from Faro. The popular central resorts of Albufeira and Praia da Rocha lie an hour or less to the west, and further, there’s the more authentic charms of Lagos and the wild Atlantic coast. Meanwhile, to the east, a string of pretty towns dot the route to the border with Spain.

When to go to Faro

With its relatively protected position on Portugal’s sunny south coast, Faro has a pleasant, predictable climate. Visit between May and September and you’ll be unlucky to experience much rain, with temperatures rising from the early 20s to 30C.

The hottest months are July and August, but this is also peak season, with school holiday crowds descending on the town. If you can be flexible, June and September are the best months for a beach holiday. If you’re constrained by term times, October and May half-terms have great deals and temperatures in the early 20s.

Faro and the Algarve have much to offer beyond the beach, and the season for sightseeing, walking, cycling and golf extends far longer – the midsummer months can prove too hot for active pursuits.

In mid-winter, temperatures rarely drop below double figures, even at night, though showers become more prevalent. The Algarve’s western coast, more affected by weather systems coming off the Atlantic, is cooler in summer and warmer in winter than the easterly resorts.

What to do in Faro

Explore the cobbled streets of the Cidade Velha, venture out of the city to see wild, protected beaches and discover the holiday resorts and golf courses of the wider Algarve – on a holiday to Faro, you’ll get the best of the lot.

The Sé

At the heart of Faro’s old town is its most beautiful building, the cathedral. The current mash-up of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque stylings was built in 1251 and repaired in 1755 after a severe earthquake, but the cathedral itself replaced a Moorish mosque, which was built on the site of a Roman temple.

Climb the bell tower for sweeping views, and don’t miss the macabre relics in the Museu Capitular, which include a shrine built from bones.

Municipal Museum of Faro

Time-travel through Faro’s history at this well-presented museum. Exhibits stretch from Roman remains – including a bust of Emperor Hadrian and a large mosaic of the god Oceanus, unearthed near the railway station in the 1970s – right up to material from the 20th century, with paintings by Faro-born artist and poet Carlos Porfírio.

It’s worth visiting for the building that houses the collections alone – the former Convento de Nossa Senhora da Assunção is a Renaissance gem.

Ria Formosa nature reserve

Stretching 60km (37 miles) east along the coast from Faro, Ria Formosa is one of Europe’s most important wetlands. A series of beautiful lagoons and marshland areas are protected from the open ocean by a dune system spread across peninsulas and barrier islands.

As well as providing a stop-off for migrating birds, you’ll find rare resident species too. Explore by bike, kayak or on foot – or take a guided trip on a saveiro, a traditional painted Portuguese boat.

Estoi

Just 10km north of Faro, this pretty town is home to one of the Algarve's most striking Rococo palaces, the Palácio de Estoi, which has been transformed into a luxury hotel. The grand, candy-pink façade and landscaped gardens, full of traditional azulejo tiles, are open to non-guests to explore for free.

On the town’s outskirts, you’ll find some of the best-preserved Roman remains in the Algarve at the Villa of Milreu.

Olhão

A 10-minute train journey east from Faro is Olhão, the largest fishing port in the Algarve. The handsome, red brick market is a highlight, designed by Gustav Eiffel (of Parisian tower fame), and is packed with the day’s catch of fish, octopus, clams and eel, alongside similarly fresh vegetables.

Visit on a Saturday for an outdoor craft market too. Restaurants here serve incredible seafood at a good price, and the peaceful town has Moorish architecture and a friendly feel.

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