Is Faro worth visiting?
Yes, Faro is definitely worth visiting for numerous reasons. Its a resort town that everyone should see, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here.
Whether you're a a couple or a backpacker, this resort town has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the spectacular resorts and terrific nightlife.
Faro is the capital of the Algarve region in Portugal. The city has many historic landmarks and an old town that's filled with cobblestone streets. Art and architecture lovers, and those who enjoy culture, will appreciate a visit to this colorful city.
Faro, Portugal
6 Reasons to Visit Faro
1. Resorts
Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.
2. Nightlife
The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.
3. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.
4. Beaches
The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.
5. Historical Sights
You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.
6. Shopping
The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.
Is Faro worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Faro is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 25°C (78°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 31°C (88°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the resorts, and the historic old town. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Faro
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| August | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| September | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
Is Faro worth visiting in the Autumn?
The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 25°C (77°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Faro, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
This is a great time of year to admire the historic sights.
Autumn Weather in Faro
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| November | 16°C (60°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| December | 12°C (54°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
Is Faro worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Faro. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 12°C (54°F).
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse around the old town and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Winter Weather in Faro
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| February | 13°C (56°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| March | 15°C (58°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
Is Faro worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Faro. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 17°C (62°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the quaint shops, the historic old town, and the nightlife scene.
Spring Weather in Faro
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 17°C (62°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| June | 22°C (72°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Faro
Food: Faro doesn't top the list for most foodies. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Faro might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Faro here or see if Faro is expensive here.
Related
What is Faro most famous for?
Faro is most famous for its historical sights and rich culture. People visit this impressive resort town for its great resorts. It is also known for its great nightlife. And many visitors also come to this resort town for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping. It is often described as popular, busy, and active.
What is the most famous sight in Faro?
The most popular sight in Faro is The Arco da Vila. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Faro on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Arco da Vila and other attractions here.
How touristy is Faro? Is it a popular resort town to visit?
Faro is a popular resort town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Ride through Paradise: Faro Island Electric E bike Tour: $98
- Food & Drink Walking Tour in Faro: $121
- Lagos and Sagres Premium (from Faro) - Shared small group > VTours Algarve: $208
- Private Tour throughout Faro in a TukTuk: $72
- 5 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $46
- 2:30 Hours Tour: $289
- Dirt & Dust Buggy Tour: $150
- Motorbike Tour in Algarve: $231
How long should I spend in Faro?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Faro is two to five days. Since Faro has a variety of activities such as resorts, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Faro?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Faro?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Faro?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.
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