Old Town Faro
Old Town Faro
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Top ways to experience Old Town Faro
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
390 within 5 kms
Attractions
81 within 10 kms
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- Whitesword28Manchester, United Kingdom58 contributionsGood tips for your tripThe apartment we stayed in was called The Old Town House, not very far from the centre. The hosts were excellent and couldn't fault our stay in the apartment. There was the old town to explore, at first you will think there is nothing much to look at but then you see houses as if it was in a film set, church, restaurants and cafes. There are many places to eat our favourite was O Coreto near the harbour, food was delicious. Al Ria - seafood cataplana was nice.. Train and coach station are nearby to the harbour. Faro to Albuferia costs Euro 3.40 per person way and catch taxi Euro 10.00. You can go to Seville (Spain)by coach -3hours costs 55 Euros each, they do not take card payment and make sure to take your passport with you. Watching dolphins swimming in its natural habitat was wonderful, even saw the mother teaching the baby to swim. However, was informed that the dolphin excursion was about to close due to the cold weather. Faro beach was bliss, no noisy boats or crowd it was better than Albuferia beach. Make sure you visit Chelsea gelato , they have some nice ice cream and its not expensive- recommend the cheesecake one. Halal food not easy to find but there was kebab place near McDonalds and an Iranian restaurant called Shiraz. Food was okay in Shiraz but portions were small. The warm weather actually made our trip worth exploring much easier. Unfortunately, didn't get the chance to visit Lisbon :( Negative parts of the trip I realised in all the restaurants , they do not take care of cleaning fish or prawns at all. Albuferia restaurant we went to giving tuna (out of a can) even though they were just near the sea yet the food was expensive. .Visited October 2022Written 9 October 2022
- Imladris15Glasgow, United Kingdom31 contributionsA winter weekWe had always wanted to wander the streets of the old town but summertime trips were dedicated to us and sea so we decided on a winter city break. We really enjoyed it. The old town is easy to navigate and full of quirky corners and unexpected sights. We were there as the storks began to return to their nests perched precariously on the roof scape around us. Plenty of places to stop and have a coffee, a drink a back or a full meal and in January there was no problem getting a table or a seat. The local folk may have had on scarves and coats during the day but we visitors from northern climes were content in T shirts and light jackets. It was great to see blue skies and spectacular sunsets with a G and T in hand.Visited January 2020Written 25 January 2020
- MarcusHurleyCalne, United Kingdom9,456 contributionsWasted potentialThis is a place of contradictions. There are no 'must see' buildings here but the distract has a great historical feel. However there are a lot of derelict or severely run down buildings and the streets are blighted with tagging and graffiti almost everywhere. They are clean though and we didn't feel unsafe at any point but there is a lot of wasted potential here. There is a reasonably long stretch of town wall with a few towers but it is utterly ignored and unkempt. The train runs just in front of it and there is also the terminal for the island tours and ferries where people also gather to watch the sunset.Visited November 2021Written 13 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
2,723 reviews
Excellent
1,133
Very good
1,138
Average
354
Poor
76
Terrible
22
Phil S
London, UK64 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Great for shopping and restaurants, steeped in history and a great atmosphere. All areas are easy to access on foot and plenty of places for coffee or other refreshments.
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hilal A
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Faro is an amazing town with its sun, old town, mediterrian cuisine, and night life. But what makes it a top experience is its people. If you go there i hope meet with Rui. He will make your day.😇👍✌️
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samuel B-M
Birmingham, UK30 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Old Town Faro (the Cidade Velha) presents the most preserved quarter of Faro: a large square lined with Orange trees, surrounded by several cobbled streets with pastel-coloured buildings with Portuguese tiles, situated within a medieval wall.
The Sé de Faro is the Old Town’s most impressive landmark, standing proudly in its centre, which, from its bell tower, offers views of the Ria Formosa .
The Sé de Faro is the Old Town’s most impressive landmark, standing proudly in its centre, which, from its bell tower, offers views of the Ria Formosa .
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neworder306
12 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Close to airport, loads of stay options, food, beaches, bars, sun, sand, smiles, cheap (ish) walks, music, history, need i GO ON...
Written 29 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josephine Oreilly
Wrexham, UK139 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
We got the train from tavira no changes 6Euro return .such a lovely town plenty to see .Nice Eating places lovely churc to visit .lots of lovely shops
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JYarba
Huntsville, AL215 contributions
May 2023 • Family
A walk through Old Town Faro has sights ranging in time from the 11th century (the Arab Gate) up to the late 19th (museums and cathedrals), and it's well worth an hour or two of your time to stroll through. Some of the buildings charge small fees to enter, but you can just as easily take it all in from the cobbled streets. There are plenty of modern restaurants mixed in among the older structures here, in case you need a meal or a cool treat on a hot day. Parking around the area can be a little dicey, and the meters where you pay a bit confusing when they're not completely broken.
Written 29 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason S
Melbourne, Australia1,650 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
Some nice historical buildings and churches, not as busy in the street as I thought it would be.
Lot of buildings seems run down and lots of graffiti around the area.
Stayed on the old town so did enjoy it, it just lacked atmosphere.
Lot of buildings seems run down and lots of graffiti around the area.
Stayed on the old town so did enjoy it, it just lacked atmosphere.
Written 28 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alice
Milton Keynes, UK24 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
A very scenic walk with plenty of great photo opportunities. Some things are easily walked by though so I would recommend planning your stops or taking a guided tour.
Written 26 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phoebe Sio
Faro, Portugal1 contribution
May 2023 • Family
I love this place so much, I think it’s really worthy to check it out. It was so relaxing hanging out around in the area. By the way, we highly recommended Altxin transfer, we traveled around Algarve with their service, very professional and friendly. We had a great time with them. We 🧡 Portugal.
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mzzyap
Philippines2,531 contributions
May 2023
You have to find the charm in Old Town Faro. First word that comes to mind is "crumbling". The streets look deserted and scarred by graffiti, like the young people moved away to find better work and shelter. Save for the marina and the ramparts that got a facelift for tourists visiting the Algarve, Old Town is "run down" for the most part. My favorite thing about the place: the Storks, content on their perches.
Written 31 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MilosGran
Omagh, UK92 contributions
Hello, I am going to Portugal for my first visit in April this year. I am flying into Faro airport and will be travelling alone. (female) I'd like to stay somewhere not too far from the airport and somewhere that is safe. Can anyone recommend anywhere?
Thank you
Gail S
Tucson, AZ178 contributions
We stayed at Hotel Eva. It was located on the harbor within walking distance to train station as well as all the Faro sites. Old Town is a two minute walk, and great restaurants near by. They also have a fabulous gym(if you are into working our).
When we were there we had a wonderful breakfast buffet included in our stay.
Faro is a great jumping off place to see the Algarve. We hired a guide for three days from Tours by Locals day to show us everything in the area, so we did not have to rent a car or worry about bus schedules. He had a a great plan worked out for us, after we changed a few things, we were all set to go.
Have a great time. Portugal is wonderful!!!
Marianne L
Varobacka, Sweden
Söker historiskt museum i Faro. Beskrivning av adress och väg dit från Manta Rota
Med vänlig hälsning, Mariane
Is it easy to travel around on buses and trains
Chris
Marbella, Spain440 contributions
One of the easiest places to get around. We arrived at the railway station from Tavira, walked a little then got on the little train that takes you on a tour of the city. Its very easy and cheap.
Altea88
Suffolk, UK369 contributions
We are here in Tavira, visiting for the first time. We would like to take the bus to Faro for a day trip. First of all we need to find the bus stop or terminal and the times of the buses ... we're wondering how far the Faro bus station is from the old, historic area.
alexandra3m6
Letterkenny, Ireland41 contributions
Hi Bus timetable you can find on algarvebus
A walk from the Faro bus station to the old town will take you about 10-15 minutes .
Helen B
Preston, UK87 contributions
Is Faro suitable for 5-day city break? Is there enough to do?
Claudia
106 contributions
Definitely, when you include the surroundings and nice villages in the area. The beaches are beatiful when you take the coast route. So sightseeing, walks along the beach and the food is delicious.
MardiOortwijn
Sitio de Calahonda, Spain79 contributions
Welk boutiek hotel is het beste in Faro ? Prijsindicatie tussen 45 - 90 euro?
Jacques M
Bergeyk, The Netherlands114 contributions
Ik zou het niet weten, we hebben in Albufeira bij Hapimag geslapen.
Flying to Faro on 25 January and planning to take a train to Lagos. My question is should we spend a night in Faro or go to Lagos and travel around the Algarve from there?
castle1_10
Leeds, UK1,297 contributions
Personally i would stay around the faro area (we stayed at Tivera) used the train option several days .... so
Faro area is the perfect base to travel around from by train Lisborn Lagos and Tivera area are on the network.
Faro Lagos around 1 hour 30 minutes travel time the train serves all stations note Lagos is the end of the line.
Lisborn you can take the express from faro need to book seats in advance around 2 hours run.
Tivera around 40 minutes run train ends at Vila Real de Santo António at the Spain Border/
train services are running under winter timetable now information either from the stations or Portugal train web site
Jason C
Manchester, UK33 contributions
we're staying in Albufeira, Faro district and want to get around by bus. it's not made very clear what buses to get on etc. we won't to go old town and surrounding areas. can anyone simplyfy please?
tartnjohn
Olney, UK2,341 contributions
We went to Faro from Albufiera return and found it dead easy. We picked the bus up from town and took the long route to Faro bus station. Coming back, we caught the bus in the bus station and took the short route back to Albufiera.
Main thing to be aware of is the Albufiera bus station is a bit out in the sticks so best to get off near the activities and if you want to go around Albufiera we found the little tour train a real boon. Ticket is valid all day and although only 4 stops on the circular route, they are the key areas.
Not sure from your question if you mean you are living outside Albufiera and want to go in or if you live there and want to go around the outlying areas. Whatever it is, just remember, the bus station is a bit outside of town.
gillpinfield
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK2 contributions
I am going to faro next week for holiday and was wanting ideas where to eat as I am coeliac so need gluten free
thanks in advance
tartnjohn
Olney, UK2,341 contributions
Most of the high quality restaurants we were in asked for dietary issues to be advised to staff so presumably would ensure you were catered for.
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Claim your listingOld Town Faro - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Old Town Faro
- We recommend booking Old Town Faro tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 9 Old Town Faro tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Old Town Faro:
- 2 Day Private Tour of the Algarve from Lisbon (From HK$6,716.74)
- Best of the East: Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António (From HK$419.26)
- Seaview Yoga Workshop in Old Town Faro (From HK$219.51)
- 2 Days Private Tour In the Algarve from Lisbon (From HK$5,775.52)
- 2 day Algarve tour from Lisbon (From HK$6,716.74)
- Hotels near Old Town Faro:
- (0.06 km) TREM - LOCATED IN OLD CITY - FARO
- (0.13 km) Casas Adentro - Serviced apartment in Faro
- (0.27 km) Sunlight House B&B
- (0.19 km) Faro City Life Hostel
- (0.44 km) 3HB Faro
- Restaurants near Old Town Faro:
- (0.04 km) Restaurante Cidade Velha
- (0.05 km) Praia Lourenco
- (0.06 km) Tertulia Algarvia
- (0.06 km) Old Tavern
- (0.12 km) Faz Gostos