Algarve Travel & Vacation Guide

The Estádio Algarve was built for the 2004 European football championship, but that does not make it a football fanatics-only attraction. Here, you can see different sporting events year-round, so make sure to check if there is anything of interest during your visit.

Cruise the Ria Formosa waterways in the lovely and tranquil blue boats available to rent. It is a great way to see the area and to indulge in a bit of birdwatching. You also have the option of stopping at one of the beautiful beaches for a picnic, or just some sunbathing.

The full name of this church is a mouthful — the Church of the Third Order of Our Lady of Monte do Carmo. It is the most popular of Faro's churches, not so much for its fantastically elaborate, gold-leaf laden, Baroque interior, but for its bone chapel, entirely decorated with monks' skeletons.

Rebuilt throughout the ages, the Faro Cathedral, also known as the Santa Maria Cathedral, is now a mixture of Renaissance and Baroque religious buildings. Its interior is equally rich, featuring a large organ from the 18th-century with Chinoiserie details.

Spectacular backdrops make for a memorable round of golf in the Algarve. Boasting an impressive number of golf courses — almost 40 — there is something for players of every skill level and taste.

At Deserta Island, also known as Ilha da Barretta, you have the rare opportunity to spend a day on an uninhabited island. Enjoy peaceful white-sand beaches with crystal blue water. Arrive either by boat or water taxi and do not forget to bring water. As there is only one restaurant on the island, it is also a good idea to bring a snack.

For many, kayaking is one of the highlights of their trip to Faro. Admire the flocks of beautiful flamingos and the stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean as you tread gentle waves. There are numerous places where you can rent kayaks along the coast.

Lagos Zoo is an extensive interactive zoo with animal species from all around the globe. It also features a recreation of the South African Boulders beach, with its own penguin population.

24 Bar Faro is a small bar located on a narrow cobblestone street in Faro. It holds live music events, happy hours, and even karaoke. The atmosphere is warm and genuine, the drink menu is extensive — it's a venue that will suit any taste.

Located in Olhão, just 15 minutes east of Faro, you'll find 7imeio . The bar has its focus on good wine, but they also make delicious cocktails. You can also find an array of tapas to go with the wine or your chosen drink, allowing you to snack and drink the night away.

This modest, nautical-inspired bar is perfect for those who seek a night filled with drinks and friendly conversations. Stop by and have a great night, courtesy of the incredibly nice staff.

Aperitivo Bar is a favourite after-work destination among locals. Its wide selection of international beers and tapas-style dishes are the perfect excuse to sit down and have a relaxing evening. Take advantage of their happy hour (6pm–8pm), when you can eat as much as you want and only pay for the drinks.

Columbus is a laid-back bar with a relaxing view over the marina. It is all about expertly-prepared cocktails, offering one of the most carefully created drinks menus in Faro.

If you are looking for a quiet place to go for a drink with your loved ones, then Havana Club is where you'll want to head. This tiny Cuban-inspired bar will serve you Caribbean cocktails that perfectly suit Faro's warm summer nights. Music shows are also occasionally held here.

If you come here early, the open-air bar offers a more relaxing venue to sit and sip a cocktail to the sound of live acoustic music. Later on, the music gets louder and the stylish place turns into a popular nightclub with DJs playing the latest tunes.

Take a seat at the lovely terrace of O Castelo and enjoy the beautiful views of the Ria Formosa lagoon with a glass of sangria. They host all sorts of live performances, such as flamenco, fado, and local cover bands, making O Castelo one of the best places in Faro for music-lovers.

Just outside Albufeira you find Algarve Shopping Centre. It is the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon or just to stay out of the sun and heat for a while. You can find several different shops, both from chains like Zara and C&A but also some small local boutiques. If you get hungry there is a food court, and if you feel like catching a movie there is also a cinema.

Antonio Manuel is a trendy fashion shop that has been around since 1957. They sell high-end luxury brands and the latest styles for both men and women. It's the right place for those seeking name brand apparel.

Forum Algarve is one of the town's premier shopping centres, featuring all sorts of fashion stores and restaurants. It is also home to one of the biggest cinema places in the Algarve.

When you think of shopping, maybe grocery shopping isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But you find a good selection of brands, fresh fruits and vegetables, live seafood, newly butchered meat and local wines at the Intermarché in Carvoeiro. This international chain has several outlets across the Algarve coast.

If you like surfing and the lifestyle that comes with it, you will love Jah Shaka Surf Shop in Lagos. Here you find all the major surf brands such as Quicksilver, Roxy, Analog and Ripcurl. They have everything from boards and equipment to clothes and accessories.

This is Faro’s largest fresh produce market. Located in a gorgeous modern building, the market is open until late and is the perfect place to have direct contact with the local food culture. It is recommended to go in the early morning when the food stock is the highest.

Outdoor markets occur weekly across the towns and villages of Algarve. They are great for strolling through the produce stands and watching the locals shop for fresh fruit and fish directly from the farmers and fishermen. For flea markets and auctions, weekends present the best opportunity to browse for deals.

The town of Porches has a long history of pottery production. All items are unique and made by local artists and artisans, including hand-painted dishes, jars, carafes, and tea-sets, among many others. It is a great place to pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir for your loved ones back home.

The Algarve region is famous for having the best weather in Portugal, with long summers and short, mild winters. Beach season goes from spring to autumn and attracts the biggest crowds; visiting in winter often means that you will find more affordable accommodations and a quieter atmosphere.

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Portugal, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

Faro’s international airport is located six kilometres to the west of the city, right by the sea. Buses 14 and 16 depart regularly to the centre of Faro, and the trip takes approximately 20 minutes. You can buy the ticket directly from the driver, but remember that it is good to have some small change or the exact amount of money. A taxi ride takes just under fifteen minutes.

Faro’s train station connects the city with the rest of the region and the country. There is also a well-developed bus network, EVA, convenient for small trips within the region. In the city centre, it is best to walk, but if you would rather take the local bus, the courier name is Próximo. You can use your phone to buy tickets and plan trips on Próximo with the PICK app.

For longer trips, it is better to negotiate the price in advance as the driver has the right to various surcharges for returning empty if the taxi meter is used. Tips are not obligatory but appreciated, even if small. The cars are either beige, green or black, and the best way to find one is to go to one of the taxi ranks or pre-book. One of the main taxi companies in town is Faro Taxi.

220 V/50Hz with a Type F electrical plug with two round pins, same as in many countries in Continental Europe.

Generally, pharmacies in Portugal are open on weekdays from 9am to 7pm; some pharmacies close for lunch. On Saturdays, pharmacies close around 1pm. Each district will have a 24-hour pharmacy (farmácia, with a green cross) according to a schedule posted in the windows of all closed pharmacies. Penha pharmacy is the best reviewed pharmacy in town, though it's not the most central one. It's also always open.

Country code: +351 Area code: (0)289