Things to do in Faro for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appAll self-guided activities
Whether you want some chilled-out lounging or high-octane ride and slide action, it's all here at Aquashow Park Algarve, Portugal's leading water park. Test your mettle on the Twin Space Shuttle, a 17-meter high double slide with special effects inside it! Or, experience the heart-pumping Top Swing, a shocking ride that spins you every which way. Shoot out from the mouth of a giant snake into a pristine pool, or make a splash in Portugal's largest wave pool! If you want really extreme thrills, grab some friends and ride the adrenaline-filled Mammothblast!
Dive straight into a day of aquatic fun at Zoomarine Algarve, Portugal's ultimate water theme park! With classic theme park rides to enjoy, as well as wildlife shows featuring birds of prey, dolphins, seals, and sea lions – there's something for everyone.
Krazy World is an interactive park with activities for the whole family! At the animal farm, you can interact with and feed dwarf goats, llamas, and deer. It's a joy for the little ones and beyond! In Terra Exótika, you will find several species to interact with. Some animals like African turtles and birds will come and eat from your hands in the aviary, as well as the lemurs. You will have the opportunity to see the biggest snake in Europe, with 8.50 meters. After visiting the animals, you can have lunch at the Krazy World restaurant, watch one of the animal shows, and go diving in the pool with a slide to cool off. For those who still have energy, you can enjoy various activities such as tree climbing, pedal karts, inflatables, pony rides, and the mega mini golf circuit with 18 holes. For colder or rainy days, Krazy World has a large indoor area with a restaurant, an inflatable, and a stage for performances with animals.
Brace yourself to get your swimwear stuck up your backside at least once – that's half the fun of the speedy slides, right? Feel your heart rate soar on the King Cobra slide, or brave the Banzai's vertical fall of 23 meters. You can even ride the longest slide in Portugal, the Kamikaze! There's loads of fun stuff for kids in Kidzworld, and the lazy river will help you float your cares away. Grab a float or two, or just relax under the sun. A splash-tastic day out for the whole family!
Dive into the history and marvel at the architecture of Faro on this enthralling self-guided audio tour. Designed for enthusiasts of rich cultural tapestries and stunning designs, the tour reveals the enduring beauty and historical significance of this seaside town's landmarks. You'll embark on a journey of discovery at your own pace, with captivating narratives to guide you step-by-step through each point of interest. The route unfolds from the exquisite Igreja de São Pedro, moving through the lively Faro Marina, towards the majestic Cathedral of Faro, and past the stately Prince Henry the Navigator Statue. You’ll wander through the peaceful Jardim da Alameda João de Deus, continue to the time-honored Arco do Repouso, and conclude this unforgettable exploration at the ancient Castle Walls offering panoramic views that have witnessed the passage of centuries. As you travel from one historic treasure to the next, encounter the neoclassical beauty of Arco da Vila, and feel the inspirational grandeur of the Bishop's Palace. Each stop is an opportunity to absorb the city’s narrative, see the artful blend of past and present, and capture moments that you'll treasure. This tour is a key to unlocking the secrets Faro holds within its walls and streets.
Embark on a self-guided audio expedition to experience Faro, a city where medieval charm meets Moorish elegance. This tour is tailored for those intrigued by the fusion of historic ambiance and modern culture, wishing to explore at their own pace. Starting at the ancient Arco da Vila, the path will guide you through a narrative of notable landmarks, including the grandiose Faro Cathedral and the serene Faro Marina. The journey culminates at the Igreja do Carmo, a stunning vision of baroque artistry. Along the route, you will find yourself captivated by the tales of each locale, from the civic significance of Faro Town Hall to the spiritual serenity of the Church of São Pedro and São Francisco Church. Discover the enduring legacy of the Jewish community at the Faro Jewish Heritage Centre, and imagine the bygone era at the remnants of Castelo de Faro. The tour not only indulges in history but also embraces nature at the Arapuca Birdwatching Tower, highlighting Faro’s dedication to its natural environment. Memories from this tour are destined to be as enduring as the city’s storied past. Capture the essence of Faro's evolving tale and leave with an enriched understanding of this captivating Algarve gem.
About Faro
The must-see attractions in Faro for a first visit are:
The best tours to do in Faro with kids are:
The best walking tours to do in Faro are:
Insider tips for visiting Faro
WeGoTrip Inc is a local guide who has been publishing tours since for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Faro on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Faro.
When I visit Faro, I always check the calendar for the Feira de Santa Iria in October—it’s one of the most local-feeling events in Faro, with food stalls, concerts, and families out late along Largo de São Francisco. In early September, Festival F in the old town is my favorite: Portuguese music fills the Arco da Vila and cathedral square, and Faro feels especially alive after dark. For a spring trip, Semana Académica brings student parades and lively nights that locals know well. If you’re planning to visit Faro, these dates belong in any travel guide Faro readers trust, especially if you want authentic things to do in Faro.
I recommend late April to June or September to mid-October. That’s when Faro is warm but not exhausting, and I can still walk the Cidade Velha at sunset or take the boat across the Ria Formosa without peak-summer crowds. In August, Faro gets busier and the heat can flatten the day by noon, so I usually save museum stops and long lunches for then. If you want a practical travel guide Faro locals would agree with, shoulder season gives you the best balance of weather, prices, and relaxed streets. For me, that’s the smartest time to visit Faro and enjoy the best things to do in Faro.
When I stay in Faro, I always make time for the Ria Formosa islands—Praia de Faro for an easy beach day, then Culatra or Farol if I want fishing-village atmosphere and quieter sands. Among the best attractions in Faro, I’d also count the old town walls at golden hour and the rooftop view from Arco da Vila, when the lagoon turns pink. If you’re looking at tours in Faro, I’d choose a boat route that stops in small island communities rather than only circling the channels. For what to see in Faro, I also like the salt flats near the airport, where locals go birdwatching at dusk.
When I’m in Faro on my own, my favorite plan is a slow day around the Cidade Velha and the Ria Formosa waterfront. It’s one of the best things to do in Faro because the old town is compact, safe, and easy to enjoy without rushing. I usually start with coffee near Largo da Sé, walk the quiet lanes by the cathedral, then follow the marina promenade toward the lagoon at sunset. For solo travelers, Faro feels especially comfortable if you mix independent wandering with small boat tours in Faro. For what to see in Faro, I’d add the stork nests above the old walls—one of my favorite attractions in Faro.
When I want a lively night in Faro, I head for the area between the marina and the old town, especially around Rua do Prior and the nearby lanes. That stretch gives me the best mix of wine bars, late cafés, and small spots where locals actually linger after dinner. In summer, the atmosphere spills toward Jardim Manuel Bívar, and Faro feels busiest around midnight rather than early evening. If you plan to visit Faro, I’d stay close to this zone so you can walk everywhere. In my travel guide Faro notes, this is one of the most practical things to do in Faro if you want nightlife without ending up in a purely touristy pocket.
I usually get around Faro on foot, especially between the marina, Cidade Velha, and the shopping streets around Rua de Santo António. Faro is compact, and walking lets me catch small details like tiled facades, stork nests, and quiet squares that I’d miss in a car. For Praia de Faro or the airport side, I use the local bus rather than drive, since parking can be annoying in summer. If you visit Faro and want a simple travel guide Faro locals would actually follow, walk for the center and use buses or ferries for anything beyond it. For me, that’s the easiest way to handle the best things to do in Faro.
When I want quieter attractions in Faro, I head to the old Fábrica da Cerveja side of the waterfront for lagoon views that many people skip, especially near sunset. I also love the Vila-Adentro backstreets behind the cathedral, where Faro suddenly feels residential and you hear more birds than voices. One of my favorite hidden corners in Faro is the Núcleo Museológico da Marinha, a small maritime museum that gives real local context without crowds. For what to see in Faro, I’d also add the salt pans near the Ecovia path, where flamingos often appear at dusk. If you’re considering tours in Faro, I’d choose nature-focused routes through these quieter lagoon edges.