By Vicky · Published Sep. 10th, 2025
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This self-guided walking tour of Faro visits all the top places, a town definitely worth seeing, not just for the airport!
Page Contents:
Location
This walking tour of Faro starts from the Chapel of Bones. Faro train station is fairly central, and there are several car parks near the centre.
Faro Walking Tour Map
Tips
- The Municipal Museum of Faro is closed on Mondays, while the churches are closed on Sundays.
- Check out other town walks and hikes in Portugal.
Popular Algarve Tours
Top Sights in Faro
On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll see the top things to see in Faro, including the pedestrianised central shopping streets and the historic buildings in the old town. You’ll need about half a day to explore.
- Chapel of Bones of Faro
- Central Shopping Streets
- Faro Cathedral
- Municipal Museum of Faro
- Old Town Walls
- Ria Formosa Viewpoint
Faro Walking Tour Route
1. Chapel of Bones of Faro
The Chapel of Bones of Faro is a tiny chapel in side the church of Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo. It’s open 9 am–1 pm and 3-5pm, and closed on Sundays, entrance costs €2. The Chapel itself is made entirely of human bones, including lots of skulls, so it’s a bit creepy.
Directions: Head down the street in front of the church entrance, then take a left just after a small church. Cross over the main road.
2. Central Shopping Streets
The Central Shopping Streets of Faro are very cute, with mosaic floors, sunshades, and lots of little shops and restaurants. It’s a lovely place to wander around for a while.
Directions: Head towards the harbour, and turn left. Pass the Igreja da Misericórdia church to the end of the park. Walk through the Arco da Vila, a historic gateway to the old part of town. Head up the hill and you’ll reach the cathedral.
3. Faro Cathedral
Key Information: Open 10 am–6:30 pm weekdays, 9:30am-7pm Saturdays and closed Sundays. Entrance costs €5 and includes climbing up the tower.
Faro Cathedral, or Sé Catedral de Faro, is the largest church in town and is at the highest point of the old town, right in the centre. For a great view, climb up the tower (via quite a narrow staircase).
Directions: Continue through the square and down a cobbled street, then turn left, you’ll reach a small square/car park.
4. Municipal Museum of Faro
Key Information: Museum open Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm weekdays and 10:30am-5pm weekends. Tickets cost €2.
The Municipal Museum of Faro is an interesting little museum in the old part of town. It’s definitely worth a visit if you have time. There are many artefacts and Roman mosaics inside. The architecture of the building is also lovely.
Directions: Continue past the museum down the hill and through the Arco do Repouso. Turn left to the striking Belmarço Palace at the first corner. After seeing this building, return the way you came and past the museum again. Turn left, and the lane will lead you down and out of the old town.
5. Old Town Walls
The Old Town Walls of Faro surround the fairly circular, historic part of town. This point is the easiest place to see them, and they are still fairly impressive.
Directions: Head to the water and turn left along the seafront.
6. Ria Formosa Viewpoint
From this walkway, you can see a large, open stretch of the Ria Formosa, a natural park safeguarding different bird habitats. A little further on, you’ll get to the harbour.
Directions: This is the end of the self-guided walking tour of Faro. From here, wander through the shopping streets again or return to where you started.
Best Places to Stay in Faro
Faro is a top place to base yourself for a holiday in the Algarve. It’s quite central, with beaches and coastline to the east and west, and there are plenty of restaurants, shopping and nightlife in town.
Apartment: Roots Hotel Apartments* has studios and larger apartments, both with kitchens. There’s a cute swimming pool and it’s close to both the town centre and the station.
Hotel: Hotel Sol Algarve by Kavia* has a great location close to shops and restaurants, plus the train station. Rooms are clean and modern, with a delicious breakfast served.
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