6 quieter places to add to the big sights: viewpoints, markets, walks, small museums and local favourites.
6 places in Faro
Cidade Velha
A walled quarter of cobbled lanes, orange trees and a small cathedral, entered through a Moorish-style arch.
Open-air; individual sights keep their own hours
Ria Formosa
A boat through a protected lagoon of sandbanks, salt marshes and birdlife.
Boats run daily in season; timetable varies
Cidade Velha
A small chapel whose walls are lined with human bones, next to the Carmo church.
Daily, roughly 10:00–17:00
Ilha Deserta
A car-free barrier island of soft sand and clear water, reached by boat.
Boats daily in season; check the timetable
Estoi (10 km)
A pink rococo palace with formal gardens and tiled terraces, now a hotel.
Gardens open most days; check hours
Tavira (30 km)
A graceful riverside town with a Roman-style bridge, old churches and a ferry to island beaches.
Trains run several times daily
Hidden gems are the quieter alternatives to the headline sights. Prices, hours and booking advice are approximate, so check the official site before you go.