8 places, 3 of them free. A walled old town and the gateway to the Ria Formosa lagoon.
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
Praia de Faro
A long sandy spit beside the airport with sea on one side and lagoon on the other.
Open access; lifeguards in season
Ilha Deserta
A car-free barrier island of soft sand and clear water, reached by boat.
Boats daily in season; check the timetable
Olhão (9 km)
A pair of red-brick market halls with the day’s catch on ice and grilled-fish restaurants beside.
Monday–Saturday mornings; closed Sundays
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
Planning Faro?