Things to do in Faro District

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Faro District

Types of activities

Where to stay

Faro District travel guide

Santo Antonio Church showing a sunset and a city

Lagos which includes a fountain and a square or plaza

Albufeira Old Town Square which includes a sunset and a city

Tres Irmaos Beach featuring a sunset, rocky coastline and a sandy beach

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Top places to visit

1. Albufeira Old Town Square

Albufeira Old Town Square (Jardim Público de Albufeira) is the beating heart of the atmospheric Albufeira Old Town. This tree-shaded public space offers superb dining, entertainment, people-watching and shopping experiences. Visit Albufeira Old Town Square at any time of the day to witness a true essence of this ancient fishing village.

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2. Falesia Beach

Falésia Beach comprises a long stretch of golden sand at the foot of tall, colorful cliffs. It is part of a scenic strand running for about 4 miles (6 kilometers), between Vilamoura and Albufeira. Marvel at the dramatic hues of red and orange that stain the white cliff face bordering the beach.

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Falesia Beach featuring a sandy beach, general coastal views and rugged coastline

3. Vilamoura Marina

With about hundreds of spaces for boats, Vilamoura Marina is a large and busy harbor in the center of the town. All types of yachts and cruisers adorn the picturesque marina, which is bordered by restaurants, bars and clubs. Watch people go by and soak up the lively atmosphere amid the town’s charming waterways.

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Vilamoura Marina featuring a bay or harbour

4. Marina de Lagos

The Lagos Marina is a harbor full of speedboats and yachts. The marina, which is flanked by swaying palm trees spread across elegant wooden docks, has many lively bars and cafés. Relax with hot or cold drinks and snacks in a coffee shop and enjoy the picturesque views and serene atmosphere.

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5. Faro Island Beach

Faro Island Beach is one of the area’s most picturesque and popular sandy stretches. Cafés, restaurants and watersports operators sit along the strand, which lines 3 miles (5 kilometers) of a narrow sand bar. Enjoy the unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Formosa River on the other.

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Faro Island Beach showing a beach and general coastal views

6. Benagil Beach

Surrounded by blue-green waters and cliffs ranging in color from pale beige to gold, Benagil Beach is postcard material. Come here simply to sunbathe and swim, or take a boat trip to view the nearby caves, coastal cliffs and dramatic rock formations.

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Benagil Beach featuring general coastal views, rocky coastline and a sandy beach

7. Sao Rafael Beach

São Rafael Beach (Praia de São Rafael) is close enough to Albufeira for a daytrip yet far enough away that it escapes the bustle of the city. São Rafael Beach is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, some of which have been eroded over centuries into curious shapes. The beach sits in a sheltered bay and boasts safe, crystal-clear water and powdery sand that runs gently between your toes.

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Sao Rafael Beach showing general coastal views, rugged coastline and a beach

What to do in Faro District

Popular places to visit

Albufeira Old Town Square

4/5(408 reviews)

Framed by bars, galleries and shops, this leafy plaza is a great starting point for exploring the treasures of Albufeira’s historic center.

Falesia Beach

4.5/5(271 reviews)

Pine groves crown the scorched red-orange cliffs edging this long and wide beach, complete with comfortable amenities, watersports options and lifeguard patrols.

Vilamoura Marina

4.5/5(504 reviews)

Take a boat trip to see dolphins and go parasailing with a tour operator near this marina, which is bordered by the town’s main strip of restaurants and nightclubs.

Praia da Luz

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Praia da Luz during your travels in Lagos? Stroll along the seaside or attend a sporting event in this relaxing area.

Marina de Lagos

4.5/5(182 reviews)

Admire the exclusive yachts in the harbor, enjoy sangria at a bar in view of the water and visit the wax museum.

Faro Island Beach

4.5/5(163 reviews)

Rent kayaks and surfboards to ride the waves lapping this narrow stretch of sand, which serves as a wall between ocean and river.

Rocha Beach

4.5/5(246 reviews)

Backed by golden-red cliffs and met by the white-flecked waves of the Atlantic, this spectacular beach is one of the Algarve’s most popular.

Albufeira Marina

4/5(223 reviews)

Explore the waterfront of Albufeira Marina and enjoy other activities such as golfing in Albufeira e Olhos de Água. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Sao Rafael Beach

4.5/5(179 reviews)

Explore tidal pools and take part in adventure sports or just sit back, enjoy the warm sunshine and admire the wonderful scenery.

Areas of Faro District

Falesia Beach which includes general coastal views, rocky coastline and a beach

Vilamoura

Yachts, golf, up-scale accommodation and restaurants: This purpose-built Algarve resort is a stylish retreat with a scenic waterfront.

Fisherman\'s Beach which includes a beach and a coastal town

Albufeira Old Town

4.5/5(76 area reviews)

Albufeira Old Town is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Albufeira Old Town Square or Peneco Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Faro Cathedral featuring heritage elements

Faro City Centre

Faro City Centre is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Faro Marina and A Companhia de Teatro do Algarve while in the area.

Rocha Beach featuring general coastal views and a beach

Praia da Rocha

Travellers to Praia da Rocha praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Algarve Casino and Rocha Beach.

Quinta do Lago

Beaches, golf courses and restaurants are some highlights of Quinta do Lago. Make a stop by Quinta do Lago Golf or Quinta do Lago Beach while you're exploring.

Albufeira featuring street scenes, nightlife and night scenes

Albufeira Center

A noteworthy feature of Albufeira Center is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Albufeira Old Town Square and Peneco Beach.