How Many Days In Faro Is Enough?

Planning a trip to Portugal soon? You might be wondering how many days in Faro is enough. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do and see while you’re in the area.

If you’re interested in exploring the city and also having a relaxing sun holiday, we suggest spending at least four or five days in Faro.

This will give you enough time to visit the significant sites and enjoy some of the other activities Faro has to offer, such as going on a boat trip, visiting other coastal towns in the Algarve, or simply relaxing on the beach.

That said, the answer really comes down to the type of holiday you’re looking for.

If you love being on the go and are happy to see everything at a fast pace, 2 days in Faro might be enough for you.

But if you’d like to slow things down, and have a little more time to spend at each attraction and fully relax, you might want to consider 4 or 5 days in Faro instead.

I put this guide together to help you figure out how many days in Faro you’ll need.

You’ll find all the things you need to think about when planning the length of your stay, along with a guide to Faro’s highlights.

I’ve also suggested how long you should plan to spend at each one so that you can create a realistic itinerary for your visit so that you can enjoy every moment of your trip.

How To Decide How Long To Stay In Faro

Deciding how long to spend in Faro can depend on a few different things, like arrival time, hotel check-in, what you want to see, transportation, and more!

To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Faro, make a list of the things you want to do in the city, and consider the time of arrival and departure. Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic.

At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Faro you’ll need.

That said, it’s important to keep a few things in mind when planning a trip to Faro.

Are you planning on staying in Faro, or do you want to use Faro as a base to explore the Algarve?

Faro can be a good base for exploring the area, but it really depends on what you want to do while in Portugal.

Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time & Time Of Departure

One important thing to consider is whether your hotel check-in and departure times allow for a full day’s sightseeing.

To save time on arrival, consider booking a private transfer in advance.

If you’re planning on arriving late, you might consider adding an extra night to your stay. Another important consideration is what you will do with your luggage.

If you want to get to Faro early to make the most of your day, you might need to store your luggage somewhere for a few hours before it is time for you to check into your accommodation.

Most hotels will offer this service, but not all. So don’t just assume that there will be somewhere to leave your bags – find out for sure before you go.

Things To Do In Faro And Its Surroundings

Faro is a popular destination for travelers who enjoy spending time on the beach and relaxing in the sun.

The region also offers a wide range of activities for those who want to explore, such as visiting the old town, going on boat trips, and snorkeling or scuba diving.

You must think carefully about which attractions or tours appeal to you the most and plan how to fit them all in – especially if you’re thinking about a short stay.

The list of highlights below will help you put your Faro itinerary together, but be careful not to schedule every single moment of your day.

It’s always a good idea to leave a little leeway for things like long queues and transport delays – or simply to spend longer at the places you like the best!

Note that many travelers prefer to book tours and activities in advance to save time, skip the queues and make the most of their holidays.

Pace Of Activities

When thinking about how many days in Faro you’ll need, ask yourself if you want a relaxing break or one that’s a whirlwind of activity. It’s pretty simple; the shorter your visit, the busier you will be.

So if you are the type of person who likes to enjoy the sights at a more leisurely pace – or a foodie who wants to have enough time to appreciate the local cuisine – then 4 days in Faro will definitely suit you better than 2.

Transportation

Think carefully about how you will get around during your visit. While it makes sense to visit attractions that are close together, you will still need to factor travel time into your days.

Can you visit attractions on foot? Will you reach your destination by scooter, taxi, or bus? Or you could rent a car during your time in Faro, as this gives you a lot more independence and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding areas.

Do your research to find out how you will visit the places you wish to visit and keep the distance and time to reach your destination in mind when you build your itinerary in Faro.

Make sure your itinerary is logical and that you visit nearby attractions in one go. That way, you won’t waste time traveling between places that are far apart.

That said, if you’re going to Faro directly from the airport, you could book a private transfer to save time on arrival.

Some hotels might be able to arrange a transfer for you.

What To Do In Faro Area

Here are some of the best sights, experiences, and things to do in Faro, along with our recommendations for how long to set aside for each.

Visit Faro Cathedral

Visiting Faro Cathedral is a must-do when visiting this Portuguese city. This is a 13th-century cathedral also known as Se de Faro and is a historic building in the center of Faro.

This building is an impressive example of architecture in the area and boasts some truly beautiful intricate architecture and design which is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles.

On the building’s facade, you will see stunning carvings and intricate detailing which is incredible to photograph and extremely impressive.

Inside the cathedral, you will be greeted by beautiful vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows, and lots of stunning works of religious art.

Some of the highlights of the cathedral include the tilework of the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament and the Baroque organ.

During your visit to the Faro Cathedral, you can climb the bell tower to get some incredible views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Suggested time: 2 hours

Explore The Stunning Beaches

Since Faro is the main city in the Algarve, it is known for being incredible beaches all of which have something different to offer.

You can visit Praia de Faro which is very easily accessed from the city center and is the most popular beach in the city.

Here you can spend an afternoon chilling, swimming, and enjoying food and drinks by the beach in a beautiful setting with crystal-clear water.

Another must-visit beach is the Ilha Deserta which is a secluded island off the coast of Faro with one of the most pristine beaches in the whole Algarve.

For something very laid back and with a hint of culture, head to Ilha da Culatra which is a fishing village in Faro that has a long stretch of sand running along it with a very chilled-out atmosphere.

Suggested time: 3 hours

Take A Boat Tour

A unique experience while in Faro, is taking a boat tour around the stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park.

This is a natural park and lagoon along the southern coast of Portugal which stretches from Faro to Tavira.

Here you will find sandy beaches and lots of islands which are best explored by boat.

This is a nature lover’s paradise with lots of protected wildlife living here. Some of these you can spot during your boat tour include flamingos, dolphins, and chameleons.

It is also an incredible spot for bird watching with lots of protected species making their home among the mangroves and sand dunes.

Suggested time: 2 – 4 hours

Explore The Old Town

No trip to Faro is complete without a visit to the charming old town. This historic spot is the perfect destination for a leisurely afternoon stroll.

You can enjoy seeing the ancient walls of the city and the streets lined with traditional Portuguese buildings.

Along these narrow streets and beautiful buildings, you will find lots of cafes and restaurants serving local snacks for you to enjoy.

It is a great place for history buffs and photographers to enjoy the incredible ancient buildings.

We would recommend going early in the morning to enjoy the peace of the old town before the crowds descend on it during the day.

Suggested time: 2 hours

Eat And Drink

Faro is known in Portugal for its delicious food and drink. Here you can enjoy the local cuisine which includes lots of fresh seafood and vegetables.

You can choose from small local restaurants around the old town or along the beach or from some of the range of international restaurants and fine-dining establishments.

There are lots of Portuguese stews and sweet pastries that you will find on menus across the city and are a lovely pitstop after a day on the beach.

Be sure to try some of the local alcohol too which includes port wine or ginjinha.

Suggested time: 2 hours

Best Time To Visit Faro

Faro is a dream destination for sun-seekers and beach lovers alike. But when is the best time to go to Faro to get the most out of your stay?

Although the weather is great, the summer months of June, July, and August can be quite busy and overcrowded in Faro.

We recommend the months of April and May or September and October for your visit. These months still experience gorgeous weather and have fewer crowds.

This means you will have more space when it comes to enjoying the sites and beaches Faro has to offer.

Final Thoughts On Faro Trips

We hope this guide helped you figure out how many days in Faro is enough.

And remember, the best way to make the most of your time is to pre-book tours and activities so that you can fully enjoy your holiday without wasting time!

Faro is a great destination to relax and explore the Algarve.

We hope you’ll have a great time while doing the best things to do in Faro.

Not sure when is the best time to visit Faro? We recommend you visit Faro between April and October.

Traveling to Portugal soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Is Faro worth visiting
• Is Madeira worth visiting
• Beach towns in the Algarve