5 things to do in Faro for an unforgettable stay!

How about creating some unforgettable memories between 2 visits to Algarve must-sees? Discover the things to do in Faro!

Faro, a charming little town steeped in history, is the capital of the Algarve. Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve is famous for its magnificent beaches and sublime little fishing villages. Its vast stretches of water are overlooked by golden cliffs. It’s also a region brimming with history and activities to discover! Don’t waste a minute: start exploring as soon as you arrive at Faro airport.

For a successful stay in Faro’s old town, visit the must-sees: Faro Cathedral, the beaches, Faro Marina, the Ria Formosa and more. Between 2 visits to the must-sees, take advantage of the downtime of your few days in Faro to go on an adventure. What to do in Faro? Discover our selection of 5 things to do in Faro, to create unforgettable memories!

Boat trip from Faro

In the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park
activité faro

Photo credit: Viator

  • 📍 Location: Ria Formosa Natural Park
  • ✔️ Minimum age:no minimum age, young children must be on an adult’s lap.
  • 💙 We love: visiting the Ria Formosa natural park

The small town of Faro is the gateway toone of Portugal’swonders: the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This unspoilt area is a must-see on any trip to Faro. Its series of lagoons and salt waters stretch from Faro in the west to Tavira in the east. A must-see in the Algarve. This jewel of the Algarve is also home to traditional, independent fishing villages, protected from the excesses of tourism, even in high season.

Visiting this nature reserve on a boat trip also means immersing yourself in the history of southern Portugal and its small fishing villages. Embark on a half-day excursion aboard a catamaran and sail along the Ria Formosa to the island of Barreta. Barreta, or Deserta, is a completely deserted island in Portugal’s far south. A true haven of peace and harmony, even in high season.

You’ll then sail to your next destination: Farol Island. Far more lively, its sandy beaches have retained their charm and authenticity. Throughout the cruise, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide. He’ll be able to show you the wonders of the Ria Formosa better than anyone else. Are you ready to take an afternoon trip to discover this jewel of southern Portugal?


Cliff jump

A sensational activity near Faro
Coasteering et saut de falaise près de Lagos

Photo credit: Viator

  • 📍 Location: Raposeira
  • ✔️ Minimum age: Not recommended for children under 13.
  • 💙 We love: thrills and spills

What to do in Faro? Cliff jumping! For thrill-seekers, cliff jumping is a must during a few days’ stay in Faro. The Algarve region is famous for its magnificent beaches, overlooked by numerous cliffs. It’s the ideal place to discover this sensational activity around Faro! For an original visit to Faro and Portugal, head for the heart of the Costa Vicentina, a wild coastline in the Algarve region.

Costa Vicentina is 80 kilometers long and borders the Atlantic Ocean. Its many cliffs make it the ideal place for coasteering! With an experienced guide, you’ll set off on an excursion near Lagos. Right away, you’ll start with a few short cliff jumps for practice and fun. Then the serious stuff begins! You’ll explore the Costa Vicentina’s trails and climb its cliffs.

Rest assured: your efforts will be rewarded! You’ll discover magical natural spaces that are normally inaccessible. Hidden beaches, sea caves in the Algarve region, ocean as far as the eye can see: coasteering is a must-do activity near Faro for those who love adventure and the great outdoors! How about a unique and unforgettable experience during your few days in Faro? Set off with an experienced guide in the heart of the Costa Vicentina!


Horseback riding at sunrise or sunset

A magical activity around Faro
Activité faro

Photo credit: Viator

  • 📍 Location: E da Praia
  • ✔️ Minimum age: 12, if no previous riding experience
  • 💙 We love: the magnificent sunset

The best way to discover unique landscapes in your free time? A horseback ride to the Praia da Bordeira, near the village of Carrapateira! This beach near Faro is a truly unspoilt area. Pine forests, fine sand dunes, the Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye can see: discover the praia da Bordeira on horseback!

Start your trail in the forest. Enjoy the sound of birdsong and your horse’s footsteps in total silence. Then cross the dunes of the Praia da Bordeira and watch the power of your horse through the sand.

Finally, an unforgettable souvenir at the end of the trail: a panoramic view of the Algarve sunrise or sunset. Would you like to create magical memories during your trip to Faro? Take a horse ride and discover the natural wonders of the Algarve!


Group surf lessons at the praia de Faro

For the ultimate ambience
cours de surf à Faro

Photo credit : Shutterstock

  • 📍 Location: Faro beach
  • ✔️ Minimum age: 6 years
  • 💙 We like: the group memories of this activity

Fine sandy beaches, the Atlantic Ocean, raging winds: the Algarve region is a great spot for surfers! Rest assured: group surf lessons on Faro beach are accessible to beginners and experienced surfers alike, even in high season. In small groups, divided by level, set off for a 2-hour group surf lesson on Faro beach.

Follow the instructions of an experienced guide and surf the waves of southern Portugal. Intense, sporty and exhilarating, surfing is a must-do sport. Going out with friends? It’s the ideal activity for creating unforgettable group memories during a few days in the Algarve. Book your surfing lessons at Faro beach now!


Cultural activities in Faro: Portuguese cooking classes

Slip into the skin of a local
cours de cuisine portuguaise à Faro

Photo credit : Shutterstock

  • 📍 Location: Boliqueime
  • ✔️ Minimum age: the activity is suitable for the whole family
  • 💙 We love: tasty Portuguese dishes

Seafood, fresh fish and more: it’s no secret that the Algarve is famous for its local specialties. Visiting Faro’s historic center isn’t the only way to immerse yourself in the history of the Algarve. Combine culture and gastronomy by taking part in a Portuguese cooking class!

Put on your apron and become a true expert in Portuguese cuisine. Supervised by a Portuguese chef, you’ll cook local specialties in a pleasant outdoor setting. Each participant is fully equipped: wooden utensils, local produce, fresh fish and seafood! The team makes it a point of honor to bring the best of Portugal to your plate.

Best of all: the tasting! Taste all the local specialities, carefully prepared by the participants. Savor Portuguese cuisine for an afternoon. More tasty and authentic than a fried shrimp restaurant in Faro’s historic center!


For a wonderful stay in Faro, make the most of your free time between visits to the Algarve’s must-sees, such as the beaches, the old town or Faro Cathedral. This magnificent region of southern Portugal is brimming with things to do and places to explore!