Holiday rentals in Faro

Faro is the capital of the popular, sun-soaked Algarve region and it retains a laid back, traditional Portuguese feel. The city’s historic Old Town centers around a picturesque square, churches decorated with tiles, an elegant 18th century Bishop’s Palace, and the imposing Sé de Faro Cathedral. When wandering the cobbled streets of the old city centre (Cidade Velha), you’ll notice it’s protected by ancient city walls — a combined effort built by previous residents, with Roman, Christian, Moorish, and Byzantine influences. Modern Faro offers an attractive marina, plazas with alfresco dining, leafy parks, museums, and buzzing nightlife clustered around Avenida da República and Rua Filipe Alistão.

The town also offers easy access to quiet, sandy beaches and inviting lagoons of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. This nature reserve stretches 37 miles from Praia de Faro to Cacela Velha and was created to protect this unique ecosystem, home to some rare breeds of birds and waterfowl.

Faro’s local beaches are often blissfully quiet, as they’re all found on the three nearby sandbar islands. The Ilha Deserta, which translates to Deserted Island, is only accessible by boat. This little oasis is the most southerly point in Portugal, popular with beach goers and kayakers alike.

As the southernmost city in Portugal, Faro enjoys warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine all year round. Villas in Faro are popular during the peak months of July and August, as families head to the coast for some sea air to beat the heat in the larger cities of Lisbon and Porto. Visiting in spring or early autumn will still reward you with warm temperatures and low chances of rain, and you should find the streets quieter as you explore. The lead up to Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) falls between mid-February and mid-March each year, and this is when Carnival takes place and the city comes alive with open-air parades in bright colours and a festive atmosphere.

Sé de Faro

Built in the 13th century in dedication to the Virgin Mary, the cathedral is located in the heart of the Old Town. Reflecting the centuries of varied occupants in the area, the current cathedral was founded on the remains of a Moorish mosque, itself built in the place of a former Visigoth church and Roman temple. Having been rebuilt several times, it features an unusual mix of architectural styles, including Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic. Climb the wooden staircase to the Bishop’s Palace for views across the city and out to sea.

Capela dos Ossos

This ancient chapel contains the bones of over 1,200 monks, dating back over 200 years and arranged in geometric patterns. The inscription above the entrance invites you to reflect on your fate: “Stop here and consider that you too will reach this state.” The temple is accessed via the Igreja do Carmo church, itself worth a visit for its striking Baroque design.

Ria Formosa Natural Park

Voted one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal, the natural park covers approximately 18,000 hectares of islands, woodlands, lagoons, marshes, and mudflats. Home to flamingos, chameleons, seahorses, and even an endangered dog breed and only a few kilometres from the city, you can take in the views and spot the local wildlife by boat, bike, or kayak.