Guidebook for Faro
Food Scene
Grilled fish platter in the center of Olhão in a small restaurant with a family atmosphere. Closed on Monday. Open from 12:00 to 15:00. Ten Euros per person (fish + salad + potatoes + açorda + bread + olives + homemade tuna pasta).
38 locals recommend
Vai e Volta
Nº2 Largo do GrémioGrilled fish platter in the center of Olhão in a small restaurant with a family atmosphere. Closed on Monday. Open from 12:00 to 15:00. Ten Euros per person (fish + salad + potatoes + açorda + bread + olives + homemade tuna pasta).
Attractive and varied cuisine. It mixes different cultures and ingredients, presenting Asian fusion dishes and French, Greek, Mediterranean, Mexican, among others.
14 locals recommend
Ysconderijo
45 R. Gago CoutinhoAttractive and varied cuisine. It mixes different cultures and ingredients, presenting Asian fusion dishes and French, Greek, Mediterranean, Mexican, among others.
Rustic house in which the dining room works in the cellar and in the old vacaria. It has an attentive service where the cuisine is homemade, being the mountain's food that dominate the menu. Good wines and homemade digestives.
13 locals recommend
Adega Nunes - Isabel Martinha Viegas Afonso Nunes
Rustic house in which the dining room works in the cellar and in the old vacaria. It has an attentive service where the cuisine is homemade, being the mountain's food that dominate the menu. Good wines and homemade digestives.
The decoration of this restaurant lives up to its name, since the interior space has the look of a grotto. At the gastronomic level the bet goes to the grills, working only at lunch.
6 locals recommend
Restaurante Típico Gruta Das Figuras
136 Urbanização Hortas das FigurasThe decoration of this restaurant lives up to its name, since the interior space has the look of a grotto. At the gastronomic level the bet goes to the grills, working only at lunch.
A small rustic cafe/restaurant decorated very simply and with a youthful atmosphere. The students who often come here usually have the house's speciality, the sangria.
Tasquinha Cruzeiro
12 Largo da MadalenaA small rustic cafe/restaurant decorated very simply and with a youthful atmosphere. The students who often come here usually have the house's speciality, the sangria.
Tasca do Ricky
n° 21 R. do FornoGrilled and traditional food.
Mavala Osteria Italiana
10 Largo da MadalenaTypical Italian cuisine and good wine.
Caco, O Original - Faro
42 R. Conselheiro BivarBurger in bolo do caco (special kind of bread).
Live seafood. Stingray. Rice with wreakfish. Cataplana of seafood. Fresh fish. Grills.
8 locals recommend
Cantinho da Ronha
55 Rua do BocageLive seafood. Stingray. Rice with wreakfish. Cataplana of seafood. Fresh fish. Grills.
Specializing in the preparation of the best national and international meats, in a cozy atmosphere.
11 locals recommend
Faaron steakhouse
7 R. IvensSpecializing in the preparation of the best national and international meats, in a cozy atmosphere.
Álef Burger Bar
N1 R. do CompromissoHome-made Burgers (100% calf beef) & Vegan Burgers!
Restaurant with a simple and familiar space serving Portuguese cuisine. We advise the rice with lingueirão, fried fish (eels, roes, alcabrozes, sole) and grilled fish (gilt, sea bass, horse mackerel, among others).
8 locals recommend
Fontinha
51 R. 25 de AbrilRestaurant with a simple and familiar space serving Portuguese cuisine. We advise the rice with lingueirão, fried fish (eels, roes, alcabrozes, sole) and grilled fish (gilt, sea bass, horse mackerel, among others).
Tertulia Algarvia
15 Praça Dom Afonso IIIFlavors and knowledge of the Algarve.
Rotisserie of fresh fish roasted, with a great variety. Opens the appetite even to those who do not like fish.
17 locals recommend
Restaurante O Tintol
Rotisserie of fresh fish roasted, with a great variety. Opens the appetite even to those who do not like fish.
Venda deals with food: that which is eaten outside and that which one takes to make at home. Venda is about Portuguese products, quality and sustainability.
17 locals recommend
A Venda
60 R. do CompromissoVenda deals with food: that which is eaten outside and that which one takes to make at home. Venda is about Portuguese products, quality and sustainability.
Large, simple and family-friendly space with a nice covered terrace overlooking the beach. Their specialty is the grilled food.
15 locals recommend
Restaurante Zé Maria - José Maria Dos Santos
45 Av. NascenteLarge, simple and family-friendly space with a nice covered terrace overlooking the beach. Their specialty is the grilled food.
Marisqueira Vasco da Gama
47 R. Vasco da GamaSeafood. Algarve cuisine.
O Chalavar
120 R. Infante Dom HenriqueFresh fish.
O Murta
136 R. Infante Dom HenriqueTypical portuguese cuisine. Charcoal grill. The best fresh fish.
Pastelaria Arco-íris I
11 R. Jornal Correio do SulPastry shop.
Pastelaria Padaria Centeio
25 R. Mouzinho de AlbuquerquePastry and bakery.
Seafood restaurant. Specialty: snails. Live seafood. Fresh fish.
6 locals recommend
Restaurante O David
21 Largo Dr. Francisco Sa CarneiroSeafood restaurant. Specialty: snails. Live seafood. Fresh fish.
Guaka
18 R. Conselheiro BivarMexican restaurant, home-cooked food, and a party atmosphere!
Recently refurbished, every day offers varied meals. Try coffee in a harmonious and relaxed atmosphere.
LA SCALA
18 Rua Brites de AlmeidaRecently refurbished, every day offers varied meals. Try coffee in a harmonious and relaxed atmosphere.
Chalet restaurante
21 R. 1 de MaioChinese and Japanese restaurant - Asian buffet.
Flor da Ameixa
Specialty: Charcoal Grills. Homemade Portuguese style food.
l'Osteria
21 Praça Alexandre HerculanoIl Ristorante Italiano.
Drinks & Nightlife
APERITIVO Bar
nº51 R. Conselheiro BivarAppetite of Living. Wine bar. Tapas.
Columbus Cocktail & Wine Bar
Praça Dom Francisco GomesCocktail & Wine Bar.
Innocent
nº70 R. Conselheiro BivarRestaurante ● Bar ● Wine Bar ● Club ● Food With a Beat
Poncha's Bar is the place where you can find the traditional drinks of Madeira Island. Let yourself be seduced by the Madeiran environment and by the poncha!
Poncha's Bar
26 R. RasquinhoPoncha's Bar is the place where you can find the traditional drinks of Madeira Island. Let yourself be seduced by the Madeiran environment and by the poncha!
Restaurant/Lounge Bar. Magnificent view. Beautiful sunset. Fado nights every monday (22:00). For reservations dial +351913921812.
36 locals recommend
O Castelo
11 R. do CasteloRestaurant/Lounge Bar. Magnificent view. Beautiful sunset. Fado nights every monday (22:00). For reservations dial +351913921812.
Boheme
2 R. Conselheiro BivarBe here for a beer.
Unique space! An incredible wine cellar, with Gin being the main reference with more than 450 different brands.
Café Bar Apolo
n°3 R. Vale da AmoreiraUnique space! An incredible wine cellar, with Gin being the main reference with more than 450 different brands.
Bar CheSsenta
24 R. do PriorThe typical atmosphere and live music. Open every day.
Sightseeing
The Cerro de São Miguel (411 meters), also known as "Monte Figo", is the highest elevation of the Serra de Monte Figo and is located in the parish of Moncarapacho, Olhão. Its summit is an excellent viewpoint, being possible to glimpse a considerable part of the Algarve south coast.
9 locals recommend
Cerro De Sao Miguel
The Cerro de São Miguel (411 meters), also known as "Monte Figo", is the highest elevation of the Serra de Monte Figo and is located in the parish of Moncarapacho, Olhão. Its summit is an excellent viewpoint, being possible to glimpse a considerable part of the Algarve south coast.
Rococo and neoclassical architecture building stands in the Historic Center, inside the medieval walls, in Largo da Sé. It began to be built in 1787 during the bishopric of D. José Maria de Melo and is partially attached to the walls of the Vila Adentro, presenting two distinct bodies.
Seminário de São José de Faro
19 Largo da SéRococo and neoclassical architecture building stands in the Historic Center, inside the medieval walls, in Largo da Sé. It began to be built in 1787 during the bishopric of D. José Maria de Melo and is partially attached to the walls of the Vila Adentro, presenting two distinct bodies.
A two-storey building built between the late 16th and 17th centuries, it remains the official residence of the Bishop. It was rebuilt and expanded after the earthquake of 1755, occupying the entire block. Its moth, the four-story roofs and the portal stand out. Inside the atrium and staircase decorated with 18th century tiles, the shelves of the baroque period of the library, decorated with chinoiserie motifs are also noteworthy.
Paço Episcopal
15 Largo da SéA two-storey building built between the late 16th and 17th centuries, it remains the official residence of the Bishop. It was rebuilt and expanded after the earthquake of 1755, occupying the entire block. Its moth, the four-story roofs and the portal stand out. Inside the atrium and staircase decorated with 18th century tiles, the shelves of the baroque period of the library, decorated with chinoiserie motifs are also noteworthy.
The Capela dos Ossos (English: Chapel of Bones) is an ossuary in Faro, Portugal, which belongs to the 18th century Carmelite church Nossa Senhora do Carmo.
Above the entrance there is the following inscription:
"Pára aqui a considerar que a este estado hás-de chegar"
which translates to
"Stop here and consider, that you will reach this state too."
The 4 by 6-meter sized chapel is built of the bones of more than 1000 Carmelite monks and has been inaugurated in 1816. It is situated behind the main church and contains also 1245 skulls.
18 locals recommend
Capela dos Ossos
21 Largo do CarmoThe Capela dos Ossos (English: Chapel of Bones) is an ossuary in Faro, Portugal, which belongs to the 18th century Carmelite church Nossa Senhora do Carmo.
Above the entrance there is the following inscription:
"Pára aqui a considerar que a este estado hás-de chegar"
which translates to
"Stop here and consider, that you will reach this state too."
The 4 by 6-meter sized chapel is built of the bones of more than 1000 Carmelite monks and has been inaugurated in 1816. It is situated behind the main church and contains also 1245 skulls.
Characterized by marked eclecticism, it is considered by many scholars to be the clearest example of romanticism in the Algarve. The buildings are spread over three levels, preceded by double staircases, balustrades, and gateways. The Palace occupies the highest level and is in a mixture of artistic styles, mainly neoclassical, neo-rococo and Art Nouveau, and is surrounded by large gardens, adorned by lakes and fountains and decorated with busts, tiled panels, and statues. There is a nativity scene from the 18th-century Portuguese school and a sculpture by António Canova named “The Three Graces”
35 locals recommend
Pousada Palácio Estói
Rua de São JoseCharacterized by marked eclecticism, it is considered by many scholars to be the clearest example of romanticism in the Algarve. The buildings are spread over three levels, preceded by double staircases, balustrades, and gateways. The Palace occupies the highest level and is in a mixture of artistic styles, mainly neoclassical, neo-rococo and Art Nouveau, and is surrounded by large gardens, adorned by lakes and fountains and decorated with busts, tiled panels, and statues. There is a nativity scene from the 18th-century Portuguese school and a sculpture by António Canova named “The Three Graces”
Parks & Nature
It’s a hill (that’s what “cerro” means); from its top, 313 meters high, the visitor will enjoy awesome views over Faro and the coast. The walk up there can be phisically demanding, specially during the hot months.
Cerro do Guilhim
It’s a hill (that’s what “cerro” means); from its top, 313 meters high, the visitor will enjoy awesome views over Faro and the coast. The walk up there can be phisically demanding, specially during the hot months.
Natural and serene, it is inserted in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa and is the most isolated of the county of Loulé.
29 locals recommend
Praia do Ancão
Natural and serene, it is inserted in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa and is the most isolated of the county of Loulé.
Departing from Olhão or Faro and after a pleasant boat ride of approximately 40 minutes you will find Farol Island. Along an extensive beach, you can count with not only clear waters, but also with the observation of a diverse fauna, which only the proximity to the Ria Formosa allows.
181 locals recommend
Ilha Do Farol
119 R. das FloresDeparting from Olhão or Faro and after a pleasant boat ride of approximately 40 minutes you will find Farol Island. Along an extensive beach, you can count with not only clear waters, but also with the observation of a diverse fauna, which only the proximity to the Ria Formosa allows.
Also known as "Faro Island", this stretch of sand forms part of the Ancão Peninsula, which delimits the Ria Formosa to the west and from where you can get a privileged view of the mountains and the city of Faro.
118 locals recommend
Praia de Faro
1 Av. NascenteAlso known as "Faro Island", this stretch of sand forms part of the Ancão Peninsula, which delimits the Ria Formosa to the west and from where you can get a privileged view of the mountains and the city of Faro.
Deserted island with only one restaurant. Exquisite and expensive.
101 locals recommend
Barreta Island
Deserted island with only one restaurant. Exquisite and expensive.
Arts & Culture
Recital de Guitarra Portuguesa
8 R. da MisericórdiaPortuguese Guitar Recital. Discover the Portuguese Guitar and Fado.
In terms of areas, its activity aims to give meaningful expression to all current programmatic areas: music and opera, dance, theatre, new circus and cinema. And in connection with all of them, an enhanced attention to pedagogical and educational perspectives, with a strong and structured action of the Educational Service.
70 locals recommend
Teatro das Figuras
Rua João Brito VargasIn terms of areas, its activity aims to give meaningful expression to all current programmatic areas: music and opera, dance, theatre, new circus and cinema. And in connection with all of them, an enhanced attention to pedagogical and educational perspectives, with a strong and structured action of the Educational Service.
The Cathedral of Faro, also known as Igreja da Sé or Church of Santa Maria, is one of the most important historical buildings of Faro, in the Algarve, in Portugal. It is located in Largo da Sé, in the historic center, and is classified as a Property of Public Interest. It is the seat of the Diocese of the Algarve.
59 locals recommend
Faro Cathedral
11 Largo da SéThe Cathedral of Faro, also known as Igreja da Sé or Church of Santa Maria, is one of the most important historical buildings of Faro, in the Algarve, in Portugal. It is located in Largo da Sé, in the historic center, and is classified as a Property of Public Interest. It is the seat of the Diocese of the Algarve.
Roman ruins. The Roman Villa of Milreu reveals a continued occupation from the first century until the eleventh century.
46 locals recommend
Roman Ruins of Milreu
Roman ruins. The Roman Villa of Milreu reveals a continued occupation from the first century until the eleventh century.
Monument of Public Interest. Built by the Third Order of Our Lady of Monte do Carmo between 1713 and 1719 the church is a fine example of baroque architecture, with a symmetrical façade in the style of D. João V. Church with a single nave with a main chapel and four decorated side chapels with tile and gilded carving. In the old cemetery annexes the Chapel of Bones, built in 1816.
48 locals recommend
Igreja do Carmo
21 Largo do CarmoMonument of Public Interest. Built by the Third Order of Our Lady of Monte do Carmo between 1713 and 1719 the church is a fine example of baroque architecture, with a symmetrical façade in the style of D. João V. Church with a single nave with a main chapel and four decorated side chapels with tile and gilded carving. In the old cemetery annexes the Chapel of Bones, built in 1816.
The Faro Municipal Museum features five long-standing exhibitions reflecting the origins and History of Faro, from the Roman era to the contemporary, from a regional perspective.
50 locals recommend
Archaeological and Lapidary Museum Prince Henry the Navigator
14 Largo Dom Afonso IIIThe Faro Municipal Museum features five long-standing exhibitions reflecting the origins and History of Faro, from the Roman era to the contemporary, from a regional perspective.
The Library aims to satisfy the information, culture, leisure and education needs of the community by promoting reading habits and providing a set of free services offered on the basis of equal access for all.
7 locals recommend
Biblioteca Municipal de Faro
20 R. Pintor Carlos PorfirioThe Library aims to satisfy the information, culture, leisure and education needs of the community by promoting reading habits and providing a set of free services offered on the basis of equal access for all.
Shopping
Forum Algarve is one of the largest shopping centres in the region. With 100 shops, 20 restaurants, 5 cinema screens, an Hipermarket and a parking area for 2.300 vehicles, it is a landmark project that has rapidly become an obligatory stop for many thousands of local consumers, as well as tourists.
138 locals recommend
Forum Algarve
Km 103 N125Forum Algarve is one of the largest shopping centres in the region. With 100 shops, 20 restaurants, 5 cinema screens, an Hipermarket and a parking area for 2.300 vehicles, it is a landmark project that has rapidly become an obligatory stop for many thousands of local consumers, as well as tourists.
The second IKEA Centres shopping centre in Portugal, opened on October 26th 2017. The new shopping centre of Loulé opened doors to welcome visitors from all over the Algarve, Alentejo and the south of Spain. It is the first project in the country that combines a shopping centre, an outlet and an outdoor leisure area with 8,000 sqm, and 3,500 parking spaces.
81 locals recommend
Cinema NOS Algarve Mar Shopping
Avenida AlgarveThe second IKEA Centres shopping centre in Portugal, opened on October 26th 2017. The new shopping centre of Loulé opened doors to welcome visitors from all over the Algarve, Alentejo and the south of Spain. It is the first project in the country that combines a shopping centre, an outlet and an outdoor leisure area with 8,000 sqm, and 3,500 parking spaces.
The Municipal Markets of Olhão, one of the ex-libris of the city of Olhão, began to be built in 1912, being inaugurated four years later. For almost a century they are one of the illustrated postcards of Olhão and a must-see for tourists and residents.
112 locals recommend
Olhão Markets, E.E.M.
Avenida 5 de OutubroThe Municipal Markets of Olhão, one of the ex-libris of the city of Olhão, began to be built in 1912, being inaugurated four years later. For almost a century they are one of the illustrated postcards of Olhão and a must-see for tourists and residents.
The Municipal Market of Faro is a complex that congregates a diversity of business activities of commerce and services, designed in order to provide to the operators in it installed the best operating conditions in its business and to its customers and consumers in general, security , comfort and variety of supply, facilitating them the choice and the acquisition of the goods and services that they need.
75 locals recommend
Faro Municipal Market
Largo Doutor Francisco Sa CarneiroThe Municipal Market of Faro is a complex that congregates a diversity of business activities of commerce and services, designed in order to provide to the operators in it installed the best operating conditions in its business and to its customers and consumers in general, security , comfort and variety of supply, facilitating them the choice and the acquisition of the goods and services that they need.
Pcquatro - Formação e Novas Tecnologias, Lda.
49 R. Dona Teresa Ramalho OrtigãoComputer shop.
Essentials
GNR - Posto Territorial de Faro
18 Largo de São sebastiãoGuarda Nacional Republicana (security force).
PSP - Police District Command
32 Rua da Policia da Seguranca PublicaPublic de Segurança Pública (security force).
LIDL
Avenida Calouste GulbenkianDiscount supermarket.
Minipreço
Nº 8/10 Largo Terreiro do Bpo.Downtown supermarket.
Pingo Doce
8 R. Dr. Cândido GuerreiroExcellent value for money.
Jumbo is a network of hyper and supermarkets belonging to the Auchan Group and has been present in the life of the Portuguese since the seventies.
26 locals recommend
Jumbo
Km 103 N125Jumbo is a network of hyper and supermarkets belonging to the Auchan Group and has been present in the life of the Portuguese since the seventies.
Hospital Lusíadas Faro
11 Largo de CamõesPrivate hospital.
Hospital De Faro
Rua Leão PenedoPublic hospital.
Barbearia Evandro Garcia
3 Largo de CamõesHairdressing for men. Modern haircuts.
Faro Health Center
Urbanização Hortas das FigurasPublic Health Center.