Best things to do in Faro
From glorious sweeps of golden sand to wandering around the historic Cidade Velha, these are the best things to do in Faro.
#1 Explore the Cidade Velha
The only part of Faro to have survived the town’s various historic upheavals is the Cidade Velha, or Vila-Adentro (“town within”), an oval of cobbled streets set within a run of sturdy walls. Bright-white houses are fronted by decorative balconies and tiling, a few now serving as antique shops, cafés or art galleries.
The most central entrance is through the eighteenth-century town gate, the Arco da Vila, next to the Turismo. From here, Rua do Município leads up to the broad Largo da Sé, which is lined with orange trees and flanked by the cathedral and a group of palaces, including the former 9 eighteenth-century bishop’s palace.
#2 Marvel at Sé
Parts of Faro’s squat Sé (cathedral) date back to 1251. The impressive structure became the Algarve’s principal cathedral in 1577, but was sacked by the English under the Count of Essex in 1596 and then partially destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, so much of what you see today – a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles – dates from the eighteenth century. Inside there’s fine eighteenth-century azulejo tiling, though for most people the highlight is to climb the bell tower for superb views over the old town and the mudflats beyond.
#3 Geek up at the Museu Municipal
One of the oldest museums in Portugal, Faro’s impressive Museu Municipal was founded as an archeological museum in 1894. Housed in a sixteenth-century convent with a beautiful cloister, its highlight is an almost intact mosaic showing the Roman god of water, Neptune, and the Four Seasons. Dating from the third century, it was originally excavated near the city’s train station.
Also on display are some fine Roman statues from Milreu (see page 416), exquisite Moorish lamps, vases and bowls, and a variety of Baroque and Renaissance paintings. The collection also includes Futurist works by Carlos Porfírio, one of the country’s leading twentieth-century artists. In front of the building stands a forthright, crucifix-carrying statue of the conqueror Afonso himself, king between 1249 and 1279.
#4 Learn about the area at the Museu Regional
Faro’s likeable little Museu Regional is a refreshingly low-tech ensemble of items representing traditional Algarve culture – perfect for an hour or so on a rainy day. There are agricultural implements, musical instruments, recreations of house interiors and model fishing boats. Perhaps of most interest are the black-and-white photos that show what the town and local beaches looked like before the advent of tourism.
#5 See the Chapel of Bones at Igreja do Carmo
For ghoulish delights, it’s worth seeking out the Baroque Igreja do Carmo, which enlivens an otherwise dull part of town. At the back of the church, you can buy a ticket to view the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), set in an overgrown garden at the rear. The chapel is completely lined with the bones and skulls of monks disinterred from the cemetery next door and carefully arranged into neat geometric patterns.
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