We went to Faro for Valentine's Day 2025, for three days and two nights. It is very calm, and a real change of scenery.
Faro overview
When: February 2025, around Valentine's Day.
How long we stayed: three days, two nights.
How long I would stay: four to five days.
Where to stay in Faro
We stayed at Alto House Faro, on Rua de Berlim, a renovated guest house about fifteen minutes on foot from the old town, with free bikes and breakfast.
For Valentine's Day, the hotel had prepared the room for us: red roses, a bottle of Portuguese sparkling wine, two glasses, a box of chocolates and a bowl of strawberries.
Check prices and availability at Alto House Faro
My tip: sleep in Faro itself. It is much cheaper, and you can do day trips to the neighbouring villages from there.
Best things to do in Faro
The old town
The Cidade Velha, the walled old town, is small and easy to walk: you enter through the Arco da Vila gate, and you end up on Largo da Sé, the cathedral square lined with orange trees, with the old bishop's palace on one side.
The Capela dos Ossos, the chapel of bones
Behind the Igreja do Carmo, a tiny chapel lined with bones and skulls.
Good to know: the chapel was finished in 1816, when the cemeteries of Faro were full. It holds the remains of Carmelite monks, and 1,245 skulls, arranged in geometric patterns on the walls and the vault. It is small, about 24 square metres, and you enter through the church. Above the door, an inscription says, in Portuguese, "Stop here and consider, that you will reach this state too."
The beach
Praia de Faro, the long sandy beach on the barrier island in front of the city.
The Ria Formosa nature reserve
The lagoon and its islands, between the city and the sea. It is a natural park, with birds, salt pans and boats out to the islands.
The red cliffs of Praia da Falésia
The cliffs in the town next door, near Albufeira, with their red and ochre walls dropping into the sand.
Where to eat in Faro
Restaurante Chefe Branco
Rua de Loulé 9, near the marina. We went back the next day, because it was that good.
Good to know: Chefe Branco is a local institution for fish and seafood, known for its cataplana, the Algarve fish stew served in a copper pot, and for its grilled fish and meat. Portions are generous and prices stay reasonable.
Vila Adentro, for a cocktail on the roof
Praça Dom Afonso III 17. We had a cocktail on the rooftop terrace of Vila Adentro, in the Cidade Velha, right next to the church and a few steps from Largo da Sé, the cathedral square lined with orange trees.
Things to know before you go
- Sleep in Faro, not in the resort towns. It is much cheaper.
- Plan day trips to the neighbouring villages, and keep Faro as your base.
How many days in Faro?
Four to five days, with day trips.
Faro FAQ
Is Faro worth visiting?
Yes. It is very calm, and a real change of scenery.
How many days in Faro?
Four to five days, using Faro as a base.
Where to stay in Faro?
We stayed at Alto House Faro, fifteen minutes on foot from the old town.
Is Faro a good base for the Algarve?
Yes. Sleeping in Faro is much cheaper than in the resort towns, and day trips are easy.
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