Our most recommended things to do in Faro

Faro: Ria Formosa Faro Islands Catamaran Tour

1. Faro: Ria Formosa Faro Islands Catamaran Tour

Sail to the beautiful Ria Formosa Natural Park by catamaran, with regular departures scheduled from Faro. The journey follows the Ria Formosa channels and includes stops at the magical islands of Farol and Deserta. See the imposing Santa Maria Lighthouse in Farol and enjoy time to explore and try island cuisine. In Deserta, admire the rolling dunes and unique landscapes. Look out for unique flora and fauna, including the chameleon. Enjoy plenty of swimming opportunities on both islands, with secluded beaches and pristine shores. On board, learn about the islands and the park with insightful commentary from your guide in various languages.

Lagoa: Slide & Splash Water Park Entrance Ticket

2. Lagoa: Slide & Splash Water Park Entrance Ticket

Enjoy a day at Slide and Splash in Lagoa with its more 25 attractions. Relax in the cabanas, unwind with a massage, visit the fish spa center, and more. Experience the newest area of the park, home to the "Big Fall" a full-speed shuttle, the "Boomerang" a float trip with light effects, and 6 lane "Race". Discover pools and water slides suitable for guests of all ages. For younger guests, enjoy the fantasy water world of Tropical Paradise and the children's Foam Slides. Thrill-seekers can ride the gravity-defying Big Wave or the new Big Fall, the fastest "trip-capsule" in the park – only for the bravest. Enjoy the Disco River, the Black Hole, the Banzai, shows with macaws, massages, the massage and fish spa, 6 dining locations, and more. Relax in the leisure area with its 15 cabanas. It's an extra charge to experience these new areas reserved for groups of 4, 6, or 10 people. Enjoy perks such as fridge use, safes, and discounts at the restaurant and shop.

From Faro: Benagil Cave and Marinha Beach Guided Day Trip

3. From Faro: Benagil Cave and Marinha Beach Guided Day Trip

After gathering at the tour meeting point, your van will depart from Faro for the approximately hour-long journey after which you will arrive to Benagil Beach. It will be from this location, together with your instructor, that you will enter the cave. It will take between 5 and 10 minutes to enter the cave, after which you will have 40 minutes inside to enjoy its unique environment. You can choose to spend your time taking photos, swimming, and just generally relaxing. It will soon be time to head to Marinha Beach, which is considered the most beautiful beach in Portugal. At this location you will have an hour to discover the amazing cliffs and views, following which you will head back to Faro.

Algarve: Aquashow Park Entry Tickets

4. Algarve: Aquashow Park Entry Tickets

Book your day ticket for Aquashow Park, Portugal’s largest and most popular water and thematic park. Enjoy numerous attractions and leisure areas scattered throughout the park with an outdoor swimming pool, children's spaces, slides, restaurants, and bars. Find a variety of slides for all ages, including 32-meter-high Kamikaze slides for the sensation of surfing on a big wave, the Speed Race where you can compete with other guests, the White Fall which invites the bravest for a unique slide, and the Wild Snake for a ride into the dark. If you're visiting with little ones, take them to the mini-park world for a fun and safe experience with slides and other water attractions. Relax in the swimming pool, jacuzzi, or in green areas with sunbeds. Try one of the park's main attractions, the wave pool, simulating real sea waves. Find the biggest Water Coaster in Europe, reaching a maximum speed of 70 kilometers per hour. Go on the thematic Air Race ride that has you sitting inside a real airplane doing aerobatics and stunts. Another top thematic attraction is the Top Swing, a 12-meter high pendulum that gives you a 110-degree spin. Head to the show area to enjoy shows featuring birds of prey, exotic birds, and reptiles. Once you've worked up an appetite, go to one of the snack bars or BBQs. You can also find a small souvenir shop, changing rooms, lockers, and other facilities.

From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour

5. From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour

Enjoy a catamaran tour in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Discover its 3 islands with 4 stops included. Swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters, explore a traditional fishing village and see how oysters are farmed. Start your tour by crossing the channels of the Ria Formosa to observe the seabirds feeding on the edges of the marshes. Enjoy your first stop for 45 minutes at Ilha Deserta and swim and snorkel in the crystalline waters. Then, head to the next stop, Ilha do Farol for another 45 minutes to discover the lighthouse and take pictures of the typical Algarve houses around it. Sail towards Ilha da Culatra for the third stop, a fishing community, for 2 hours of free time. Enjoy the option to have lunch at a traditional restaurant on the island where the main course varies between fresh fish and seafood. Finally, make your last stop where you can observe oyster farming in the Hangars. Admire the tide changes at the Ria Formosa.

From Faro: Adventure Tour to Benagil Cave and More

6. From Faro: Adventure Tour to Benagil Cave and More

This day trip is a great way to discover scenic spots in the Algarve region. Along with your guide, make your way to Benagil Cave, the 7 Hanging Valleys Trail, Marinha Beach, and the Algar Seco Caves. Explore the trails and caves and enjoy free time to relax on the beach and enjoy the surroundings. The first stop is Benagil Beach, where your guide will lead you on an adventure into the Benagil Cave. Listen to insights about the area and sea conditions while they show you the way to the cave. Equipped with bodyboards and all the necessary gear, make the short crossing to reach the cave. Inside, enjoy free time to relax, appreciate the beauty of the cave, and take some photos. Next, continue to the 7 Hanging Valleys Trail and Marinha Beach. Admire breathtaking views and impressive cliffs along parts of the trail, followed by free time at Marinha Beach. As the tour nears its end, your expert guide will take you to the enchanting Algar Seco Caves, known for their beauty. Among them is the iconic Boneca Cave with stunning sea views. After the tour, you will return to Faro.

From Olhão: Ria Formosa 3-Island Full-Day Tour

7. From Olhão: Ria Formosa 3-Island Full-Day Tour

Begin your island-hopping trip with your captain who will act as your tour guide. First, stop at Lighthouse Island, where you can visit its village, get a drink, go to the beach, and explore the neighborhoods of beautiful houses. Continue on to Culatra Island for a few hours for a picnic lunch or visit one of the local restaurants. Culatra Island has beautiful swimming areas, if you prefer to play in the water instead of eating here. Stop on the island for 2 hours to enjoy lunch and to explore the village. Next, make your way to Armona Island or Desert beach , depending on the season. In the summertime, Deserta beach hosts a beautiful, wild beach with no buildings. Explore either the Ria Formosa for a swim, or take in the Atlantic Ocean side of the island. The beautiful Armona Island is inhabited all year-long with locals and vacationers. Discover its deserted beach and take in the tranquil surroundings.

From Faro: Ria Formosa Hop-On Hop-Off Island Tour

8. From Faro: Ria Formosa Hop-On Hop-Off Island Tour

Discover 3 of Ria Formosa's barrier islands and admire the wonderful world of the fauna and flora of this part of the Algarve coast. Travel by hop-on hop-off boat and enjoy the flexibility to choose the time you want to spend at each of the islands. A professional team of boat skippers will be here to guide you and provide all the necessary information ensuring you'll have a pleasant and enjoyable stay. With regular departures scheduled from the pier in Faro, aboard a speedboat or ferry boat heading in direction of Desert Island which will be your first stop. Spend the day exploring the only uninhabited island and enjoy the tranquility of this peaceful place. Relax on the beach, observe the wildlife or take a walking tour to Cape Saint Mary. Swim in the ocean’s clear waters, sunbathe or enjoy a memorable meal at Estaminé during your visit to Desert Island. Next, visit Farol Island and the small village of Farol. Take a stroll along the sea wall, visit the island's namesake lighthouse or enjoy a drink at one of the beach bars. On the last stop of the tour, visit the small fishing village of Culatra Island. During low tide, observe the oyster farms that are exported internationally. Visit the church and school, meet the locals, and observe traditional fishing gear before heading back to Faro.

Algarve Coast: Dolphin Watching & Cave Tour

9. Algarve Coast: Dolphin Watching & Cave Tour

Explore the Algarve coast which is legendary for pirate adventures and pristine beaches. Cruise along the coast between Albufeira Marina and Carvoeiro beach on a luxury boat that offers you the chance to swim, relax, and maybe even see a dolphin or two. Begin with a relaxing ride through the caves and rock formations that make this landscape so unique. Stop for swim in a stunning location with stunning views. Head out to sea in your search for the playful dolphins who call these waters home. Enjoy sailing along in comfortable vessel that is ideal looking for dolphins. Learn facinating facts about these majestic animals from your guide. Return to the meeting point at the end of your tour.

Faro: Hop On Hop Off City Tour by Tourist Train

10. Faro: Hop On Hop Off City Tour by Tourist Train

Relax and enjoy a Faro tour on a special tourist train. During this tour, you will visit beautiful and important monuments of the city, including Old City, the Jardim Manuel Bivar, Igreja da Misericórdia, Sé de Faro, Teatro Lethes, Igreja do Carmo, Igreja São Pedro, Zona Comercial da Baixa de Faro, pass by the lagoon Ria Formosa and the new town. Via a multilingual audio system, learn curious facts and secrets as you pass by each location. Your ticket is valid for a full day, so you can stop at any of our stops, explore the surroundings and hop back in to the next stop. The stops are: Praça D. Francisco Gomes (where our tour starts), Jardim da Alameda, Ermida de Santo António, Mercado da Cidade e Igreja do Carmo.

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Faro
The Algarve’s capital charms explorers with its walled old town, eclectic architecture, and nature reserve.

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What people are saying about Faro

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 6,741 reviews

The communication was perfect. The night before I was contacted by WA and all details were sent through it. Meeting point, photo with it, everything necessary to have a stress free preparation. When we arrived, a bit late, the skipper was waiting for us. His name is William, a great character with a lot of experience sailing the region. Every minute it was safe and although we booked 4 hours we were in total 5 hours on the journey. 3 islands, great info/food! I recommend these guys! Really local and good value!

The tour with William was excellent. We enjoyed learning about the Ria Formosa and clam and oyster farming, and exploring a few islands. There was plenty of time to wander, enjoy the beaches and relax. The fresh fish lunch was excellent. Highly recommend.

The beach, caves and cliffs are a must see. The views on the cliff walks are incredible. The wetsuits for the swim to the caves were still wet (and cold) fron previous outings. Some of it felt a bit rushed.

Very good tour. Stunningly beautiful rocks and coastline line view from speedboat. Paulo was a good guide, liked his sense of humour. Will highly recommend.

The guide Miguel was excellent. The boat was comfortable and nice. The tour was well planned and managed