Faro, the capital of the Algarve, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and access to stunning beaches. To help you make the most of your visit, we've created five key maps covering Faro's main sights, nearby beaches, walking tours, accommodation choices, and popular day trips.

These maps will serve as valuable tools for planning your trip, whether you're interested in exploring Faro's charming old town, relaxing on beautiful island beaches, or using the city as a base to discover the wider Algarve region.

This interactive map shows central Faro and the locations of all major tourist attractions. (Zoom in or out to see all markers.)

Legend: 1) Porto de Pesca 2) Jardim Manuel Bivar 3) Igreja da Misericórdia 4) Arco da Vila 5) Porta Nova 6) Sé de Faro 7) Câmara Municipal 8) Museu Municipal de Faro 9) Arco do Repouso 10) Rua de Santo António 11) Igreja de São Pedro 12) Igreja do Carmo 13) Capela dos Ossos

 

 

While Faro itself doesn't have a beach, the nearby islands offer beautiful sandy shores. This map highlights the best beaches within the region, and Faro's three beach island:
• Ilha de Faro (yellow on the map): The most accessible beach area, connected to the mainland by road and bus. Praia de Faro is popular with both locals and tourists.
• Ilha da Barreta/Ilha Deserta (blue): A pristine and secluded island, perfect for visitors seeking tranquility away from crowds.
• Ilha da Culatra (green): Home to Praia da Culatra and Praia do Farol, this island offers a mix of unspoiled beaches and traditional fishing villages.

Legend: 1) Praia de Faro (main) 2) Praia de Faro Este (quieter) 3) Praia da Barreta 4) Cabo de Santa María 5) Praia da Ilha Deserta 6) Praia do Farol 7) Praia da Culatra

 

 

Faro's beaches offer some of the quietest and most pristine stretches of sand in the Algarve.

The Praia de Faro is the most accessible beach, can get busy in peak season but has good facilities. For tranquillity, head to Ilha Deserta or the eastern end of Ilha de Faro. The beaches on Ilha da Culatra provide a mix of seclusion and local atmosphere.

Insight: Be aware of ferry schedules when planning your trip, as services can be less frequent outside peak season.
Related article: Faro beach guide

Faro provides a diverse range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. The city offers modern hotels, boutique guesthouses, and rental apartments, with most situated within the compact city or close to the marina.

The historic centre is the best location if you want to be at the heart of the city, surrounded by restaurants and bars. Some of the best hotels in Faro include the Eva Senses Hotel, which offers a rooftop pool with panoramic views over the marina and Ria Formosa. The 5-star 3HB Faro provides luxurious accommodations in the heart of the city, featuring modern amenities and exceptional service. For a prime location overlooking the marina, the 4-star Hotel Faro & Beach Club is an excellent choice.

We've partnered with Booking.com to provide an up-to-date map of hotels and other accommodation options in Faro. You can adjust the dates to see current prices and availability for your specific travel period.

Booking.com

This map shows a suggested walking tour of Faro, which is ideal if you're visiting the city for a day trip. The route starts at the train station and covers 5km, filling 3-4 hours with leisurely sightseeing. The map also includes the main tourist attractions (from map 1).

Legend: 1) Porto de Pesca 2) Jardim Manuel Bivar 3) Igreja da Misericórdia 4) Arco da Vila 5) Porta Nova 6) Sé de Faro 7) Câmara Municipal 8) Museu Municipal de Faro 9) Arco do Repouso 10) Rua de Santo António 11) Igreja de São Pedro 12) Igreja do Carmo 13) Capela dos Ossos

 

 

Faro's central location in the Algarve makes it an excellent base for exploring the region. Within an hour's journey, you can discover charming historic towns, pristine beaches, and natural wonders. The area is well-connected by public transport, allowing you to easily visit nearby attractions by bus or train.

The map below highlights some of the best day trips from Faro that could extend your stay into a week-long holiday:

Legend: 1) Olhão 2) Estoi 3) Loulé 4) Ilha de Faro 5) Vilamoura 6) Tavira 7) Albufeira

Olhão (11km east): This authentic fishing town is known for its bustling markets and fresh seafood. You can explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park or take a boat tour to nearby islands.

Estoi (10km north): This small village is home to an elegant 18th-century Rococo palace, now a luxury hotel. The nearby Roman ruins of Milreu offer a glimpse into the region's ancient past.

Loulé (16km northwest): Famous for its Saturday gypsy market, Loulé also boasts a well-preserved castle and charming historic center. It's an excellent place to experience traditional Algarve architecture and crafts.

Vilamoura (25km west): This upscale resort town centres around a modern marina. It's known for its golf courses, high-end restaurants, and bars, offering a more luxurious Algarve experience.

Tavira (35km east): Tavira is the prettiest town of the Algarve known for its Roman bridge, numerous churches, and picturesque setting. While at Tavira, take a boat trip to Ilha de Tavira for some of the region's finest beaches.

Albufeira (45km west): This popular resort town balances old-world charm in its historic center with modern amenities and vibrant nightlife. Its beautiful beaches and array of entertainment options cater to a wide range of visitors.