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What to do in Faro

Explore the cobbled streets of the Cidade Velha, venture out of the city to see wild, protected beaches and discover the holiday resorts and golf courses of the wider Algarve – on a holiday to Faro, you’ll get the best of the lot.

The Sé

At the heart of Faro’s old town is its most beautiful building, the cathedral. The current mash-up of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque stylings was built in 1251 and repaired in 1755 after a severe earthquake, but the cathedral itself replaced a Moorish mosque, which was built on the site of a Roman temple.

Climb the bell tower for sweeping views, and don’t miss the macabre relics in the Museu Capitular, which include a shrine built from bones.

Municipal Museum of Faro

Time-travel through Faro’s history at this well-presented museum. Exhibits stretch from Roman remains – including a bust of Emperor Hadrian and a large mosaic of the god Oceanus, unearthed near the railway station in the 1970s – right up to material from the 20th century, with paintings by Faro-born artist and poet Carlos Porfírio.

It’s worth visiting for the building that houses the collections alone – the former Convento de Nossa Senhora da Assunção is a Renaissance gem.

Ria Formosa nature reserve

Stretching 60km (37 miles) east along the coast from Faro, Ria Formosa is one of Europe’s most important wetlands. A series of beautiful lagoons and marshland areas are protected from the open ocean by a dune system spread across peninsulas and barrier islands.

As well as providing a stop-off for migrating birds, you’ll find rare resident species too. Explore by bike, kayak or on foot – or take a guided trip on a saveiro, a traditional painted Portuguese boat.

Estoi

Just 10km north of Faro, this pretty town is home to one of the Algarve's most striking Rococo palaces, the Palácio de Estoi, which has been transformed into a luxury hotel. The grand, candy-pink façade and landscaped gardens, full of traditional azulejo tiles, are open to non-guests to explore for free.

On the town’s outskirts, you’ll find some of the best-preserved Roman remains in the Algarve at the Villa of Milreu.

Olhão

A 10-minute train journey east from Faro is Olhão, the largest fishing port in the Algarve. The handsome, red brick market is a highlight, designed by Gustav Eiffel (of Parisian tower fame), and is packed with the day’s catch of fish, octopus, clams and eel, alongside similarly fresh vegetables.

Visit on a Saturday for an outdoor craft market too. Restaurants here serve incredible seafood at a good price, and the peaceful town has Moorish architecture and a friendly feel.