Compare Faro holidays

Faro began life in the 9th century and its rich legacy is evident everywhere you look. Inside the medieval city walls in the heart of the city is the Cidade Velha, an evocative tangle of pedestrian lanes and outdoor cafes. The Arco da Vila, a decorative 19th-century archway designed by Francisco Xavier Fabris, is one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in the Algarve. And inside the doorway you will find a very special gate from the pre-Moorish period, with its own legends attached.

The centrepiece of the Cidade Velha is the Sé, a castle-like cathedral first built in 1251. The site is thought to have once housed a Roman temple, then a Visigoth cathedral, and then a Moorish mosque. What remains now is a fascinating mix of baroque, Renaissance and Romanesque-gothic features; a typical representation of the different influences that go into making Faro so special.

Enjoy a natural wonder on your doorstep

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, there's really no bad time for holidays in Faro.

The hottest months are, of course, July and August. Early summer, when the air is fresh and the waters invitingly warm, is also a great time to go. It is possible to pick up some good all-inclusive Faro deals out of season, from November to February, with cheap Faro options also available earlier in the year if you book well in advance.

When it comes to deciding what to do in Faro, you'll find you're spoilt for choice.

Faro Municipal Museum

The second museum ever built in the Algarve, the Faro Municipal Museum is perhaps the top dog among the cultural tourist attractions in Faro. Its beautifully preserved Roman artefacts are fascinating, but the real standouts are Faro legend Carlos Porfirio's oil paintings, portraying stirring tales from local history.

The Sé