10 Places Only Locals Know in Faro

Cidade Velha, Faro Old Town, is the birthplace of the city. One of its main attractions is the cathedral, but almost every street, corner and building is worth exploring and observing as they reflect the city’s history and traditions and the way that people live.

Surrounded by the remains of the old city wall, the Old Town is accessed through 3 medieval arches – Arco da Vila, Arco do Repouso and Arco da Porta Nova – all worth a look for their old-world charm. Walk through Arco da Vila and you’ll quickly notice the Arabian remains. The cobbled streets and white facades, with the overlapped houses bringing some North African vibes. When done exploring, try the regional cuisine at one of the local restaurants inside the old town.

Igreja do Carmo is a local church in Faro Old Town. Although it’s one of the town’s most important monuments, the church is often bypassed because the main attraction for visitors is the unusual Chapel of Bones (which has dozens of human bones), located behind the main church building.

This twin belfry church showcases an imposing baroque façade and inside you’ll find intricately carved gilded wood altars worth a detailed observation. Also known as Igreja da Ordem Terceira de Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo, the church overlooks the Largo do Carmo with its distinctive cobbled paving. Behind the church, you’ll find a small garden where the Chapel of Bones sits.

Jardim Manuel Bívar is one of the Faro’s most striking outdoor spaces. Located between the dock and Arco da Vila, the city park is surrounded by trees, cafe terraces and traditional cobbled sidewalks. It’s a meeting point for locals of every age and a privileged place to enjoy the landscapes of the Ria Formosa.

The park is quite busy during the day, mainly with families and locals enjoying day-to-day activities. At sunset, it’s an excellent place for an evening walk or to hang out on the cafe terraces after a hot summer day. Winters are mild in Faro, so you can visit Jardim Manuel Bívar year-round. Depending on the season, you’ll find a range of local events taking place at the park, including book fairs, markets, outdoor concerts and exhibitions.

Rua de Santo António is a pedestrian street that connects downtown Faro with the most modern part of the city. A lot of the local’s daily life revolves around this street, where modern and traditional shops coexist. It usually sees very few tourists, providing an authentic view of everyday life in Faro.

Rua de Santo António has many interesting buildings and local shops, but make sure to look down and appreciate the street's magnificent cobbled pavement, which is a work of art in itself. You can do this while you have a refreshing drink or a traditional pastry at one of the many open-air cafes.

Zona do Ludo is a great option if you’re looking for an outdoor experience in Faro. Located between the airport and the Quinta do Lago, this area is great for a bike ride or a walk far away from downtown Faro's city traffic, noise and touristy spots.

Zona do Ludo's natural environment attracts ducks and flamingos, which makes it a great spot for birdwatching. Pause, close your eyes, take a deep breath and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature.

Teatro Lethes is one of the oldest theatres in the country, founded in 1874. It’s one of the most important cultural symbols of Faro and a place you don’t want to miss if you enjoy cultural activities.

Even if you’re not in the mood to see a play, you won’t regret visiting the building. The outside of this historic theatre may not be very appealing, but don’t let that put you off. It hides an amazing interior, with a splendid painted ceiling, exquisite wooden carvings and plush velvet, that will make you feel like you’re back in the 19th century.

Mercado Municipal de Faro, the main market in the city, is one of the best places to get in touch with Faro’s local people. This covered market has a huge range of local products, mainly fresh fish and seafood, fruit and vegetables. Wander around the hustle and bustle of the locals and shop for fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables. 

It’s a friendly place, so take the opportunity to engage in conversation with the local vendors – you’re guaranteed to hear some good stories. Mercado Municipal de Faro also has stores and public services, as well as a few restaurants where you can enjoy regional cuisine.

If you’re interested in learning about Faro’s historical background and how it evolved to the present day, you can’t miss a visit to the Centro Interpretativo do Arco da Vila. This museum was founded to showcase the history of Faro and traditions of the local people.

The Centro Interpretativo do Arco da Vila sits in one of the town’s most emblematic historic buildings. From there, you can enjoy a great view of the Old Town and Ria Formosa – observe the details of the monument’s clock and belfry.

Sardinha de Papel is one of the most original stores in Faro. More than just a place of retail, it's a cultural space that hosts concerts and art exhibitions. Take a look at all the furniture – each has wheels so that the layout of the store can easily be changed to adapt to whatever is going on that day.

Sardinha de Papel is a community organisation that's largely based on the cooperation between the producers and the vendors, with mutual benefits. You can find unique designer handicrafts, objects and clothing, furniture, design pieces, recycled objects, and second-hand items. It’s a great place to shop for some authentic souvenirs of Faro that you won’t find in typical tourist shops.

If you’re visiting Faro with children, the Centro de Ciência Viva do Algarve is a great place to go and enjoy some quality fun time. It’s an oceanic and space science museum with a lot of activities for kids, but it’s also interesting for adults, especially if you're curious about science facts.

The interactive space is rather compact but large enough to house an exhibition dedicated to the sea, a coral aquarium, workshops and a laboratory where kids can engage in the different activities. You can also interact with different aquatic animals. Centro de Ciência Viva do Algarve has a cybercafé and an area dedicated to astronomy activities.