Top 9 Day Trips from Faro, Portugal for Adventure

Ria Formosa: Check Out the Birdlife

The Ria Formosa lagoon, a series of lagoons and sandy barrier islands between the coast and Atlantic Ocean, is only a few miles east of Faro. It serves as a vital nesting ground for many migratory birds, making it common to see flamingos, cranes, egrets, and several other species in the area. Furthermore, the region is rich in seafood like octopus, crabs, and oysters, supplying many restaurants throughout Portugal.

You can explore the mainland section of the Ria Formosa on your own via a long boardwalk, or participate in an excursion with one of several companies to venture out to the islands. Water-based trips, including kayaking and catamaran options, as well as guided bicycle trips, allow for closer encounters with the bird life.

Getting There: Boat trips generally leave from Faro harbor, and can be arranged through travel agents, your hotel, or directly with the operator. Independent travelers should either drive or take the train to Olhão (once an hour, journey time of 10 minutes). The park starts on the eastern edge of town.

Travel Tip: Take a look around the center of Olhão before heading back to Faro. The attractive white flat-roofed buildings look like they belong in northern Africa rather than Europe.

Ilha da Barreta / Ilha Deserta

Situated just south of Faro, but accessible only by ferry or private boat, Ilha da Barreta is the perfect destination for unspoiled beaches and serenity. Known locally as Ilha Deserta (Deserted Island), it lacks full-time residents and most visitors tend to frequent the more accessible beaches.

The beach on Ilha Deserta extends for five miles, complete with a boardwalk from the ferry pier. However, you won’t need to wander far to find an empty stretch of sand.

There’s a restaurant on the eastern edge of the island, adjacent to the pier. It serves drinks, snacks, and meals while renting sun loungers and umbrellas.

Getting There: A ferry operates from Faro during the summer months, costing around 10 euros for a return ticket. Keep in mind that the last service departs at 5:30 pm; missing it could mean costly alternative travel back to the mainland.

Travel Tip: If you’re on a budget, pack a picnic lunch. The island’s restaurant has no competition, which is reflected in its prices.

Loule: Perfect for Souvenir Shopping

The Algarve boasts more than just its stunning coastline. If you’re interested in history and a taste of Portuguese culture in the Algarve interior, a trip to Loule is worthwhile.

This charming town features a Moorish castle and a labyrinth of medieval streets filled with craft workshops. However, the highlight for many visitors is the historic covered market in the town center. On Saturday mornings, the regular market expands to include a lively farmers market, resulting in a vibrant atmosphere filled with locals and tourists alike.

The covered market is an ideal spot to gather local handicrafts, such as handbags, shoes, and metalwork, alongside regional food and drink specialties.

Getting There: Loule is approximately ten miles from Faro and can be easily reached by car or bus. The journey takes about 40 minutes and costs around 3 euros, although services are limited on weekends. Organized day tours are also an option.

Travel Tip: The covered market is closed on Sundays, and most government-run sites are not operational on Mondays.

Praia da Quinta do Lago: Sand and Flamingos

Praia da Quinta do Lago features a stretch of golden sand bordered by delicate wetlands, providing a unique alternative to other beaches in the area. A 1,000-foot wooden footbridge crosses the marshes, connecting the beach to the mainland, with a restaurant and bar located at the beach for your convenience.

Flamingos and other birdlife abound in the wetlands, and lifeguards are present during the summer months for those willing to brave the cool waters. Whether you are there to swim, sunbathe, or birdwatch, you’re likely to find ample space to yourself, as the beach rarely becomes crowded.

Getting There: It takes approximately half an hour to drive from Faro to the footbridge’s beginning, or you can walk the two miles along the sand from Faro’s main beach instead.

Travel Tip: Only consider walking from Praia de Faro on cooler days, as it’s quite a distance without much shade!

Tavira

Tavira sits gracefully on the Gilão River, approximately twenty miles east of Faro. The town is frequently dubbed “the prettiest town in the Algarve,” characterized by beautiful churches, old whitewashed buildings with terracotta roofs, cobbled streets, and small fishing boats drifting in the waters.

While Tavira doesn’t boast major tourist attractions like some other areas, it is perfect for immersing yourself in the relaxed atmosphere and local life of the Algarve, which is often missing from resort settings.

Indulge in a leisurely meal at one of the excellent riverside restaurants, enjoy a drink in a shaded bar within one of the many plazas, and capture picturesque buildings in countless photographs until your memory card is full.

Getting There: Tavira is a 35-minute drive from Faro along the A22 motorway, with trains taking a similar amount of time.

Travel Tip: Check the train schedule before your return trip, as service frequency can vary based on the time of day.

The Western Algarve: History and Rugged Beauty

Lagos is a well-known beach destination on the western Algarve coast, featuring an array of restaurants, beach activities, and vibrant nightlife. However, there is much more to the region, as it offers rich history and stunning natural beauty for enthusiasts of both.

Silves, located twenty miles northeast of Lagos, was once the capital of the Algarve. A ticket for Silves Castle costs less than three euros, making it an inexpensive option to explore this stunning fortress. Be sure to visit the cathedral too; this former mosque is now a national monument.

Do not miss out on exploring Cabo de Sao Vicente, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, which was historically believed to be the end of the world. Additionally, the nearby town of Sagres is perfect for grabbing a meal and checking out the 15th-century fort situated on a nearby headland.

Getting There: Trains and buses run regularly between Faro and Lagos, taking under two hours. However, renting a car is recommended if you intend to visit multiple areas of the western Algarve in a day.

Travel Tip: Bring warm clothing if you plan to visit Cabo de Sao Vicente, even during hot days. The winds off the Atlantic can make this part of the coast considerably cooler than areas a mile or two inland.

Seville: Tapas and Moorish Architecture

The capital of Spain’s Andalusia region, Seville offers an easy and rewarding day trip from Faro. With a rich history reflecting 700 years of Moorish control, many of the city’s attractions echo this fascinating legacy.

While one day may not be enough to see everything, must-do highlights include visits to the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the Alcázar royal palace—both located in the charming neighborhood of Santa Cruz.

Home to flamenco dancing, Seville offers lively shows; therefore, be sure to spend some time enjoying a drink and sampling tapas at a local bar while you watch the world go by.

Getting There: Seville is approximately 125 miles east of Faro, taking around two hours to drive. The bus ride takes about three hours, costing around fifty euros for a round trip. Guided day tours may also be available, often with competitive pricing compared to bus fares.

Travel Tip: Seville can become extremely hot during summer; temperatures frequently exceed 100 °F. It’s advisable to visit during the shoulder seasons or limit outdoor activities during peak hours.

Lisbon: Crumbling Beauty and Great Food

Visiting Lisbon doesn’t mean you have to choose between the beach and city. It can be easily accessed via a day trip while you enjoy your beach holiday in the Algarve.

While a week could easily be spent exploring this vibrant city, day-trippers can navigate the old town on foot thanks to its relatively compact layout. Be sure to stroll through the narrow streets of Alfama, admire the grand, crumbling architecture of the Baixa/Chiado shopping district, and relax beside the river at one of the many rustic bars and restaurants.

For dining options, the Time Out Market highlights some of the best restaurants within its sprawling food hall; alternatively, following your nose to a family-run eatery may lead to discovering a delicious menu do dia (meal of the day).

Getting There: Lisbon is about three hours by car or high-speed train from Faro. Day excursions via minivan are also available, with convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off services that cover many of the city’s major sites.

Travel Tip: The hilly terrain of Lisbon can be demanding; therefore, wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended!

Gibraltar: A Slice of Britain on the Rock

Strategically located at the tip of Spain near the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, the British territory of Gibraltar offers a fascinating, albeit lengthy, day trip from Faro. Enjoy stunning views of the famous Rock and observe the Barbary apes, the last remaining wild monkeys in Europe. However, exercise caution; these clever creatures will eagerly snatch food and drinks if you’re not careful!

Due to Gibraltar’s tax-free status, items like cigarettes and alcohol are cheaper than in Spain. However, if you intend to purchase these items, be aware that you’ll need to exchange some currency, as Gibraltar uses pound sterling.

Getting There: You can explore Gibraltar through a guided tour from Faro, or opt to drive the nearly four hours to the Spanish border (La Linea de la Concepcion) and walk a few minutes into Gibraltar. Be advised that there are no direct public transport connections, with buses typically routing via Seville, making for a longer journey.

Travel Tip: Don’t forget your passport, as you will be leaving and re-entering Spain!