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I recently ventured to Faro, in southern Portugal, and was eager to soak in as much as possible! After a delightful day exploring the main city, my curiosity led me to discover the most captivating day trips from Faro.
In my quest, I was thrilled to find that the Algarve region is a treasure trove, particularly for solo female travelers like me, brimming with hidden gems and enchanting experiences!
Since there is a close by airport, Faro is an excellent place to make a base whether you have a car or not.
This post will detail the great destinations from Faro all under 2 hours in every direction.
Do I Need To Rent A Car in Faro For Day Trips?
If you are planning to make visit multiple places from Faro I highly recommend renting a car.
But you don’t have to. It will all depend on how many days you have to spare. There is public transit, you just have to factor in the timetables and if it’s worth it.
Getting a rental car is easy when arriving at the Faro airport, you can pick up your car and go.
🚗 If you want to understand the rental car qualifications read my full downloadable guide on how to rent a car in Europe.
For the best rates and customer service I would get a quote from Discover Cars!
They are the easiest company to work with if you are a foreigner.
📲 Downloadable Map For Faro Day Trips
📍 Download my pre-pinned Google map of all the best locations in this post!
My favorite restaurants, bars, hotels and top sights are all saved and ready to use!
Where To Go From Faro By Drive Time
- Tavira ( 35 minutes from Faro by car)
- Albuferia ( 40 minutes from Faro by car)
- Largos ( 1 hour from Faro by Car)
Tavira
Where is Tavira Located?
Tavira is a town located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. It is situated on the eastern coast of the Algarve, near the Spanish border.
Tavira is the easiest to get to from Faro. It is approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) east of Faro, the capital of the Algarve, and around 290 kilometers (180 miles) southeast of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.
The town is known for its historic center, picturesque streets, and proximity to beautiful beaches along the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
How Far Is Tavira From Faro?
The good news is Tavira is very close to Faro! It is one best places to make a day trip. Travel to Tavira from Faro is just under one hour via train!
Take the train from Faro main train station to Tavira main train station. The fare is very low, at 3.20 Euros.
From the Tavira stop, you will reach the city center within a 10-minute walk. Strolling around the entire area took a couple of hours walking slowly and taking photos.
Things To Do in Tavira
On your day trip to Tavira, there are a number of things to do in this historic town. The attraction I found most exciting was the Castelo de Tavira!
Tavira Castle
The Castelo de Tavira is a Moorish castle ruins with incredible panoramic views of the town. It is free to access and a must-see.
At the top of the ruins is a Cathedral and a delicious bistro restaurant, A Ver Tavira. I had the pleasure of eating here while gazing out at Tavira. Another highly rated restaurant in the area is Castelo café e restaurante.
Tavira Riverfront
One of the most beautiful attractions in Tavira is the riverfront. The town of Tavira is divided by a low-arched pedestrian bridge over the River Gilão.
The riverfront is also known as the shopping district. I would take my time walking around all the boutiques and cafes, enjoying the old-town vibes.
Museums
If you are someone who loves to visit museums, Tavira has two worth mentioning. Núcleo Museológico Islâmico, has many pieces that represent the Moorish rule. Throughout Southern Portugal, you can find influences from the region’s Islamic heritage.
Also, visit Palácio Galeria for works by Paula Rego, a Portugal native. The museum itself is something to see. Converted from a 16th-century palace, it is the perfect backdrop to house art and culture.
Eat at a Local Restaurant
For me, the most enjoyable day trip includes finding a great restaurant. I experience the local culture through food more than any other activity when traveling.
A great place to eat in the city center is Come na Gaveta – GastroBar! It is a casual spot perfect for a quick bite on a day trip.
Albufeira
Where is Albufeira Located?
Albufeira is the day trip you want to make from Faro when you are looking for a beach day! Albufeira is located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal.
It is situated on the southern coast of Portugal, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Albufeira is about 250 kilometers (155 miles) southeast of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.
How Far is Albufeira From Faro?
Getting to Albuferia for a quick day trip is a little bit more work to get to than Tavira. I most recommend having a car to visit Albufeira if possible.
If you are relying on public transit, you will have two options. By bus or train.
If you take the bus, your journey to the old town of Albufeira is around 1 hour and 45 minutes without traffic. Traveling by train is faster, but you don’t get dropped off in the Old Town.
Faro central train station to Albufeira-Ferrerias station will take approximately 1 hour. After arriving at the station, you need to take a taxi to the Old Town Albufeira.
The cost of the taxi was around 7 euros and took 15 minutes.
This might sound like a lot of work, but I found it to be worth it! Going home, I decided to take an Uber.
It costs around 25 euros (prices may vary), and depending on your budget, you may decide to go by taxi or roundtrip.
Things to Do in Albufeira
Looking for things to do in Albufeira? Albufeira is a highly sought-after destination in southern Portugal for those who want to hit the beach. It is known for its beautiful cliffs along the seaside.
If I were to put Albuferia into one word, “magical” is the first word that comes to mind. Here are the best things to do in Albufeira!
Albufeira offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in Albufeira:
Visit the Old Town
Explore the charming historic center of Albufeira, known as the Old Town. Wander through narrow streets, admire the traditional architecture, and visit the main square, Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco.
Short on Time? See the town of Albufeira on a Tuk-Tuk!
Relax on the Best Beaches
Albufeira is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches. Some popular options include Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach), Praia da Oura, and Praia dos Salgados.
If the weather is nice, enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Take a Boat Trip
Embark on a boat trip along the coastline of Albufeira. Explore sea caves, admire rock formations, and perhaps even spot dolphins in their natural habitat.
Explore Zoomarine
Located nearby, Zoomarine is an exciting marine-themed park that offers various shows, interactive experiences with marine animals, water slides, and more.
Enjoy Water Sports
Albufeira is a great place for water sports enthusiasts. Try activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding, or take a thrilling ride on a banana boat.
Visit Paderne Castle
Located just outside Albufeira, Paderne Castle is a picturesque medieval castle with historical significance. Enjoy the views and learn about its history.
If you want to visit the Paderne, you really will need a car. Trying to navigate public transport to the castle will take your time away from exploring Albufeira.
Discover the Algarve’s Caves
Take a cave tour from Albufeira and explore the stunning sea caves and grottoes along the coastline. These tours offer an opportunity to see the natural beauty of the region.
Go Golfing
Albufeira is surrounded by excellent golf courses, making it an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts. Enjoy a round of golf amidst beautiful landscapes and stunning views.
Benagil Cave Day Trip Tour From Faro
This 5-6 hour day tour leaves from Faro and sets off to the magical Benagil Cave on the Algarve coast! Enjoy a day of swimming and exploring at the cave and then relaxing at the Marinha beach.
Lagos
Where is Lagos Located?
The town of Lagos is located in the western Algarve region of southern Portugal. It is situated on the southern coast of Portugal and is approximately 92 kilometers (57 miles) west of Faro, the capital of the Algarve.
Lagos is about 310 kilometers (193 miles) southeast of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.
You should consider a day trip here to visit the most beautiful beaches, historic old town, and picturesque coastline.
How Far Is Lagos From Faro?
Lagos is approximately 92 kilometers (57 miles) west of Faro, the capital of the Algarve region in Portugal.
The driving distance between the two cities is around 90 kilometers (56 miles), and it typically takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive from Faro to Lagos, depending on traffic conditions and the route taken.
You can take public transit to Lagos! It will take you a bit longer, but there is a train that will take you from Faro to Lagos.
Things to Do in Lagos
Lagos is a vibrant town in the Algarve region of Portugal with plenty of attractions and activities to offer. Here are the top five things to do in Lagos:
Visit Ponta da Piedade
Explore the stunning cliffs and rock formations of Ponta da Piedade. Take a boat tour or hike along the coastal trails to admire the breathtaking views and picturesque landscapes.
Explore the Old Town
Wander through the historic center of Lagos, known as the Old Town. Discover narrow cobbled streets, traditional architecture, and charming squares.
Visit the Governor’s Castle and the Slave Market Museum for a glimpse into the town’s history.
Relax on Lagos Beaches
Lagos boasts beautiful beaches that cater to various preferences. Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo are known for their striking rock formations, while Meia Praia offers a long stretch of golden sand. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Visit the Lagos Marina
Take a stroll along the marina, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and views of the boats and yachts. You can also find boat tours and fishing charters departing from here.
Lagos and Sagres Small Group Tour
Looking for an organized tour of the incredible Algarve region? This 7-hour tour leaves from Faro and takes you to the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, the fortress at Cape Saint Vincent, the town of Sagres, and the region of Lagos!
Top Day Tours & Trips From Faro
If you are staying several nights in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, you may have time for another day trip!
And it so happens I have just the perfect suggestions.
- From Albufeira: Full-Day Tour of Algarve Eastern’s Finest
- From Faro: Adventure Cave Tour – Benagil Cave and much more
- Faro: Dolphin and Wildlife Watching in the Atlantic Ocean
Faro Travel to Seville, Spain
Seville is a great choice if you are staying in Faro and looking to travel to Spain! I am not recommending you visit for just a day, only if you are looking to move on to another destination.
Faro to Seville via train is approximately a three-hour journey. Seville is one of the most exotic places I have visited in Spain. The architecture and food are one of a kind.
From luxurious hotels to some of the most impressive historical sites in the world, consider traveling to Seville!
Travel to Porto, Portugal
If you’re looking for a little more than a day trip, then consider taking the journey from Faro to Porto or perhaps even Lisbon to Porto. The fastest way to get there will be to fly, but if you rent a car and drive, think of the road trip possibilities.
Porto gives me Edinburgh vibes, the city has dark and mysterious vibes.
Whether you’re exploring the historic centre or sampling some delicious local cuisine at the riverside eateries, there are so many things to do in Porto that will leave you with lasting memories.
And if you’re feeling brave enough, why not take a stroll over the iconic Dom Luis I bridge? With its high-arching structure and breathtaking views of the Douro River below, it’s an experience you won’t forget!
So grab your camera and get ready to explore: your journey from Faro to Porto awaits!
Wrapping Up: Places To Visit From Faro
Well, that’s a wrap on my exploration of day trips from Faro. Whether you are traveling solo or not, I hope this post has inspired you to take an adventurous day trip from Faro, Portugal!
Just imagine wandering through the narrow alleys of Tavira or soaking up breathtaking views from the top of Cape St. Vincent. There is something for everyone to explore in this beautiful region of Portugal.
Faro Day Trips FAQs
The distance from Faro to Porto by car is around 5 hours with no traffic. Porto is not the most ideal destination for a day trip. Instead, drive up to Albuferia or Largo. Both of these places are incredible spots in Southern Portugal.
Faro is the southernmost city and is known for its fortified medieval old town, Cidade Velha. It is the second most populous city in the Algarve region. Faro is also home to some of the most important Moorish history.
If you only have one day in Faro Portugal, check out the fortified medieval old town and the Capela dos Ossos de Faro (Bone Church).
If you are planning to spend a week in Faro you could likely do 3 day trips from Faro. Spend the rest of your time getting to know Faro.
It is worth doing a day trip from Faro to Lagos if you have the whole day. A day trip to Lagos is a great idea if you can leave from Faro around 8 am.
The easiest place to visit from Faro, Portugal is Tavira! You can easily reach Tavira by train or car in less than an hour!
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