Cheap flights to Faro from GBP18*

Approximately four million tourists throng the golden sands and action-packed resorts of Portugal's Algarve region every year and approximately four million of them arrive through Faro. On their quest for the perfect wave to ride or the prettiest beach to catch some tan on, they often just rush through its airport. Here’s where they go royally wrong: this fun-size city is teeming with history, a distinctly Portuguese character, as well as year-round buzz and welcoming vibes. You couldn’t wish for a better base for exploring the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, no argument there. But Faro’s charming Cidade Velha (Old Town), Neo-classical buildings, neighbouring lagoon and yacht-studded marina make for a great alternative – or addition – to the region’s bustling summer hotspots or a relaxing city break even after the beaches go quiet.

 

Faro, a charming gateway to the beaches of the Algarve

If you think it’s Faro’s busy international airport that put the city on the world map, think again. The coastline of the surrounding municipality, Parque Natural da Ria Formosa (Nature Park of Ria Forma), has had its fan base since the Palaeolithic age. Less known as a holiday destination than as a commercial port for fish and minerals at the time, it was one of the region’s key urban centres during the Phoenicians’ rule and went by the name of Ossonoba. It has kept its status but changed hands many times, having been occupied by the Romans, the Byzantines, the Visigoths and, finally, the Moors in the 8th century. By the beginning of the Portuguese Age of Discovery, Faro was a leading commercial hub and Christian city under the rule of Afonso III of Portugal. Tragically, over the centuries that followed, the city suffered a major earthquake and another disaster of equal proportions: the looting troops of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex. Even though Faro was left with only a handful of historic landmarks to speak of, the ones remaining will not fail to enthral.

 

Old Town Faro: chequered past, chequered present

Stroll the tranquil cobblestone streets of Faro’s Cidade Velha. Largely unharmed by disasters and modernity, Faro’s well-preserved Old Town is fringed with bright white townhouses, intimate cafés and tiny art galleries. Enter through Arco da Vila, a dainty 18th-century Neoclassical archway with Moorish undertones. Stop by the Old Town’s crown jewel, Sé. Faro’s cathedral dates back to 1251 but it has been severely damaged by the city’s various upheavals, the Earl’s rampage included. What’s left is a stunning medley of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque styles and some remarkable azulejos tiling. Make your way to the top for breathtaking views over Faro and its surrounding islands. If you’re up for a unique, and we do mean unique sight, go behind the 18th-century Carmelite church, Nossa Senhora do Carmo, and meet thousands of monks, or the remains thereof, in Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones). Museum-hoppers should head to Museu Municipal de Faro next, housed in the 16th-century Convent of Nossa Senhora da Assunção and explore its captivating Roman-era artefacts.

 

Cataplana: the best pot for diving into local cuisine

Faro’s oldest restaurant, Dos Irmãos, is something of an institution among locals and arguably the best possible place to dive into regional cuisine. It first opened its doors as a tavern in 1925 but turned into a restaurant by the 1960s after its bar food started pulling in crowds on its own merits. Its cataplana is an absolute must-try. Named after the clam-shaped copper pot it’s made in, the Algarve’s signature seafood dish is an all-star ensemble of clams, prawns and fish cooked in their own juices. Craving some pastéis de nata? Why wouldn’t you? Get your fix of this flaky, custardy, egg-tarty goodness at Pastelaria Padaria Centeio on Rua Mouzinho de Albuquerque. This pastry shop-cum-café is somewhat off the beaten path but well worth seeking out.

 

Antonio Manuel, Columbus and more: shopping and nightlife in Faro

Petite or not, Faro will not let big spenders down. Stroll along the mosaic-tiled Santo António Street and browse the curated shelves of the Antonio Manuel concept store. First opened in 1957, the boutique stocks the best and last in international high fashion for men and women. For the best in all things local, both food and culture, hit Mercado Municipal. Go early and hungry. Faro’s party scene is more than decent, thanks in no small part to its sizeable student population. Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar and Rua do Prior are the hotbeds of local after-dark action, with some hidden gems scattered around the Old Town, too. Award-winning Columbus Cocktail & Wine Bar on Praça Dom Francisco Gomes is a solid choice, mostly praised for its creative drink menu and knowledgeable mixologists. No music, no night out? Cocktail and music bar on Rua Conselheiro Bivar serves up drinks, laid-back vibes and live beats of all genres.

 

The Algarve, nature’s seaside treasure trove

The Ria Formosa Natural Park is not only one of the most gorgeous natural treasures of the Algarve region, but it’s also been voted among the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. Faro’s neighbouring coastal lagoon is a spectacular, 18,400-hectare tapestry of canals, saltpans, islands, dunes, marshland and sandy beaches, stretching between Ancão and Manta Rota. Its sprawling network of barrier islands includes two peninsulas, Ancão and Cacela, and five islands: Barreta or Deserta, Culatra, Armona, Tavira and Cabanas. A true birdwatchers’ heaven, the estuary is a key wintering site for birds flying from northern and central Europe to Africa, and home to rare birds like the purple swamphen and endangered species, such as the chameleon. Book a guided tour or get on a bike or in a boat or kayak to explore this vast nature reserve. Fun fact: thanks to the constant movement of winds, currents and tides, it never looks quite the same. Although Faro is not a beach resort per se, it’s not without any seaside bliss. Just south of the city, Ilha Deserta (Deserted Island), as its name suggests, is a peaceful, sandy coastline which is only accessible by ferry or private boat. Just south of Faro airport, Ilha de Faro paints a different picture. Also called Praia de Faro, it’s a 5-kilometre strip of golden sand, awash with sun-bathers, party-goers and water sports lovers. And of course, there’s the whole Algarve region to discover. Only a short train ride away is Tavira, one of the region’s most scenic towns with winding cobblestone streets, stunning churches and homely, family-run eateries. Vilamoura, 25 kilometres west of Faro, is the exact opposite. Dubbed the “Monaco of Portugal”, it’s a playground for the rich and famous, with a yacht-ridden marina, sleek bars, premier golf courses, a casino and the pristine Praia da Falésia. Dramatic cliffs are what you’re after? Head to the walled old town of Lagos. Witness one of the most gorgeous sunsets in the world at the nearby Ponta da Piedade, a collection of breathtaking limestone formations, caves, grottoes and sea arches.

 

Faro weather

Faro has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with average daytime temperatures of 27-35°C. Autumn and winter are usually mild with temperatures averaging at 8-17°C. From all the seasons, winter tends to be the wettest. Between June and September rain is almost completely absent. The best time for your Faro city break for long strolls or hikes is spring (April and May), while beach holidays are best scheduled between June and early autumn.

 

Faro airport

The Faro International Airport (Aeroporto Internacional de Faro, FAO), also called the Algarve Airport, is located 4 kilometres to the west of Faro. The airport is right next to the A22 highway that runs through the entire Algarve region. To reach the city, hop on bus no. 14 or bus no. 16 that connect Faro Airport and the central bus station. Taxi services and car rental options are also available.

FAQs for booking flights to Faro

How to get cheap flights to to Faro?

Use FareFinder to compare fares and discover the cheapest Faro flights for the next 6 months, helping you to plan ahead and save. Frequent flyers can save even more by joining the Wizz Discount Club, which gives you and your companions access to an instant €10.00 discount on fares from €19.99 and further discounts on checked-in baggage purchased online.

When is the best time to visit Faro?

Faro has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with average daytime temperatures of 27°C-35°C. The spring months from (April to May) and the Autumn months from (mid-September to October) are considered to be the best times to do outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. During this time of the year you will find fewer crowds and the temperature is not as hot. Throughout November and March you will find far fewer crowds as the temperature drops, but you can still expect many pleasant days with average highs of around 16°C even during the coldest months (January and February). June and August are ideal for days of lounging on the beach. There is very little rainfall, skies are clear and the temperature averages around 28°C to as hot as 40°C. You will still be able to enjoy some cool ocean breezes and experience evening temperatures around 22°C, perfect for evening strolls and outdoor dining.

How to get from Faro Airport to Albufeira? 

FFaro International Airport, also Algarve Airport, is situated 4 km west of Faro and is right off the A22 highway. You have a few options available to get from Faro Airport (FAO) to Albufeira.You can get to Albufeira on a direct bus from Faro to Albufeira; it takes 39 minutes. This is the best and most cost-effective way to get there. Alternatively, you can get there by bus via Albufeira Caliços Terminal, taking 1 hour 9 minutes. The taxi will get you there in about 33 minutes, while driving will be about 33 minutes. Shuttle and town car services are also an option; it will also take around 33 minutes. A direct bus service runs every two hours for a comfortable and reliable way of getting to Albufeira from Faro Airport.

How do I offset the carbon emissions of a Faro flight?

As part of our commitment to reduce carbon emissions, we've launched a carbon offsetting scheme. Input the details of your Faro flight into our travel footprint calculator to calculate your carbon emissions. You can choose to offset your emissions by making a payment supporting two verified carbon-reducing projects. You will receive a certificate in return, recognising the offset emissions.