Discover Faro: Nature, Coast and History

Wetlands, cliffs and nature watching

Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is an internationally significant wetland. Canals, islands, salt marshes and sandbanks form different facets of its landscape; the park stretches along 60 kilometres of the Algarve coast. Those interested in birdwatching will also find a useful point of reference: Centro de Educação Ambiental de Marim directs visitors to suitable walking trails and observation points.

Parque Natural da Ria Formosa also organises trips in a traditional boat once used for tuna fishing. The boat trips and information about walking trails offer different experiences: one focuses on a ride in a former fishing boat, the other on finding your way on foot to observation points.

The Sapal de Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António wetland can be explored on foot or by boat. At Sapal de Castro Marim, visitors can also follow the paths between the salt pans on foot or by bicycle and watch salt being harvested. This offers a different perspective on the landscape: as well as travelling through the wetland, visitors can also experience the process of salt production.

Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina extends as far as Burgau in the Algarve. Its coastal landscape is characterised by striking cliffs and distinctive wildlife and plant life. White storks nest on sea cliffs there; otters live in a marine habitat. On the Vicentine Coast, Praia do Amado is one of the beaches popular with surfers. Here, the coastal landscape and wildlife sit alongside a beach particularly associated with surfing.

History in Silves and Faro

Castelo e Cerca Urbana de Silves is one of Portugal’s most significant Muslim fortifications and the largest in the Algarve. Its towers and walls offer views over the orange groves along the Rio Arade. The complex has been classified as a National Monument since 1910 – adding another historical dimension to the fortifications visible today.

In Faro, Porta Árabe in Arco da Vila tells the story of the city’s former fortifications: it was part of the old Muslim city walls and served as the city entrance for people arriving from the sea. The history of Sé Catedral de Faro also goes back a long way. It was elevated to cathedral status in the 14th century and expanded under D. Dinis. Inside is one of the Algarve’s most valuable art collections from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Igreja de Santa Maria is also part of Faro’s history. It was probably built from 1251, two years after the town was reconquered, on the orders of the Archbishop of Braga, D. João Viegas. This dating therefore remains a probable attribution, rather than a confirmed date.

Choose the focus of your holiday in Faro

A distinctive place name associated with local tradition is Santa Luzia, recognised as the “octopus capital”. When planning a trip, you can weigh up different interests: wetlands and birdwatching, cliffs and coastal activities, or the architectural history of Faro and Silves. If you are considering Faro as your urban base, you can also take a specific point of reference for your journey into account: the Algarve’s international airport is about 4 kilometres from Faro city centre. This approximate distance refers to the two locations mentioned; when looking for a holiday rental, it can help you decide on the focus of your holiday.

Discover more destinations

Quinta De Cima, Mealhas, Prainha, Altura, São Brás De Alportel, Carvoeiro, Monchique, Vila Real De Santo António, Alcoutim, Albufeira, Loulé, Aljezur, Castro Marim, Faro, Lagoa, Lagos, Olhão, Portimão, Silves, Tavira, Vila Do Bispo, Maragota, Morenos, Alcácer do Sal

For the broader travel overview: Portugal.