Weekend in Faro

The walled medieval quarter of Faro, with cobbled streets, the Arco da Vila gate, and plenty of orange trees. Most of the town's historic buildings are here, and it's fully walkabl

Tip: Visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and the midday heat. The municipal museum inside the former convent is cheap, not free, but worth the 2€ entry.

A working marina with fishing boats and private yachts, plus a pedestrian promenade along the Ria Formosa lagoon. Good for walking, bird-watching and watching ferries to the barrie

Tip: The public market at the end of the marina (Mercado Municipal) is open weekday mornings and cheap for fresh fruit and pastries. The best view of the lagoon is from the stone jetty near the ferry terminal.

A wooden walkway leading from the eastern edge of Faro into the marshland and salt pans of the Ria Formosa. Free for pedestrians, cyclists, and birdwatchers. The landscape is flat and open, with views

Tip: Bring binoculars in spring or autumn – this is a major migratory bird stopover. The main entrance is behind the Algarve Stadium, but a shorter access point is off the N125 near the sewage treatment plant. Wear sturdy shoes after rain.

The cathedral itself is free if you stay in the nave, but the roof terrace (accessible via a spiral staircase behind the altar) costs 3€ and gives the best 360-degree view of the Old Town, marina, and

Tip: Climb up at around 4pm for golden light over the salt pans. The stairs are narrow, so if you're claustrophobic, be prepared. The ticket is cash only – there's an ATM five minutes away, but bring coins just in case.

Two separate buildings – the church is free to enter, the Bone Chapel (Capela dos Ossos) costs a small fee. The chapel's walls are lined with the skulls and bones of over 1,000 Carmelite monks, arrang

Tip: Skip the often-queued main entrance at the church; buy the chapel ticket directly at the door to the right of the church. The fee is roughly 2€ and takes 10 minutes to view. No photography inside the chapel.