7 Best Day Trips from Faro (that are less than 3 hours away!)

No matter how long you decide to spend in Faro, one of the best things to do is to take some day trips from Faro. It is a really good base to be able to explore other areas of the Algarve.

Faro has a train station with a lot of links to other central places within Portugal so it is the perfect spot to explore. From small towns such as Tavira and Olhão to spending the day in Lisbon the capital city.

This guide will give you details on some of the best day trips from Faro, how to get there and day tours to enjoy from Faro too. You’ll also find plenty of tips for going on these day trips from Faro and recommendations of things to do too.

Tavira

Only an hour by train from Faro is the lovely town of Tavira which is a great place for a day trip from Faro. Similar to Faro, Tavira is a great place to wander and explore the historic centre.

With even more restaurants to try the Portuguese cuisine, museums and a stunning riverfront, you will have plenty to keep you occupied for the day.

If you’re visiting Faro for about a week then this is the perfect day trip for you to enjoy. Below we’ve shared how you can get to Tavira from Faro and some of the best things to do whilst you’re there.

How to get from Faro to Tavira

You have 3 different options if you’re wanting to travel from Faro to Tavira. You can either catch the bus, take the train or if you’ve rented a car in Faro then you can drive yourself.

Bus: As Faro isn’t too far from Tavira, if you book your bus ticket in advance then it will cost you around €3.85 (£3.29GBP / $4.20USD) per person but the departure times are a little more limited than if you were to get the train. It takes just under an hour to get the bus from Faro City Centre to Tavira. You will need to catch either the route 66 or the route 67 to get into Tavira and you can check the departure times below.

Train: Catching the train from Faro to Tavira is definitely the easiest option for you to travel. It will take around 45 minutes so it is a little quicker than the bus as well. It is also a little cheaper than the bus costing only €3.50 (£3GBP / $3.82USD).

Drive: If you’ve decided to rent a car to explore more around the Algarve then driving from Faro to Tavira is a great option as it will only take you around 35 minutes to drive there. Depending on the route you choose to take, you will drive through Estoi which is another great place to stop off and we’ve included in this guide for day trips from Faro too.

Things to do in Tavira

• Visit some of the beautiful beaches in Tavira

There are a lot of stunning beaches to enjoy in Tavira and as it is not as well known as a tourist destination in Portugal, you will find that it is much less busy too.

Some of the best beaches close to Tavira include Praia da Ilha de Tavira, Praia dos Tesos and Praia do Barril. We mention Praia da Ilha de Tavira in some more detail below as it really does deserve its own section.

All of these beaches are absolutely stunning and offer golden sandy and clear blue water. This is a perfect way to cool off from the hot temperatures of Portugal.

• Castelo de Tavira

Whether you’re interested in the history of Tavira or you’re just looking for a great viewpoint then you will want to visit Castelo de Tavira.

The castle was actually what guarded Tavira from pirates back in the day and even though it has aged, it holds an important part of history for Tavira. Once you get to the top of the fortress, you will be able to enjoy stunning views of Tavira and the Ria Formosa lagoon.

• Isla de Tavira

If you have the time then one of the best things to do in Tavira and it is a small escape to paradise. A lot of people say that it is the best beach in the Algarve which is quite some feat! Whilst this is not something we’ve done ourselves yet, it is on our bucket list for a road trip through the Algarve.

You could easily spend all day on the island and just enjoy an escape from it all. It is easy to get to the island by taking a boat from the Quatro Aguas peer in Tavira.

It doesn’t cost a lot to get to the island with a return being only €2 (£1.71GBP / $2.18USD) and it only takes around 10 minutes to reach the island too. If you decided to drive to Tavira, you’ll be pleased to know that there is also a large car park too. You can even pack yourself a romantic picnic to enjoy the beach and make the experience even more memorable.

• Experience Fado

One of the most popular spots to experience Fado music in Lisbon but if you missed out on this in Lisbon or you want to experience more then you’re in luck!

You can enjoy the beautiful sound of Fado music in one of the most stunning locations possible. The Fado Com Historia has resident musicians every day between Monday – Saturday.

The cost of the experience is €10 for adults and if you’re travelling as a family and have children under 12 then it is completely free. Make sure to check the Fado schedule to ensure that you have enough time to visit before heading back to Faro.

• Pego do Inferno Waterfall

Just outside of Tavira town, you will get to enjoy a beautiful hiking route with a stunning waterfall to reward you. The Pego do Inferno comes with a bit of a dark myth surrounded by it but this is still a great spot to explore and admire.

Legend has it that a carriage fell into the bottom of the lake and it was never recovered by divers or to be found again. It was said that anyone that fell into it would go straight to hell which is where its name originates from.

It’s a pretty heavy story but its beauty is truly unparalleled. Tourists come to visit to explore the surrounding area and admire the waterfall that leads to hell.

Lagos

This stunning city is a popular spot for tourists to visit in the Algarve and it can get extremely busy during peak seasons. When the weather gets hot, it becomes busy which is very similar to Faro’s best times to visit.

Famous for its stunning beaches and historic centre, Lagos is a great place to visit even if it’s for a day from Faro. If you have the time then we would recommend spending more than just a day in Lagos but equally you can also get to see plenty in that time period.

Also similar to Faro, Lagos has a small old town but it is absolutely stunning to wander around and take in the atmosphere.

How to get from Faro to Lagos

Located west from Faro, it is easy to get to Lagos with either public transport or driving there. You will be able to take the bus, get the train or drive to Lagos and they all take just over an hour to arrive there.

Bus: The bus from Faro to Lagos takes an hour and 45 minutes depending on the time of day so you will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. It will cost around €5.84 (£5GBP / $6.37USD) so it is the cheapest option to get to Lagos.

Train: Another great option for getting from Faro to Lagos is by taking the train which will be for around an hour and 45 minutes also. It costs around €10.51 (£9GBP / $11.46USD) for a one-way ticket so it is around double the price of the bus ticket.

Car: If you’ve rented a car and are looking for the quickest option to get from Faro to Lagos then driving is definitely the answer. It will take you just over an hour to drive to Lagos but you may find that you want to stop along the way and see some of the sights.

Things to do in Lagos

• Lagos Market

If you’re looking for a cultural experience whilst you’re travelling in Portugal then visiting the market in Lagos will certainly offer you that.

From meat, fish, herbs and spices, you will be overwhelmed with choices and aromas. We would highly recommend stopping off at the market if you’re looking to take some souvenirs or food back home. You may also want to stop here if you’re staying in Faro with some self-catering options where you can cook for yourself.

Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, it is worth visiting the market just for the atmosphere alone. It’s also worth heading up to the rooftop for magnificent views across the waterfront in Lagos too!

• Waterfront

The waterfront in Lagos is truly tremendous and it is well worth a visit. If you’re exploring around Portugal as a couple then this is one of the most romantic things to do in Lagos.

Along the waterfront you will find plenty of bars and tavernas to enjoy some delicious tapas and drinks with a more than pleasant view!

One of the highlights of wandering down the waterfront is marvelling at the different market stalls during the peak seasons. There are plenty of things to see and do along the marina and this is where you will take any boat tours that you may arrange in Lagos.

• Old Town

• Kayak Tours

You may have seen on Instagram that a lot of travellers have been kayaking along the coast of the Algarve. This one of the most fun activities to do in Lagos and you’ll get to enjoy the turquoise blue waters alongside the warm Portuguese sun beaming down on you.

Most of the tours will take you inside the Ponta da Piedade caves and grottos which is truly a unique experience. Tick this off your bucket list and explore the wonder of the beautiful Portuguese caves.

• Lagos Castle

This medieval castle is one of the main attractions for tourists visiting Lagos and it is no wonder why. Originally the walls of the castle surrounded the whole of Lagos to keep the town protected.

You will find remnants of the city walls around the town so it is easy to visit. The city walls are mostly intact around the marina so this is the best place to visit.

Estoi

Located only 15 minutes outside of Faro is the stunning small town Estoi. There are a lot of things to do in Estoi so you will be able to spend a day here easily, if not longer.

This is one of the most authentic destinations within the Algarve and we’re surprised that it is not more popular with tourists. However, thankfully it is not as popular with tourists because it leaves it more untouched and less touristy.

How to get from Faro to Estoi

As Estoi is only a 15 minute drive from Faro, it is an incredible day trip for you to enjoy. This makes it really easy to get there whether you’re driving or taking the bus.

Bus: There is a regular public bus route from Faro to Estoi which you can catch by taking the number 65. It will cost you around €3.40 (£2.91GBP / $3.70USD) for a one-way ticket. The journey will only be around 25 minutes so this is a great day trip for you to take if your time is limited.

Car: For anyone that wants to drive to Estoi, it is even quicker and easier with it taking only 15 minutes to drive there.

Things to do in Estoi

As Estoi is only a small town, there isn’t a huge amount to do there but there is enough to keep you occupied for the day. Estoi is a real hidden gem within the Algarve and a great insight into a more traditional side of Portugal too.

• Palácio de Estoi

One of the main sights within Estoi is the Palace and it is no wonder why. Estoi Palace is absolutely stunning and what is even better is that access to it is free.

Palácio de Estoi has now been converted into a hotel but you will still be able to tour around the palace. In particular, it is well worth a visit to see the Palace gardens alone.

With the beautiful architecture, statues and gardens, this is an incredible sight to see whilst you’re visiting Estoi.

• Ruínas Romanas de Milreu

Just outside of Estoi’s town you will stumble across the Roman ruins of Milreu. With its history, this is one of the best sights to visit if you’re taking a day trip out of Faro.

These ruins are what is left of a Roman villa and it is one of the most preserved Roman ruins within the Algarve too. Dating back to the 1st century, this is something that you absolutely can’t miss whilst you’re visiting the Algarve.

• Igreja Matriz de Estoi

You will find churches all over the Algarve but this one in Estoi is pretty spectacular. The style of Igreja Matriz de Estoi’s reconstruction was updated by the architect Francisco Xavier Fabri who also worked on the Arco de Vila in Faro.

Both of these works are absolutely stunning and well worth a small visit to appreciate the interior especially.

• Estoi Town

As we said, Estoi is a particularly small location but that doesn’t make it any less wonderful. Spend your time exploring around the town, doing a bit of shopping and dining in one of the restaurants.

It is an easy place to walk around and just take in the atmosphere. As this is a more traditional Portuguese town, take some time to just sit back and watch the world go by.

Lisbon

Just be warned that if you’re visiting Lisbon for a day trip from Faro then it is very possible that you may want to extend and not leave for a few days at least. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

How to get from Faro to Lisbon

It is very easy to get from Faro to Lisbon with plenty of public transport options. There are 4 different options that you can choose from to get to Lisbon. Flying is the more expensive option but it is the fastest whereas the bus is one of the cheapest options but it takes longer. Due to this, you will need to assess the prices at the time you’re travelling and decide how long you are willing to travel for to get to Lisbon before deciding which transport is best for you.

Bus: It will take around 3 and a half hours to get from Faro to Lisbon by bus so it is not the best option if you’re planning to return to Faro on the same day. However, it is a very affordable option with one-way tickets costing around €8.17 (£6.99GBP / $8.90USD) per person.

Train: The train can take between 3 hours and 30 minutes up to 4 hours depending on the route that you take. This is a slightly more expensive option than taking the bus but there are more services running to Lisbon. Prices of the train can cost around €24.82 (£21GBP / $27.05) so it is not the most affordable option.

Car: Driving from Faro to Lisbon is a very good option as it is a bit of a quicker journey. It takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes to arrive in Lisbon.

Flight: You can get a flight from Faro to Lisbon which means that you will get there a lot quicker than if you were going by public transport. However, flying to Lisbon will be a more expensive option. If you’re planning to book a flight then it is best to try and do this in advance so that it will be a little cheaper for you.

Things to do in Lisbon

Lisbon has so many incredible things to do that it was really difficult to narrow down to just 5 things to do in Lisbon. As it takes over 2 hours to get to Lisbon, you will be limited on what you can do in the short space of time you’re there if you’re staying for just 1 day. If your time allows then you will definitely want to spend more than a day trip in Lisbon.

• Ride on Tram 28

• Explore Time Out Market

Wander around the bustling time out market and sample some of the most incredible food in Lisbon. There are so many unique things to try from sweet treats, seafood and even octopus hotdogs if you fancy trying it.

Even if you don’t end up trying any food, it is still worth visiting the market just for the experience below. It is always very busy so be warned that it may be difficult to get a seat.

• Explore Barrio Alto

Barrio Alto is one of the most lively quarters in Lisbon and is one of the most picturesque in our opinion. Whenever we’ve stayed in Lisbon, Barrio Alto is always the option that we’ve chosen.

You’ll quickly learn that Lisbon is filled with steep hills and you will experience this more so around Barrio Alto too. With the cobblestoned streets, you’ll easily be able to get some amazing pictures for Instagram in this area.

• Belem Tower

Located in the Belem area of Lisbon, this tower is such a beautiful sight to see. If you are able to then it is worth trying to visit Belem Tower for sunset.

Watching the sunset behind the tower as it throws a beautiful reflection off the water is one of the best reasons to visit. You can also visit Jeronimos Monastery which is not too far from the tower too.

• Visit some of the Miradouros

Lisbon is filled with different viewpoints (or Miradouros) so before you leave, you will want to try and experience some of these if you can.

Each viewpoint offers a different perspective of Lisbon and a unique atmosphere. If you’re someone that loves panoramic viewpoints then you may even want to spend the day touring the different Miradouros in Lisbon. Some of our favourite spots include Miradouro de Santa Catarina, Miradouro Santa Lucia and Miradouro Do Cristo which are well worth a visit.

Olhão

With cobblestoned streets, a beautiful marina and a pretty old town, Olhão is a great place to visit from Faro. It is an old fishing village and is a great insight into a traditional area of Portugal.

One of the best reasons to visit Olhão is that it is certainly not a touristy destination. For anyone that enjoys stepping off the beaten track, this small fishing village is a great way to do that.

How to get from Faro to Olhão

It won’t take you long to get to Olhão from Faro so it is the perfect day trip for you. As it is quite a small town, this will give you plenty of time to explore and come back to Faro on the same day. You will be able to either get the bus, the train or drive to Olhão which are all very easy options.

Bus: You will be able to get the bus from Faro’s centre by taking the routes 63, 66, 67 or 69. They run quite regularly and it will only cost you around €2.65 (£2.27GBP / $2.89USD) for a one-way bus ticket per person. It will take around 15-20 minutes to get to Olhão by bus from Faro.

Train: Getting the train from Faro to Olhão is one of the quickest options with it taking only 10 minutes to arrive. It will also only cost you €2.34 (£2GBP / $2.55USD) so it is a very affordable option also.

Car: The drive to Olhão is a very quick and easy journey which means it will only take about 15 minutes to get there. This is a really easy option and you’ll get to see some of the Algarve’s scenery along the way.

Things to do in Olhão

• Municipal Museum of Olhão

This is a free museum that is worth a visit whilst you’re in Olhão. It is only small so it won’t take you long to wander around but it is a great way to learn more about the replica fishing boat that is in the Marina called Bom Sucesso.

A lot of the information is in Portuguese so your visit will most consist of wandering around looking at the different artifacts.

• Mercados de Olhão

This small market is a great way to interact with the locals and have a wander around some of the local fresh produce. If you’re staying in accommodation that has a kitchen then you may even want to pick up some bits to cook for yourself.

There are also plenty of herbs and spices so you may even want to shop around and take some things back to enjoy at home.

• Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Rosário e Capela de Nosso Senhor dos Aflitos

The award for the longest church name goes to… The name translates to Parish Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and Chapel of Our Lord of the Afflicts.

It is a really beautiful baroque style church and it is also the main church within Olhão. The detail on the interior of the church is phenomenal and it is worth a little visit to have a look around.

• Visit Bairro dos Pescadores

Translating to the fisherman’s quarter, whilst you’re visiting Olhão, this is something that you need to do especially considering that it is a fisherman’s village.

It is a beautiful place to wander around and take in the authenticity of this small town.

• Explore the artsy side of Olhão

Around Olhão, you will find plenty of murals and sculptures which are absolutely beautiful to see. There are a lot of myths that surround Olhão and wandering around the different artsy elements of Olhão is the best way to discover more about this.

We won’t give you too many spoilers because this is something that is best exploring yourself and leaving it as a surprise.

Albufeira

One of the most popular spots in the Algarve for tourists is Albufeira and there is certainly a reason for that. Due to this, you will find that this town is a bit more touristy than the other day trips from Faro that we’ve mentioned on this list.

Some of the main reasons to visit Albufeira are the lively nightlife and stunning beaches. Similar to Lisbon, you may decide that you want to spend longer in Albufeira than just a day trip as there are quite a few different things to do.

However, if you’re not sure whether Albufeira is for you then visiting Albufeira as a day trip from Faro is a great way to have a  taster. You can then decide whether you want to stay longer or come back another time.

How to get from Faro to Albufeira

Albufeira is not far from Faro at all and it will take only around 40 minutes to get there if you’re driving. It is also quite a straightforward journey so it will be easy to get there as well. You will be able to get the bus, drive or take a train there. There is no airport there so if you’re going to just Albufeira you would need to fly into Faro airport anyway.

Bus: You can get a Flix bus from Faro old town to Albufeira bus terminal which will take around 40 minutes to arrive. The ticket costs can range between €4 – €7 (£3.42GBP – £5.99GBP / £4.36USD – $7.63USD) depending on how in advance you book the ticket and the day of the week.

Train: There are also a few different train options to get from Faro to Albufeira. It can take around 35 – 40 minutes to get the train depending on the time of day that you’re choosing. However, there is also the option of a fast train which takes approximately 21 minutes to get from Faro Central Station to Ferreiras Station in Albufeira. Ticket prices can cost around €23.36 (£20GBP / $25.46USD) but this will also depend on how far in advance you book your tickets too.

Car: There are some beautiful sights along the way from Faro to Albufeira and it will only take around 40 minutes to drive there. It is certainly an easier option if you’re renting a car and you’ll get to see some great views on your journey too.

Things to do in Albufeira

• Parque Aventura

If you’re renting a car then it will be quite easy for you to get to Parque Avenuta as it is around a 9 minute drive there. However, it is definitely well worth the visit.

At the park there is a high rope adventure which is perfect for any adventure seekers. This is also a really good activity for any couples wanting to build more of a bond together. There is also paintballing available at the park which is great for a group of friends or family travelling together.

This is a really unique thing to do in Albufeira and you’ll get some beautiful views if you take the treetop adventure on as well.

• Parasailing

For any adrenaline junkies, parasailing in the Algarve is an epic adventure! We went parasailing in Hurghada and it was one of the most awesome experiences that we’ve got to tick off our bucket list.

You will be able to fly over the top of the Algarve and experience some incredible views whilst you’re at it.

• Peneco Elevator & Beach

This is one of the main beaches in Albufeira and it is named after the large rock that rises out of the beach. It is a stunning beach and a popular tourist attraction for anyone visiting Albufeira.

Another unique point about this beach in Albufeira is that you can take the elevator to the top of the cliffs. During peak seasons, it is really busy here so it is probably best to go very early in the morning to watch the sunrise instead of the sunset from this spot.

• Albufeira Old Town

You can’t visit a new place without exploring the old town itself. Albufeira has an absolutely beautiful old town which you will enjoy exploring.

Whether you’re wanting to wander around and take in the sights, do some shopping or just sit down at a small restaurant or bar and enjoy a couple of drinks.

• Surfing at Praia da Falesia

To top off your day with unique experiences, why not give some surfing at Praia da Falesia a go?

The beach is lined with stunning cliffs and is a perfect spot to capture some beautiful views, enjoy some sunbathing and head out for some surfing.

You can book a 2-hour surfing lesson if you’ve never been before which will teach you some of the basics and begin your surfing journey.

Seville

Did you know that Spain is also a short journey away from Faro too? We did tell you that it’s a really good place for visiting other spots on a day trip.

Only 2 hours away, you will reach Seville and if you’re driving, you may also want to stop at one of the other towns along the way too.

Seville is the capital of the Andalusia province and is also one of the most beautiful cities to visit within Spain too. By going on this day trip from Faro, you will be able to tick off two countries on your bucket list within the same day!

How to get from Faro to Seville

As Seville is roughly 2 hours drive away, it isn’t the best place to go on a day trip because you may want to spend more time in Seville than a day especially if you’re heading back to Faro on the same day. There isn’t a train service that runs from Faro to Seville at the moment as the service ends in Huelva where you would need to take a bus so we’ve not included this option.

However, it is perfectly possible to travel to Seville on a day trip from Faro. It might be worth leaving early in the morning so that you can really make the most of your time there.

Even though Seville is so close to Faro, you can’t currently get direct flights from Faro airport to Seville so we have not included this as an option below. It would take you too long to get there with indirect flights to just it being a day trip from Faro.

Bus: The bus is a really affordable option to get to Faro and you can use the Flix bus service to pre-book your tickets which often works out much cheaper. It will take you around 2 hours and 45 minutes to get from Faro to Seville. Depending on how in advance you book your tickets, it will cost approximately €12.27 (£10.49GBP / $13.36USD).

Car: It will take around 2 hours and 10 minutes to get from Faro to Seville. If you want to break up your journey a little bit then you may like to stop off in Huelva along the way. This is a really scenic ride and there is no border control between Portugal and Spain but make sure to carry your ID in case someone stops you whilst you’re driving. If you’ve rented a car then just make sure that you clear with the rental company beforehand that you’re planning to drive from Portugal to Spain.

Things to do in Seville

Seville has some of the most incredible sights in Europe with grandeur that oozes around every corner. It is a stunning destination and certainly one that you should consider spending some time in before you head home especially as it is so easy to get to.

It was originally a Roman city but since then it has developed its own Spanish charm and has this incredible vibe about it that just doesn’t quite leave you.

• Seville Cathedral

You can’t visit Seville without taking a trip to this magnificent cathedral. It is registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO which makes it one of the most visited tourist attractions within Spain.

It is one of the largest churches in the world and after being reconstructed a few times, it owes its design to a number of influencers. This is something that you really can’t miss whilst you’re visiting Seville.

• Maria Luisa Park

This is one of the most romantic spots to visit within Seville so it is a great place for couples that are visiting Spain. The reflections that bounce off of the turquoise river from the buildings is a sight to behold.

Whilst you’re exploring the different attractions around the park, make sure that you take a visit to Plaza de Espana. This is known as the Spanish steps in Seville and is one of the most beautiful spots. It can get quite busy so it might be worth trying to arrive early in the morning where possible.

Full of greenery, picturesque buildings and plenty of shade from the Spanish heat, this is a wonderful park to visit. If you are travelling as a couple then you might want to pack a romantic picnic and take in the sights together.

• Flamenco Show

Especially if you’ve never been to Spain before then you absolutely need to experience a Flamenco show. In Portugal you have fado music and in Spain you have flamenco shows both of which are a great way to experience the cultures.

We won’t leave any spoilers but after Amy experienced a flamenco show in Barcelona, we truly believe that it should be on everyone’s bucket list for visiting Spain.

• Try some Spanish Tapas

If you’ve been spending some time in Faro then hopefully by now you will have tried some of the tasty Portuguese tapas. What better way to compare the two than by trying some Spanish tapas in Seville.

There are a lot of differences in the dishes that are offered in Portugal and Spain. Both are equally delicious but to decide what you prefer you will need to give them both a try. 

For Liam, he prefers Portuguese tapas as it tends to be more smoky and meat based whereas Amy prefers the Spanish tapas with croquettes, patatas bravas and finding places that serve a lot of aioli with their dishes!

Give them both a try and let us know in the comments which is your favourite!

• Alcazar of Seville

Before you leave Seville, take a wander around the Alcazar which is the historic royal palace within Seville. You will be amazed at the grandeur of the palace and it is a perfect spot for getting some incredible snaps for Instagram too.

It will cost you around €12.50 (£10.69GBP / $13.61USD) to enter but it is truly a beauty to marvel at. The Alacazar of Seville often runs different activities and events so it is always worth checking their website to see which different events are running during the time you’re visiting.

Conclusion

However, if you want to only spend 1 day in Faro then we also have the perfect itinerary for this. That way you can head off and explore some of the other towns too and really have the best of both worlds.

Faro Resources

• Where to Stay in Faro
• 2 Days in Faro Portugal
• Faro Old Town Restaurants
• The Old Tavern Faro
• Best Time to Visit Faro
• Is Faro Worth Visiting?
• What to do in Faro
• 1 Day in Faro

Portugal Resources

• Things Not to Miss in Lisbon
• Is Lisbon Expensive to Visit?