If you’re looking for a holiday, Faro, Portugal is a complete gem.
The Algarve’s capital is small enough to explore on foot yet packed with atmosphere: a walled old town with cobbled streets and tiled houses, a lively marina lined with cafés, and the shimmering lagoons of the Ria Formosa Natural Park right on its doorstep. It’s also one of Portugal’s most affordable city breaks, with cheap eats, cosy guesthouses, and year-round sunshine that makes wandering its plazas and palm-lined boulevards a joy.
Part of Faro’s magic is how easy it is to get out and see more. Within an hour by train, bus, or ferry you can wander fairytale towns, eat your way through seafood markets, or climb castle towers that whisper Moorish legends. Most of these Algarve day trips are budget-friendly too – tickets are rarely more than €15 return, and ferries to the barrier islands cost even less. That means more money for grilled sardines, pastel de nata, or a cheeky glass of vinho verde.
Here are the Algarve’s most iconic escapes – all easy, affordable, and unforgettable.
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Tavira – Fairytale bridges and island beaches
Known as the Algarve’s prettiest town, Tavira is straight out of a storybook. Its Roman bridge arches over the Gilão River, while narrow lanes twist past tiled houses and churches. Climb up to the castle walls for sweeping views, or take the short ferry to Tavira Island, where wide sandy beaches stay peaceful even in high season.
Trains from Faro take just 40 minutes, making Tavira one of the best things to do near Faro if you want culture and coast in one easy trip.
Olhão – Markets, ferries and the freshest seafood
Ten minutes by train from Faro, Olhão is a colourful fishing town that wears its character proudly. Its twin iron market halls are piled high with fish, clams, and local produce each morning – perfect for budget-friendly bites.
From the harbour, ferries fan out to the Ria Formosa islands: Culatra, Armona, and Farol. Expect car-free villages, sandy paths, and seafood restaurants where lunch comes straight from the sea. If you’re after an authentic Algarve experience, Olhão delivers.
Silves – Medieval castles and Moorish ruins
Step back in time in Silves, a hillside town crowned by a red sandstone castle that once guarded the region. Wander cobbled lanes, explore Moorish ruins, and drop into the Gothic cathedral before grabbing a seat at a local café.
Trains and buses make Silves easy to reach, and it’s also one of Portugal’s most affordable destinations (think €2.50 beers and cheap tapas). For history buffs, this is one of the most rewarding day trips from Faro.
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Loulé – Market town with a twist
Just inland from Faro, Loulé is known for its lively Saturday market in a Moorish-style hall. Stalls overflow with olives, honey, pottery, and local crafts – perfect for affordable souvenirs.
Loulé’s cobbled backstreets hide a medieval castle, whitewashed chapels, and little bakeries selling almond pastries. If you visit in winter, you might even catch the early buzz of Loulé Carnival, Portugal’s oldest and liveliest street parade.
The barrier islands – Secret beaches and quiet escapes
The Ria Formosa barrier islands are Faro’s best-kept secret. Accessible only by boat, they offer a slower pace and landscapes that feel untouched.
- Ilha de Culatra: a fishing community with sandy streets and clams cooked every which way.
- Ilha da Armona: perfect for beach walks, with shallow waters ideal for paddling.
- Ilha do Farol: home to a towering lighthouse and spectacular sunsets.
Ferries cost just a few euros, making these islands some of the cheapest – and most unforgettable – escapes from Faro.
Benagil and the Seven Hanging Valleys
If you don’t mind venturing a little further, a guided trip west takes you to the Algarve’s most photographed spot: the Benagil Cave. Here sunlight pours through a hole in the roof, illuminating the sand and sea below.
Combine it with the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, a clifftop walk past dramatic arches and secret coves. It’s a bit more effort than hopping a train, but for many travellers this is the Algarve’s ultimate day out.
Why these trips are special
From fairytale Tavira to seafood-packed Olhão, Moorish Silves to sunlit barrier islands, each trip shows off a different face of the Algarve. They’re cheap, easy, and endlessly photogenic – whether you’re here for history, beaches, or just a great lunch.
Fly to Faro from London Southend Airport and unlock the Algarve’s most charming escapes.
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