Faro

A stunning 60km coastal lagoon system and one of Portugal's seven natural wonders. This protected wetland features barrier islands, salt marshes, and channels teeming with birdlife including flamingos. Take boat tours to pristine beaches on Ilha Deserta or Ilha da Culatra, kayak through peaceful channels, or join birdwatching excursions. The park is essential for understanding the Algarve's unique coastal ecosystem.

A magnificent 13th-century cathedral built on the site of a former Moorish mosque, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. Highlights include hand-painted Portuguese azulejo tiles, a gilded wooden altar, and the bell tower offering panoramic views over the Old Town and Ria Formosa. The cathedral survived multiple earthquakes and remains the spiritual heart of the Algarve.

A macabre yet fascinating chapel located behind the Igreja do Carmo, its walls and ceiling lined with the skulls and bones of over 1,000 Carmelite monks. Built in 1816 as a meditation on mortality, it's one of Portugal's most visited oddities. The inscription above the entrance reads: "Stop here and think of the fate that will befall you." The adjacent Baroque church features stunning gilded interiors.

Housed in a beautiful 16th-century convent with the finest Renaissance cloisters in the Algarve, this museum showcases the region's rich archaeological heritage. Highlights include impressive Roman mosaics from ancient Ossonoba (Faro's Roman name), sculptures of emperors discovered at nearby Milreu, and artifacts spanning from prehistoric to modern times. The former chapter house holds significant religious paintings.

An elegant neoclassical archway serving as the grand entrance to Faro's Old Town. Built in 1812 over the original Moorish gateway damaged by the 1755 earthquake, it features a statue of São Tomás de Aquino (St. Thomas Aquinas), the patron saint of Faro. The arch's ornate ledges are a favorite nesting ground for white storks, who build massive nests atop the monument creating a unique photo opportunity.

A long sandy beach located on a barrier island, accessible by car, bus, or boat. Popular with locals and tourists alike, it offers excellent conditions for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach has a laid-back atmosphere with beach bars, restaurants, and rental facilities for kayaks and surfboards. The unique location between the ocean and lagoon provides diverse aquatic experiences.

Located just 15 minutes north of Faro in the village of Estoi, these well-preserved ruins reveal a grand Roman villa dating from the 1st century AD. Features include remarkably intact mosaics, a bathing complex, and a temple that was later converted to a church. The site provides insight into Roman life in the Algarve and can be combined with a visit to the nearby rococo Estoi Palace.

Also known as Barreta Island, this is the most southerly point of mainland Portugal. Accessible only by boat from Faro Marina, the uninhabited island offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful solitude. A 2km boardwalk leads to the Cabo de Santa María, marked by a monument made of driftwood and sea debris. The island's single restaurant serves fresh seafood with panoramic ocean views.