Faro lies at the heart of the Algarve, making it the perfect base for exploring all corners of the region. Whether you’re in the mood for a day full of culture, want to discover a charming village or prefer to explore hidden beaches and stunning nature, there’s plenty to do in the area. During our last stay in the Algarve, we stayed at Martinhal Quinta do Lago, near Faro. This luxurious and peaceful retreat is the ideal starting point for exploring the Algarve. From here, we easily reach beautiful hiking areas, authentic villages, historical landmarks and unspoiled coastlines; often within a short drive. In this article, I share my top tips for the best sights and places to visit in the Algarve while staying in Quinta do Lago, close to Faro.
Read this article in DutchRia Formosa (a few minutes away)
Ria Formosa is a unique coastal landscape in the Algarve, featuring a network of islands, lagoons, sandbanks, marshes and canals stretching for about 60 kilometres. The constant interaction between the tides means the scenery is always changing, making it a dynamic and fascinating place to explore. You can discover the area by boat, take long walks or go birdwatching. With a bit of luck, you might even spot large flocks of flamingos!
Praia da Quinta do Lago (a few minutes away)
Praia da Quinta do Lago is the long, sandy beach that shares its name with Quinta do Lago. You reach it via the Ponte da Quinta do Lago, a bridge built across the estuary of the Ria Formosa.
São Lourenço de Matos (11 minutes away)
The Igreja de São Lourenço de Matos, near Loulé, is said to be one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in the Algarve. This 18th-century church, dedicated to Saint Lawrence, is especially famous for its stunning azulejo tiles that cover the entire interior.
Loulé (20 minutes away)
Loulé is a charming inland town in the Algarve, best known for its Moorish market where you can find local delicacies, fresh produce and handmade souvenirs. It’s a lovely place to wander through narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, atmospheric squares and historical landmarks such as Loulé Castle and the Igreja Matriz.
Cerro da Vila, Vilamoura (23 minutes away)
Cerro da Vila, located in Vilamoura, is a fascinating archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the Roman past of the Algarve. The ruins date back to the 1st century AD and were once part of a prosperous Roman villa complete with bathhouses, mosaic floors and a harbour that connected to the empire’s trade routes. The small on-site museum displays artefacts such as pottery, coins and sculptures.
Cidade Velha, Faro (25 minutes away)
Cidade Velha is the old heart of Faro, enclosed by medieval city walls. You enter this historic district through the impressive gates of Arco da Vila or Arco do Repouso or one of the smaller passageways. Inside the walls, you’ll stroll along narrow cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses. Be sure to visit the Sé de Faro, a beautiful 13th-century cathedral. In Cidade Velha, it truly feels as if you’ve stepped back in time.
Ilha de Faro (25 minutes away)
Ilha de Faro is a narrow, elongated sandbank located in the western part of the Ria Formosa, near Faro. Technically part of the Península do Ancão, it’s a popular destination thanks to its wide beaches and lively beach bars. It’s also one of the few islands in the region accessible by car via a narrow bridge. On one side of the island, you’ll find the Atlantic Ocean with its broad sandy beaches; on the other side, you can look out over the tranquil lagoon. In the eastern part of Ilha de Faro, small fishermen’s cottages add to the island’s authentic charm.
Olhão (30 minutes away)
A lively fishing town east of Faro, Olhão is known for its colourful market hall, where fresh fish and local produce are sold daily. The harbour is the heart of the town, offering views of the marinas and the nearby islands Ilha da Culatra and Ilha do Farol, which you can visit on a day trip. You can enjoy a pleasant 2-kilometre walk along the promenade by the harbour and afterwards, make sure to explore the old town, where you’ll still find traces of Moorish influence in the architecture and street layout.
Tavira (35 minutes away)
Tavira is often described as one of the most charming towns in the Algarve. Set along the banks of the Gilão River, the town exudes elegance with its whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and the iconic medieval bridge. Tavira’s rich history includes influences from the Phoenicians, Romans and Moors, which can still be seen today in landmarks such as the ruins of the Moorish Castle and the impressive Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo.
Lunch at Tia Bia in Barranco do Velho (45 minutes away)
Looking for something different from a seaside lunch on the Algarve coast? Drive to Tia Bia, a cosy restaurant in the peaceful, picturesque inland village of Barranco do Velho. Tia Bia is well-known for its homemade Portuguese dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. It’s a favourite among locals, so if you plan to eat here, it’s a good idea to make a reservation to ensure you get a table.
Praia de São Rafael (45 minutes away)
The beaches west of Albufeira mark the beginning of a stretch of coastline filled with small hidden coves and rugged cliffs in warm golden tones. Impressive cliffs and dramatic rock formations create a breathtaking landscape here. One of the first beaches you’ll come across is Praia de São Rafael, a wonderful spot to spend a few relaxing hours. Don’t miss the short walk to Godzilla, a striking rock formation that gives this beach its unique character. The atmosphere here feels completely different from the eastern Algarve, where the beaches stretch for miles. A refreshing contrast!
Cacela Velha (50 minutes away)
Cacela Velha is a picturesque whitewashed village perched on a hill on the eastern side of the Algarve. From here, you’ll have stunning views over the Ria Formosa and the Atlantic Ocean. The small village features narrow streets, a charming square and the beautiful Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, a church with Moorish influences. From the old fortress walls, you can gaze out over the golden sandbanks of the lagoon.
Altura and Manta Rota (50 minutes away)
If you’re looking for an easy walking route, Altura is the perfect place. Between Altura and Manta Rota, you can stroll through the dunes along beautifully constructed boardwalks known as the Passadiços da Altura. Since the path was built, the dune landscape has been able to recover and grow naturally again. In the late afternoon, the light here is magical and you’ll often spot rabbits hopping among the dunes — a simple yet delightful walk.
Monte Gordo (50 minutes away)
Along the eastern Algarve coast lies Monte Gordo, a popular destination known for its wide sandy beaches, lively beach bars and colourful fishing boats. Try to visit in the morning, when the fishermen return from the sea and buyers gather on the beach to purchase their catch. It’s wonderful to see that this traditional way of life is still very much alive here.
Foz do Guadiana (1 hour away)
From Quinta do Lago, it takes less than an hour to reach the border with Spain. Here, you can drive to the southeastern tip of Portugal, Foz do Guadiana, located at the mouth of the Guadiana River. The view from the pier with its lighthouse is stunning, especially around sunset. It’s a wonderful spot to sit for a while and enjoy the scenery as the small fishing boats come and go.
Almodôvar (1 hour away)
If you’d like to experience a touch of the Alentejo while staying in the Algarve, drive to Almodôvar, located in the southern part of the region. This sleepy village, surrounded by olive groves and cork oak trees, immediately gives you a sense of the slower pace of life compared to the Algarve. Visit the Igreja Matriz, admire the unique murals scattered around the village and enjoy the beautiful scenery you’ll pass through on the way there.
Passadiços do Barranco do Demo (1 hour and 15 minutes away)
The Passadiços do Barranco do Demo is a beautiful hiking trail through a valley in the western Algarve, set in a pristine natural area. The route features wooden boardwalks, steep stairways (about 550 steps in one direction) and a suspension bridge that takes you across the Barranco do Demo River to the other side of the valley. You can either do a circular hike or return along the same path. In winter, it’s perfect to walk during the day, but in summer it’s best to go in the morning or late afternoon, as the valley can get very hot.
