Faro in Winter: 13 FUN Things to Do

Are you considering an escape to Faro in winter?

Wondering if this summer hotspot has enough to offer during the colder season?

We get it – the worry that many attractions may be closed or the town might lose its vibrant charm can be a deterrent.

But let us reassure you, Faro is a destination that shines all year round!

We, Kelsea and Nicholas, spent several weeks exploring the Algarve, including Faro, during winter in 2023, and our experience was nothing short of magical.

Whether you’re a solo explorer seeking tranquillity, a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a group of friends craving adventure, or a family wanting to create unforgettable memories, a Faro winter has something for everyone.

Its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality are not bound by seasons. So, are you ready to uncover what makes Faro a fabulous winter destination?

Join us as we share our personal tidbits from our travels and guide you through the best of Faro in winter. Let’s embark on this journey together!

Faro in Winter Weather

Winter in Faro, Portugal, is a wonderful season to visit due to the mild climate, marked by cool breezes and a sun that still holds its warmth.

Daily high temperatures hover around 63°F, rarely falling below 56°F or exceeding 69°F. The coldest month of the year is often January, with an average temperature around 54°F.

Despite being winter, the sun still graces the day, casting a soft glow over the city. Some days are bright and sunny, while others can be a bit greyer.

Let’s dive into each specific month!

Faro in December 

December is when the temperature starts to dip, with the daily average around 56°F.

The most important thing to note about Faro in December is the 12 days of rainfall on average. If you are visiting Faro in December, it is best to pack your raincoat because you will probably have at least a light rain during your visit.

Metric	December
Average Temperature	56°F / 13.5°C
High Temperature	63°F / 17°C
Low Temperature	50°F / 10°C
Rainfall Days	12 Days

Faro in January

The coldest weather tends to come to Faro in January with temperatures averaging in the low 50s°F.

However, this is still quite warm compared to much of the Northern Hemisphere during this time making Faro an excellent place to visit for a bit of a defrost!

Metric	January
Average Temperature	54°F / 12°C
High Temperature	61°F / 16°C
Low Temperature	46°F / 8°C
Rainfall Days	10 Days

Faro in February

The weather, while still a bit cool, starts to warm up in Faro in February! We were lucky enough to visit Faro in February of 2023 and had the BEST weather.

It was cool in the shade but warm in the Mediterranean sun. We were completely comfortable walking around and exploring. Faro in February is definitely a great time to visit!

Metric	December
Average Temperature	55°F / 12.5°C
High Temperature	61°F / 16°C
Low Temperature	48°F / 9°C
Rainfall Days	8 Days

13 Things to Do in Faro in Winter

Enjoy a Walking Tour of Old Town

Faro Old Town is SO charming! It is 100% worth it to take one of the wonderful Free Walking Tours to enjoy the city and learn more.

The grand entrance to the old town, Arco da Vila, is where your journey begins. This archway holds the stories of Faro’s rich history, showcasing remarkable traces of Roman and Arab influences.

Throughout the tour, you’ll learn about centuries of history and culture. You’ll visit the Faro Cathedral, the Medieval Walls, and a few museums and statues.

The tour is well worth a couple of hours. Plus, our guide provided us with excellent food recommendations!

💡 Don’t forget to tip your guide! While the tour is “free”, the guides make their living from the tips. We always recommend 10-15 Euros per person.

Visit the Bone Chapel

Faro’s Capela dos Ossos (Bone Chapel) offers a truly unique and thought-provoking experience. It is tucked away at the rear of the beautiful Igreja do Carmo.

As you may have guessed from the name – its walls are adorned with human bones and skulls of the monastic community that once served here (by choice and only once death happened naturally… it was considered an honor!).

The centerpiece? A golden skeleton that adds an intriguing touch to the already captivating ambiance.

While the bones can be a bit morbid, we found it to be a fascinating place that presents a unique opportunity to reflect on mortality and the fleeting nature of life.

The chapel is very small so you don’t need very long (30 minutes would be plenty) to experience the Faro Bone Chapel. The cost is about €3 per adult.

Take a Photo on Top of the Faro Cathedral

Faro Cathedral, also known as Santa Maria Cathedral, offers more than just an exploration of religious history.

One of its highlights is the bell tower, providing panoramic views across the city and out to sea, making it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.

The cathedral’s rooftop perch is the perfect setting to capture the sprawling vistas of Faro’s Old Town district, the tranquil ocean, and its intriguing mudflats.

Remember to respect the sanctity of the place while capturing your memories. It’s more than worth the €3-5 entry fee.

Stroll the Christmas Market

On the weekends in December, Faro is home to a wonderful Christmas Market (Mercado de Natal).

Located on Rua de MacDonald’s in historic Faro, you will find vendors selling artisan crafts as well as many live music and people dressed up.

It is a wonderful time to get in the spirit of the holidays and support locals!

Hike in Ria Formosa Natural Park

Take the hop-on-hop-off boat to the 3 main islands that make up Ria Formosa Natural Park: Ilha da Culatra, Ilha do Farol, and Animaris Ilha Deserta.

We recommend starting with Ilha da Culatra, known for its 5.4-mile out-and-back trail. It’s a moderately easy route, taking an average of 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete.

As you traverse the sandy paths, you’ll be surrounded by the island’s natural beauty and tranquility.

Next, hop over to Ilha do Farol. This island beckons with one of the most beautiful beaches in the nature park.

Finally, don’t miss out on Animaris Ilha Deserta. Known as the only deserted island in the Algarve, it’s the perfect place for solitude seekers.

Take a leisurely stroll along the footbridges, explore the southernmost point of Portugal, and take in the pristine beach and clear waters.

Take a Boat Trip to the Ria Formosa Islands

Prefer to observe from a boat rather than hike? We totally get it!

Luckily, there is a great option to see the Ria Formosa Natural Park islands on this boat tour.

The guide will take you out on a solar-powered boat that emits minimal noise. As you boat around, you’ll be able to observe the birds and wildlife of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve.

This is an excellent experience when visiting Faro in winter, especially for bird lovers!

Discover the Roman Ruins of Milreu

Just a stone’s throw away from Faro in the quaint town of Estoi is the historical gem known as the Roman Ruins of Milreu.

Once upon a time, it was an opulent Roman villa with vast farmlands, a temple, and bath complexes. Today, you can explore the relatively well-preserved Roman ruins.

During their visit, we enjoyed the exquisitely preserved mosaics that adorn Milreu. Each intricate design weaves a unique tale of Roman mythology and the helpful signage makes these ancient stories accessible to everyone.

It is easiest to get to Milreu by car or you can take Bus 1 from the bus station.

Watch for Dolphins on a Small Group Experience

While the air might be a bit chilly in Faro in winter, there are still active pods of dolphins around Faro.

Head out on this fantastic, ethical dolphin-watching experience. The group size is limited to 8 people which allows for really easy conversation with the marine biologist onboard.

During your trip, you may see bottlenose and common dolphins, marine birds, bluefin tuna, killer whales, and/or sharks.

Venture to Loulé

Looking to experience a Portuguese market? Then Loulé is the perfect getaway. It boasts one of the finest markets in the Algarve.

The Loulé indoor market is nestled within a historic building over a century old. The market operates from Monday to Saturday, from 7 am to 3 pm, with Saturday mornings being particularly bustling.

The market’s stalls are a feast for the senses, offering everything from fresh seafood, meat, fruits, and vegetables to handcrafted goods. We were particularly fond of the local wine stalls!

It is easiest to get to Loulé by car or you can take Bus 10 or 59 from the bus station.

Learn at the Municipal Museum of Faro

The Municipal Museum, housed in a former convent, offers a captivating journey through time.

Its collections range from 16th to 19th-century paintings, mainly religious specimens from Algarve temples, to diverse archaeological finds.

We were particularly enthralled by the prehistoric, Roman, Moorish, and medieval pieces. To enhance your visit, we recommend the digital audio guide to bring more color to the experience.

It is the perfect warm activity if the weather for Faro in winter to explore the museum at your own pace.

Enjoy a Concert at the Teatro Lethes

Fancy a night of culture and music in Faro, Portugal? The Teatro Lethes is your answer.

This historic theatre, dating back to 1599, has been beautifully restored and is now managed by the Teatro Municipal de Faro. Known for its diverse performances, it offers everything from world-class Tango shows to chamber concerts.

Get your tickets, settle into the plush seats, and let the music sweep you away at the Teatro Lethes. It’s a fun evening when visiting during a Faro winter getaway.

Take a Walk on the Beach

Imagine strolling along the serene beaches of the Algarve, with the cool winter breeze in your hair and the calming sound of crashing waves in your ears. Yes, this is what pure relaxation sounds like during winter in Faro.

We particularly loved Praia de Faro, a picturesque beach just a 20-minute drive from the city center.

The deserted beaches provide an intimate experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the stunning coastline.

Go Shopping for Gifts

If you don’t find anything at the Christmas Market, check out Rua de Santo António, a beautiful shopping hub located right in the heart of Old Town.

You’ll find everything from boutique fashion to unique souvenirs. Additionally, check out  Feira de Artesanato de Faro and the Mercado Municipal de Faro. These markets have local artisans with arts, crafts, and fresh produce. 

We picked up some lovely gifts at Feira de Artesanato de Faro!

How to Get to Faro

Getting to Faro is straightforward, no matter where you’re coming from.

Faro is a great gateway to the Algarve due to its large airport. If you want to get from the Faro Airport to town, hop on bus 14 or 16 to the city center or take a taxi/Uber (~10 Euros).

Traveling from Lisbon? You can take the train from Lisbon Sete Rios Statio to Faro. The journey takes 3 to 4 hours.

If you are traveling from Albufeira, you have several options: bus, train, taxi, or car. Check out the details in our article. Faro is a wonderful is a wonderful day trip from Albufeira as well!

Coming from Sevilla? You can take a direct bus to Faro, which takes about 2-3 hours.

Where to Stay for a Faro Winter Trip

Faro is home to some fantastic places to stay. Plus, prices tend to be cheaper during winter in Faro so be sure to check out all the options. You may be surprised by what fits your budget!

Here are our top recommendations:

BEST OVERALL: 3HB Faro

• Stay at this 5-star hotel in Faro – not just a stay, but an unforgettable experience. The dedicated staff ensures friendly service, while a fantastic breakfast fuels your day. Relax in modern comfort or take a refreshing dip in the indoor or outdoor pool. It’s your perfect haven for relaxation in Faro.

BEST AMENITIES: AP Eva Senses

• Don’t overlook this hotel’s rooftop pool and health club, equipped with a sauna and Turkish bath. Situated on the town’s edge, right by the water, it offers unparalleled views.

BEST BUDGET: Best Western Hotel Dom Bernardo

• This budget and pet-friendly hotel offers a good, clean option for anyone trying to keep their trip as affordable as possible.

BEST BEACHFRONT: Hotel Quinta do Lago

• Dunas Douradas Beach Club, a beachfront resort, offers 3 outdoor pools including one for children, an indoor pool, a sauna, and a hot tub. With a terrace and sea views, guests can indulge in delicious meals at the restaurant.

BEST LONG-TERM: Roots Hotel

• This hotel with condo-style rooms comes fully equipped rooms with a kitchen and living room, perfect for extended stays and home-cooked meals.

🏊 We’ve ranked all our favorite Hotels in Faro with Pools here! 🏊

What to Pack for a Faro in Winter Trip

It is important to pack for both the chilly weather as well as the possibility of rain.

Here are a few important items to pack for a Faro in Winter trip:

• Packable Rain Jacket
• Packable Down Jacket
• Comfortable Walking Shoes, preferably water-resistant
• Light Jacket (for when it is warmer during the day)
• Gloves
• Euros
• Camera
• Sunscreen – the sun is strong, even in the winter in Faro!
• Europe Charging Adapter
• Power Bank – never know when you may need to charge your phone!

FAQs for Winter in Faro

In Conclusion: Faro in Winter

In conclusion, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Faro in winter! Faro is a tranquil haven during the colder months, offering a unique charm that is equally as captivating as its summer allure.

You can spend your days birdwatching in the mild temperatures, strolling the markets, learning on a walking tour, or taking a dolphin-watching tour.

Moreover, Faro in winter allows you to enjoy cheaper accommodation rates and fewer crowds – a fantastic combination!

So why not swap the winter chill for Faro’s warm sun? With so much to offer, it’s the perfect place to embark on a memorable winter adventure. Faro is waiting for you!

We wish you the best travels and don’t forget to set your “Out of Office!” 

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