Cheap city break Faro
Faro is the calm gateway to the Algarve: walled old town, lagoon islands and cheap direct flights from the Netherlands. 3 days from €320 per person.
✈️ Plan your trip to Faro →Updated on 30 September 2026
| Airport | FAO, 6 km city centre; bus 14/16 approx. 20 min (€2.40), taxi approx. 10 min |
| Flight from NL | Ryanair, Transavia, TUI fly direct EIN/AMS, approx. 3 hrs, return from approx. €70 |
| Best months | April to June, September to October (22-27 degrees) |
| Must-see | Cidade Velha free, cathedral tower €3, Chapel of Bones €2 |
| Local transport | City bus €2.40 (airport-centre); ferry to islands from €5 |
| Daily budget | From €45 p.p. (hostel €16, coffee €1, lunch €9, dinner €18) |
| Ideal length | 3 to 5 days (city plus Algarve day trips) |
Book your trip to Faro
Compare hotels in FaroPackage holiday to FaroCar hire in FaroWhen is the best time to go?
April to June and September to October are loveliest: 22 to 27 degrees, ideal for city and beach without the crowds. July and August are warm and lively. Thanks to the mild climate, Faro is a pleasant, cheap destination in winter too.
The best areas in Faro
- Cidade Velha The walled old town with cathedral, cobbles and calm.
- Baixa The shopping and nightlife heart around the marina.
- Ribeirinha By the water, handy for boat trips to the islands.
- Montenegro Greener and quieter, close to the airport.
- Ilha de Faro The beach island in the lagoon, reached by foot or car bridge.
Top 5 things to do in Faro
- Cidade Velha Walk under the Arco da Vila into the walled old town, with stork nests on the towers, and climb the cathedral tower (€3).
- Ria Formosa Boat trip through the lagoon nature park past islands and flamingos; a half day takes about 4 hours, a sunset tour with oysters about 5 hours.
- Ilha Deserta Uninhabited island beach, reachable by ferry.
- Igreja do Carmo Gilded baroque church with the eerie Capela dos Ossos, built from the bones of over 1200 monks (€2, cash only).
- Mercado Municipal Local market for fresh fish and Portuguese treats.
Flights + transport from the Netherlands
From Eindhoven and Schiphol you fly direct to Faro (FAO) in about 3 hours, with Transavia, Ryanair and TUI fly. From the airport bus 14 or 16 reaches the centre in 20 minutes (€2.40), or 10 minutes by taxi. For the Algarve beaches beyond Faro (Lagos, Sagres and the Benagil caves) a rental car is handy; compare prices through our partner.
What does a trip to Faro cost?
Hostels from €16, mid-range hotels €55 to 110, apartments around €85 per night. Food is cheap: coffee €1, prato do dia €9, dinner with wine €18. Budget from €320 per person for 3 days including a direct flight.
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Frequently asked questions about Faro
When is the best time to visit Faro?
April to June and September to October: 22 to 27 degrees, ideal for city and beach without the summer crowds.
Which area is best to stay in Faro?
The Cidade Velha and Baixa: central, charming and within walking distance of harbour and restaurants.
How do I get to Faro from the Netherlands?
Direct from Eindhoven or Schiphol to Faro (FAO) in about 3 hours, with Transavia, Ryanair or TUI fly.
What does a trip to Faro cost?
From €320 per person for 3 days including a direct flight; hostels from €16 and mid-range hotels €55 to 110 per night.
What are the best day trips from Faro?
With a rental car you can reach Lagos in about 1 hour, the Benagil caves in about 1.5 hours and Sagres in about 1.5 hours. Closer by are the Roman ruins of Milreu (10 km) and the baroque Estoi Palace (10 km). By train you reach Tavira in 25 minutes.
Is Faro expensive in summer?
Faro is cheaper than the popular coastal resorts Albufeira and Lagos. In July and August hotel prices rise, but mid-range hotels are still available for €70 to €110. Outside peak season, from April to June and September to October, those same hotels are 25 to 40 percent lower.