5 Top-Rated Natural Attractions of Faro

Faro is the largest city in the Algarve and southern Portugal. Proud of its maritime heritage, Faro remains a lively and colorful port. This place has both a stunning location and intriguing attractions.

Tourists can find many city attractions, traditional restaurants, and charming nature in Faro. Cafes along the harbor are popular hangouts, and the beautiful beaches are ideal for people looking for things to do in Faro.

The perfect way to see as much as possible in Faro is to hire a car. It is because the natural attractions are located far from each other. You can even hire a car at Faro airport if you haven’t done so in advance. For more on the best places to visit, read our list of natural attractions of Faro.

Parque Natural da Ria Formosa

Faro has a hidden natural asset – the beautiful and unspoiled Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. Stretching along 60 kilometers of coastline from Praia de Faro to Casela Velha, the park covers 18,000 hectares of lagoons, marshes, salt mines, islets, and canals. They are protected from the open sea by a chain of barrier islands – giant wind-cut dunes. This valuable and fragile ecosystem is one of the most important wetlands in Europe.

Several excursion cruises depart daily from Faro and travel the lagoon waters to Ilha Deserta (Desert Island). The boats take passengers through an environment full of birds, where you can see species such as flamingos and spoonbills. Ilha Deserta has one restaurant surrounded by sandy beaches, and lunch is unforgettable.

On land, nature and bike trails meander west from Ilha de Faro through pine forests, around lakes, and past world-class golf courses. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some of the residents, creatures like the elusive Mediterranean chameleon or the rare purple gladioli, the park’s symbol.

Our company provides different car hiring options if you want to see more in this reserve. Travel alone, with a loved one, friends, or family!

Parque Ribeirinho de Faro

Set on 16 hectares of land overlooking the Ria Formosa, Faro’s recreational park provides residents and visitors alike pleasant respite from the city’s urban hustle and bustle.

There’s a fully equipped adventure playground for kids. Also, everyone can use the bathroom facilities of the park’s café.

This park aims to get people back to nature. The 45-minute circuit works wonders on the legs while affording delightful views of the estuary and its diverse ecosystems.

Ilha de Faro

Faro Island is the westernmost island of the Rio Formosa and the only one accessible by car; a one-lane bridge can slow traffic to almost a standstill during the summer months. If you are traveling without a car, don’t worry, you can always find Faro cars for hire.

Sun lovers adore Praia de Faro, a continuous strip of soft white sand that forms the island’s southern coast. It is the closest beach to the city and a popular place for windsurfing and kitesurfing, washed by crystal clear sea. The promenade on the island’s eastern side leads to a cluster of old fishing huts where the dunes are more secluded.

The other side of Ilia faces a shallower, more sheltered lagoon and is popular with kayakers and kayakers. A single road cuts through the island and along it. There are rest houses, various cafes, kiosks, and restaurants seasoned with the tempting aroma of fried sardines.

Alameda João de Deus Garden

The Alameda João de Deus garden is a great place to relax on a shady bench after wandering around the old part of Faro. This small city park is full of colorful peacocks that are happy to pose for any number of photos you want to take.

The Alameda João de Deus garden is also ideal for relaxing with children. The park also has several water features where turtles bask in the sun. Other animals, including various birds, are kept in cages.

Jardim Manuel Bívar

Jardim Manuel Bívar is one of Faro’s open spaces. The city park is located between the dock and Arco da Vila. It is a meeting place for locals of all ages and a great place to enjoy the scenery of the Ria Formosa.

The park is busy during the day, primarily with families and locals enjoying their daily activities. At sunset, it is an excellent place for an evening stroll or relaxing on the cafe terraces after a hot summer day. Winters in Faro are mild so you can visit Jardim Manuel Bívar all year round. Depending on the season, the park hosts various local events, including book fairs, markets, outdoor concerts, and exhibitions.

Final thoughts

Faro is known for its beautiful nature. In this city, you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the landscape at the same time.

In Faro, from the pier, fishing boats and pleasure boats ply the narrow channels that wind towards the open sea, past dense marshes and deserted islands. Wetlands are one of Europe’s most important natural environments and attract many seabirds and other wildlife. Faro is the perfect place for nature lovers.