Faro, a Tale of Rich Heritage and Coastal Splendor better to discouver driving a Faro car hire.
Faro, the capital of the Algarve region in Portugal, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Nestled along the sun-kissed southern coast, Faro serves as the gateway to a region renowned for its stunning beaches, historical treasures, and vibrant culture.
Faro's Significance in Worldwide Tourism
Faro is more than just an entry point; it's a destination in itself. The city effortlessly blends its historical charm with modern amenities, creating a unique atmosphere for visitors. The well-preserved Old Town, encircled by ancient walls, showcases cobbled streets, charming squares, and historic landmarks like the Faro Cathedral. The marina adds a touch of modernity, offering a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls.
Faro's appeal extends beyond its city limits. The nearby Ria Formosa Natural Park, a coastal lagoon with diverse ecosystems, beckons nature enthusiasts. The park is a haven for birdwatching, hiking, and boat tours, providing a serene escape just moments away from the city.
Advantages of Visiting the Algarve
Beach Bliss - The Algarve is synonymous with pristine beaches, and Faro is no exception. Ilha Deserta, accessible by boat, boasts untouched sands and crystal-clear waters, providing a serene escape for beach lovers.
Historical Richness - Faro's historical sites, including the Arco da Vila and the captivating Faro Archaeological Museum, offer a glimpse into the region's rich past. History enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the city's cultural tapestry.
Culinary Delights - Faro's dining scene is a treat for the taste buds, featuring fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes. The local markets and seafood restaurants provide an authentic gastronomic experience.
Important Cities Near Faro
Loulé - Known for its vibrant markets and historic architecture, Loulé is a short drive from Faro. The Loulé Market is a sensory delight, offering local produce, crafts, and traditional goods.
Tavira - A picturesque town with a Roman bridge and a Moorish castle, Tavira exudes charm. The tranquil ambiance along the Gilão River adds to the town's allure.
Olhão - Famous for its fish market and distinctive cubist-style houses, Olhão is a coastal town with a laid-back atmosphere. Explore the bustling waterfront and indulge in fresh seafood.
Means of Transportation
Faro is well-connected by various transportation options. The Faro Airport serves as a major entry point for international travelers. Public buses and trains provide convenient access to neighboring cities and towns. However, to truly explore the Algarve's hidden gems, renting a car is highly recommended.
Why Renting a Car in Faro is Necessary
Freedom to Explore - Renting a car offers the freedom to explore Faro and its surroundings at your own pace. Remote beaches, scenic viewpoints, and charming villages become easily accessible.
Efficient Travel - The Algarve's diverse attractions are scattered across the region. A car ensures efficient travel, allowing visitors to maximize their time and experience the breadth of what the Algarve has to offer.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures - Some of the Algarve's most enchanting spots are tucked away from traditional tourist routes. With a car, travelers can venture off the beaten path and discover hidden treasures.
Faro, with its blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural vibrancy, epitomizes the allure of the Algarve. As the gateway to this enchanting region, Faro invites visitors to embark on a journey of discovery. From exploring by car hire its historical sites to venturing into neighboring cities, the wonders of the Algarve are within reach. Renting a car becomes not just a convenience but a key to unlocking the true essence of this coastal paradise, ensuring an unforgettable experience in Portugal's southern gem.
While Faro is a fairly walkable city, exploring the rest of the region and the amazing beaches that the Algarve is renowned for, will require a car rental.
Faro is a great place with so many to visit, so it is important to reserve a Faro car hire to truly unlock the treasures of Faro and the Algarve. As the gateway to southern Portugal, it is a great base for exploring the rest of Algarve, and Spain just to the east.
One-Way Car Rentals in Faro
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Faro and drop off in another city include:
From Faro to Lisbon - 376 offers from € 8.83 per day
From Faro to Porto - 367 offers from € 8.83 per day
From Faro to Malaga - 24 offers from € 72.40 per day
From Faro to Stuttgart - 12 offers from € 150.54 per day
From Faro to Viseu - 43 offers from € 26.50 per day
Top ways to enter Faro
Faro Airport: Also known as Algarve Airport, it is especially active during summers when many low-cost carriers connect it with destinations all across Europe.
Lisbon Airport: About 275 km (170 mi) north, Portugal’s largest airport is among the 20 busiest airports in Europe and hosts flights to and from all continents of the world.
Seville Airport: Located in neighboring Spain about 200 km (125 mi) east of Faro, Seville Airport is another great way to reach Faro if your rental car provider permits crossing the border in the rental car.
Book Your Faro Car Hire in Advance to Guarantee Availability and Lower Prices
Faro City facts
Summers are warm to hot and sunny with average daytime temperatures of 27–35 °C (81–95 °F). The weather in the autumn and winter is generally mild with temperatures around 8–17 °C (46–63 °F). Winters are much more humid than summers.
Faro is the southernmost city of Portugal and the capital of the Algarve region, with the population of about 65,000 people.
Top destinations and activities
Old town (Centro Historico). Better preserved than many other old towns of Portugal, the historic center is a place where you walk the maze of narrow streets, observe varied architecture, and see what living in Faro was like more than 200 years ago.
Bone Chapel. Chilling to some and fascinating for others, Capela dos Ossos is made out of bones taken from a nearby monk graveyard. The chapel is inside the beautiful Carmo church.
Praia do Faro. Although not as famous as some of the other beaches of Algarve, Faro’s main beach is a great place to enjoy the sun and the sea. There are many other, more secluded beaches near the city that you can reach with your rental car.
Estói Palace. Known for its extravagant combination of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architectural styles, as well as the pinkish hues of its facade, Estói is one of the most recognizable buildings in all of Faro. The interior of the palace halls is as fancy as the exterior, and the building is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
Ria Formosa Natural Park. Next on the list is the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a series of lagoons and marshlands stretching over 60 km along the coast. This unique ecosystem is a paradise for bird watchers, boasting over 20,000 birds during the winter migration. Take a boat tour, paddle a kayak, or simply walk along the trails to experience its beauty firsthand.
Museu Municipal de Faro. Finally, if you’re interested in cultural enrichment, the Museu Municipal de Faro is not to be missed. The museum, located in a 16th-century convent, holds an impressive collection of artifacts dating from prehistoric times to the present, including Roman mosaics and Islamic ceramics.
Jardim Manuel Bívar is one of the Faro’s most striking outdoor spaces. Located between the dock and Arco da Vila, the city park is surrounded by trees, cafe terraces and traditional cobbled sidewalks. It’s a meeting point for locals of every age and a privileged place to enjoy the landscapes of the Ria Formosa.
Depending on the season, you’ll find a range of local events taking place at the park, including book fairs, markets, outdoor concerts and exhibitions.
Rua de Santo António is a pedestrian street that connects downtown Faro with the most modern part of the city. A lot of the local’s daily life revolves around this street, where modern and traditional shops coexist. It usually sees very few tourists, providing an authentic view of everyday life in Faro.
Rua de Santo António has many interesting buildings and local shops, but make sure to look down and appreciate the street's magnificent cobbled pavement, which is a work of art in itself. You can do this while you have a refreshing drink or a traditional pastry at one of the many open-air cafes.
Mercado Municipal de Faro, the main market in the city, is one of the best places to get in touch with Faro’s local people. This covered market has a huge range of local products, mainly fresh fish and seafood, fruit and vegetables. Wander around the hustle and bustle of the locals and shop for fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables.
It’s a friendly place, so take the opportunity to engage in conversation with the local vendors – you’re guaranteed to hear some good stories. Mercado Municipal de Faro also has stores and public services, as well as a few restaurants where you can enjoy regional cuisine.
Traffic and parking
You can only enter the roundabout after giving way to cars already on it.
The car documentation and insurance always has to be inside a vehicle.
Drivers can only use a mobile phone if it is a hands free or an earpiece.
The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers.
Safety cameras are in use.
When parking in a street, your car must be parked facing the direction of travel.
Toll roads
Many motorways in Portugal are subject to toll fees. See Portugal's official toll road website for maps and fees. For ease and convenience, you may ask the car rental provider to include a Via Verde electronic toll tag to your car rental. The electronic tag allows you to easily pass through the designated Via Verde toll booths and have the charges automatically charged to your credit card afterward.
Ideas for day trips
Ria Formosa Natural Park. Less than a 30 minute ride from Faro, Ria Formosa is a system of barrier islands in a lagoon next to the Atlantic Coast. Green and calm, it is home to countless bird species, as well as a few cozy little villages that are fun to visit.
Ludo is a great option if you’re looking for an outdoor experience in Faro. Located between the airport and the Quinta do Lago, this area is great for a bike ride or a walk far away from downtown Faro's city traffic, noise and touristy spots. Go for a walk or a bike ride and enjoy nature’s charms.
Zona do Ludo's natural environment attracts ducks and flamingos, which makes it a great spot for birdwatching. Pause, close your eyes, take a deep breath and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature.
Albufeira, Lagos, Sagres. Perhaps even more famous than Faro, this small beach towns each have their unique atmosphere and characteristics. Albufeira and Lagos can be reached in about an hour, and Sagres is just a bit further along the coast. Visit all three of them and pick your favorite!
Algarve beaches. From Faro, Portugal, the stunning beaches of the Algarve are within easy reach. Praia de Faro is a must-visit, boasting miles of sandy shores and vibrant boardwalk eateries. Visit Praia da Marinha for its iconic rock formations and crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling. Praia da Rocha, framed by majestic cliffs, offers breathtaking views. Praia do Camilo, known for its beautiful staircase descent, is perfect for romantic sunset strolls. Lastly, Benagil Sea Cave, accessible only by water, offers a unique beach experience inside a natural dome. These beaches embody the scenic beauty that makes Algarve a coveted destination.
Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. A long and green stretch along Portugal’s southwest coast, this nature park spans two regions of Portugal. Most of its territory is not accessible by car, but you can conveniently park at one of the entry points and go on a long hike. Here you will find the Rota Vicentina, a network of hiking trails spanning around 400 kilometers in total.
Inland. Never visited by perhaps 95% of tourists who come to the Algarve, the region’s interior is truly off the beaten track — even if it’s just a short drive away. Made up of steep hills, historic estates, and bucolic farmland, the region is home to several stations and lodges that offer fantastic views of the sea below.
Most popular cars
The most popular rental cars in Portugal are the VW Polo, the Ford Fiesta, and the Fiat 500. The most popular Faro car hire types are economy, mini, and compact.
Further destinations
Alentejo. Algarve’s less glamorous neighbor is a fun place to visit not only for its great winemaking traditions, but also for historic towns, beautiful countryside, and leisurely pace of life.
Lisbon. Portugal’s busy yet hospitable capital is considered one of the most interesting cities in Europe for a reason. Go there for history, architecture, music, and people.
Andaluzia. Spain’s southernmost region is a great place to visit, both because of its close proximity to Portugal and because of its fascinating Moorish buildings, strong regional character, and great food. Note that you’ll have to cross a national border, so check with your car rental provider first to make sure they allow it.
Car Rental Prices in Faro (average prices)
Convertibles - from € 6 per day
Station wagons - from € 6 per day
Large cars - from € 7 per day
Medium cars - from € 4 per day
Vans - from € 11 per day
Premium cars - from € 18 per day
Small cars - from € 2 per day
SUVs - from € 4 per day
Money-saving tips
There are things you can do to get a good rental car deal in Faro:
- Compare rates of different rental car providers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Faro is the cheapest in January when renting a car is about 50% cheaper than the yearly average. The month of August is typically the month for summer vacations for tourists from around the world heading to the Algarve. During these peak times car rental prices naturaly increase.
Top Cities near Faro
Olhao from € 27.12 per day - 11.4 km / 7.1 miles away
Quarteira from € 8.44 per day - 13.3 km / 8.3 miles away
Vilamoura from € 9.32 per day - 14.8 km / 9.2 miles away
Albufeira from € 7.06 per day - 25.3 km / 15.7 miles away
Tavira from € 27.12 per day - 30.8 km / 19.1 miles away
Armação de Pera from € 19.27 per day - 38.1 km / 23.7 miles away
Carvoeiro - 45.4 km / 28.2 miles away
Monte Gordo from € 19.27 per day - 49.7 km / 30.9 miles away
Portimao from € 9.38 per day - 52.1 km / 32.4 miles away
Alvor from € 19.03 per day - 54.9 km / 34.1 miles away
Lagos from € 19.65 per day - 63.8 km / 39.6 miles away
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Faro?
Car rental prices in Faro vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
The cheapest month to rent a car in Faro is January (when prices average € 7.98 per day). This is 58% cheaper than the yearly average and 75% cheaper than renting in July (when prices average € 31.48).
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
Faro Car Hire Delivery
Faro Car Hire cars booked through Go-Bycar.com website for the entire Algarve region can be delivered at Faro aiport or to custmoer's accommodation. Depending on the locations you enter in the booking form you will receive offers from different suppliers for the different locations. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
