Trips to Faro
What to know about Faro
Fancying the full package of sun, sea, sand, delicious food and colourful cocktails? If so, fly to Faro!
Our smart software is capable of finding cheap flights to the Algarve, but that’s only one part of the travel equation. That’s why we’ve put together this getaway guide.
Whether you're considering a short and sweet weekend break or a longer stay in this acclaimed tourist hotspot, we've got you covered. Read on for all the best tips and tricks on how to get to the Algarve on a budget. Plus, we give you the lowdown on what’s hot on the Algarve, the best things to do in Faro and more. So, if you're eyeing up a cheap flight to Faro soon, here’s everything you need to know.
Here is a tip for you: booking your flight and hotel at the same time and not separately can make you save up to 40%. Take advantage of a
flight + hotel package in Faro to your destination and save time searching for hotels separately. If you have already purchased your flight and you’re only looking for a hotel, you can find it
here.
What to do in Faro
You're probably totally inundated with recommendations on things to do in Faro. Don't worry, we know how to help. We've mocked up a three-day itinerary with some of the must-sees in the Algarve. Feel free to tweak it accordingly and always make room for spontaneous plans - you never know what you'll stumble across while you're out and about!
Day 1: Step back in time to Faro’s Old Town
There are settlements in Faro dating back to the 4th century BC, so to say it’s a city with a rich history would be an understatement. Whether you're into archaic ruins and museums or not, a trip to Faro should always include a visit to the prestigious Old Town. There's an undeniable charm to this graveyard of relics and the beauty of the remaining architecture is really something to behold.
Roman passages lead to hidden treasures and quaint cafes. There are also ancient fortress walls to marvel at, an impressive cathedral and cobbled streets. Then, as you pass through the famous Arco da Vila gateway, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the old town. There you can watch the world go by while you sample local delicacies from a vantage point of a rooftop bar.
Day 2: Unwind with food, drink and Faro nightlife
Faro comes alive at night. As well as an almost endless selection of bars, cafes and restaurants, you’ll find various twilight activities to keep you busy. Ultimately, though, Faro nightlife is powered by the city’s various drinking spots. If you're expecting a commercial logo on every corner, you've got it all wrong. Faro's bars are unique in character and many of them either take advantage of the city’s shoreline or offer idyllic rooftop views.
Rest assured, it’s not all drinking out there! Shops in the Forum are open until late, or you can take in a show at the local theatre. If you're looking for something a bit more interactive for fun-filled, laughter-heavy nights out in Faro with loved ones, there are bars with escape rooms, games consoles and all manner of retro gaming memorabilia.
Day 3: Sit back and soak up the sun in the Golden Triangle
By this point, you've already admired some of Faro's historical legacy and made the most of the vibrant nightlife. If you don’t know what to do in Faro on your final day, we have a suggestion: the beach.
The Algarve is known for its golden coastline, and Faro is no exception. Faro's 'Golden Triangle' consists of three beaches, an abundance of swanky restaurants and warm, calm waters. The three beaches within the Golden Triangle are:
- Praia do Garrão
- Ancão Beach
- Vale do Lobo
An alternative is to sit back and soak up the sun at Praia de Quarteira. Or, if you're a thrill seeker as opposed to a sun-worshipper and fearful of twiddling your thumbs on your final day, Praia da Quinta do Lago is a great o/ption. This site offers a variety of water sports, including surfing, sailing and canoeing.
In order to discover the beautiful landscapes of the surroundings, you can always
rent a car in Faro and travel the open road.
Frequently asked questions about flights about Faro
What’s the name of the main airport in Faro?
Faro Airport (FAO) is the nearest airport to Lagos, Portugal, as well as other popular tourist destinations on the Algarve, including Albufeira and Faro. You can fly to Faro from UK airports such as Gatwick (LGW), Luton International Airport (LTN), Heathrow (LHR), Stansted (STN), London City (LCY) and Southend (SEN).
Which airlines offer direct flights to Faro?
You can book cheap flights to Faro from the UK with a variety of airlines, including Wizz Air UK, British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair. If you want to book, our software can sort through real-time data to find you the best flights to Faro.
How can I request assistance for children travelling alone?
You should contact the airline before you complete a booking for a child travelling alone. Each airline’s policies will differ, so speak to customer service agents to find out more. For example, easyJet doesn’t allow children 15 or under to travel alone. In contrast, the minimum age at British Airways is 14.
How can I travel with the assistance dog?
Once you’ve booked your flight, you can contact the airline and inform them you’re travelling with an assistance dog. Do this at least 48 hours before you fly.
How do I find cheap flights to Faro that have flexible change policies at Opodo?
You can find cheap flights to Faro using our smart search engine. Our software sorts through real-time price data to find the best deals based on your preferred dates, departure airport and airlines. Our software also lets you edit the results so you can book flights with flexible cancellation policies.
How can I book cheap hotels on Opodo in Faro?
The “flight + hotel” option on our website gives you the ability to book flights and hotels in Faro via a single transaction. You can input your desired travel dates, where you want to fly from, and, if you want, the type of hotel you want to stay in. Our software then provides you with the best flights and hotels so you can book them both with a few clicks.
What baggage do I need to check on my flight?
Most airlines flying to Faro allow you to take hand luggage (i.e. a small bag) for no extra cost. For example, easyJet lets passengers board with hand luggage measuring 45 x 36 x 20cm for no extra cost. However, some airlines, such as Ryanair, charge for hand luggage unless you buy a premium ticket.
How can I check in with Opodo?
You’ll receive a confirmation number once you complete your booking via our platform. This number can be used to check-in online via your chosen airline’s online portal. All you have to do is visit your airline’s website to check in 48 hours before you fly.
Do I need to pay a cancellation fee if I cancel my flight from London to Faro?
Typically, if you cancel your flight, you'll be charged a £25 administration fee by Opodo. On top of this, airlines might also subject you to their cancellation fees. That said, if you purchased the 'Cancel for Any Reason' option when checking out on Opodo, you're able to take advantage of the 'Free Cancellation' option by pressing 'Cancel Now'. It's worth noting that you may still have to pay a 20% excess fee, in this scenario.
How do I know if my flight is eligible for compensation?
All flights from the UK to Europe are covered by the Civil Aviation Authority’s ADR scheme. This scheme is like a third-party insurance policy that allows you to claim compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled. Payouts up to £520 are available if your flight is cancelled within 14 days.
Faro Airport facts and figures
There's an Algarve airport near Portimão, but that site only handles domestic flights. International flights like the one you'll be taking to the Algarve land at Faro Airport (FAO), which is the nearest airport to Albufeira. It's pretty close to Faro's city centre, too.
Here's a quick summary of Faro's flights and airport facilities:
Airlines that fly direct to Faro:
- Wizz Air UK - fly direct from Gatwick (LGW)
- British Airways - fly direct from Heathrow (LHR), London City (LCY), Gatwick (LGW)
- easyJet - fly direct from Luton International Airport (LTN), Southend (SEN), Gatwick (LGW)
- Ryanair - fly direct from Luton International Airport (LTN), Stansted (STN)
- Jet2.com - fly direct from Stansted (STN)
Flight facts and local information:
- Flight time from the UK: 3 hours (direct)
- Location: Faro Airport (FAO) is 3 miles from Faro city centre
- Facilities: Duty-free shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, bureau de change, health services, and lounges.
It's worth noting that Faro Airport (FAO) is the nearest airport to Lagos, Portugal, so if you're meeting friends out there but struggling to find compatible flights, have a look at their options.
There are various ways to reach Faro Airport (FAO) from your hotel and vice versa. As we’ve already mentioned, it’s only 3 miles to the city centre, so even if you’re in a hotel on the other side of town, it’s not going to be a lengthy transfer. The two main ways to get into Faro city centre from the airport are:
- Bus: You can get from Faro Airport (FAO) to the other side of the city, stopping at various locations along the way by taking the number 14 or 16 bus lines. You should note that bus 14 does round-trips to the beach but it only runs four times a day. The average bus journey into the city centre takes 20 minutes and costs €2.25. The bus stop at Faro Airport (FAO) is located outside arrivals near parking zone number 2.
- Taxi: You can pre-book taxis or pick one up on the rank outside of the arrivals terminal (to the right of the exit). The average transfer time is 10-15 minutes, depending on the traffic, and taxis cost approximately €15 (fares may be higher late at night).
When is the best time to visit Faro?
That depends on your preferences! The weather in Faro, Portugal, is never bleak but it can get chilly in the winter months with the average temperature from December to March being 12°C to 15°C.
By May, the temperature is above 20°C and it stays that way until October. So, if you’re looking for cheap flights to Faro, you’ll often find the best deals in May, September and October. If you don’t mind paying slightly more to increase your chances of high temperatures, the peak months are June to August. But, even if you do choose to fly during the busiest months, our smart software will help you find the best flights to Faro for the cheapest prices.
The Algarve is a popular holiday destination, so you’ll have the luxury of choosing from multiple flights per day during the summer months. A quick search using our software brings a long list of options in August, for example, you could take an 8:15 pm evening flight with easyJet from Southend Airport (SEN) or jump on the 8 am Wizz Air flight from Gatwick (LGW).
