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Established in 1851, the Faro Jewish Cemetery is the only remaining vestige of the first post-Inquisition Jewish presence in Portugal. It served as a burial place for a thriving 60 family community (also known as "Little Jerusalem"). The Jews of Portugal were expelled by the Inquisition at the end of the 15th century and settled in Gibraltar and North Africa. After the devastating 1755 Lisbon Earthquake, their descendants were invited by the Marquis of Pombal to help rebuild the economy. Although the community is long gone, the cemetery remains to remind citizens and travellers of its former glory. The Faro Jewish Heritage Centre features over one hundred graves in Sephardi style, with beautifully engraved slabs instead of headstones. Although the land was purchased by the Jewish community in 1851, the first burial, that of Rabbi Toledano, dates back to 1838. Apart from the Cemetery, there is also a museum, housing many objects linked to the history of the Jews of Faro, like the furniture from one of the two former synagogues of Faro or the facsimile copy of Gacon's 1478 Pentateuch in Hebrew, the first book ever printed in Portugal!
Capela dos Ossos (inside Igreja do Carmo)
This chapel is almost completely made of bones taken from a former monk graveyard.
Centro Historico
A well-preserved section of town off the harbour with cobblestone streets and 18th century Portuguese and Moorish-influenced architecture. It is a great place for a peaceful and almost private walk back in time in an area that has been virtually untouched by modernity.
Sé
The view from the tower over the old town and the Rio Formosa is a highlight.
Ruínas Romanas de Milreu
A luxurious Roman villa that evolved into a Christian basilica by the 4th century. Notable features include well-preserved mosaic floors with marine motifs, remnants of thermal baths, a temple, and agricultural installations, offering insights into Roman life in the region
Renowned for its blend of architectural styles, including Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and Romantic elements. The palace was constructed in the 19th century, and was completed in 1909 under the ownership of José Francisco da Silva, who was later titled Viscount of Estoi by King Carlos I. Today, the palace operates as a luxury hotel.
Praia de Faro
This beach is several kilometres long and so normally never gets crowded, even in the height of summer. Most of the beach is gently sloping though it can take a sudden dip in places. There are the usual beach-side stalls and a public lavatory, but no showers. Praia de Faro is just past the airport, the airport bus stops there. A lot of people with early check-outs and late flights seem to go there on their last day.