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Faro Guide: What Is It Like to Live in Faro?

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Colorful, weathered buildings line a cobblestone street under a clear blue sky. One building features a yellow facade with a pink door, while the adjacent building shows a faded red wall. A palm tree and a green street lamp are visible in the background.

Nestled on Portugal’s sun-drenched southern coast, Faro offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities that make it an increasingly popular destination for expats and retirees.

As the capital of the Algarve region, this charming city of approximately 65,000 residents serves as a gateway to golden beaches, picturesque islands, and the stunning Ria Formosa lagoon system.

Faro’s compact size and flat terrain make it easily navigable, while its international airport connects residents to major European cities, bridging the gap between a relaxed coastal lifestyle and global accessibility.

Living in Faro means embracing the unhurried pace of Mediterranean life, where cobblestone streets in the Old Town lead to bustling cafés and traditional restaurants serving fresh seafood. The city’s rich cultural tapestry, woven from Roman, Moorish, and Portuguese influences, is evident in its architecture and festivals. Faro University adds a youthful vibrancy to the city.

For expats and retirees, Faro presents an attractive proposition: a high quality of life at a relatively affordable cost. The climate boasts over 300 days of sunshine annually and the expat community, while not as large as in some Algarve resorts, is welcoming and diverse.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retirement, a change of pace, or a base to explore Europe, Faro offers a unique blend of Portuguese authenticity and international appeal, making it an ideal place to call home.

A serene beach scene in Portugal with a wide expanse of smooth, rippled sand and gentle footprints leading towards the horizon. Vegetation lines the sandy dunes in the background, and a small structure can be seen in the distance under a clear, blue sky.
A pedestrian street with intricate mosaic pavement, lined with buildings featuring outdoor balconies, embodies the charm of Portugal. Shops with awnings and a café with outdoor seating are present. Decorative cubes hang overhead. People stroll and interact, contributing to the lively atmosphere.
A serene marina in Portugal filled with numerous boats docked in orderly rows, with calm waters reflecting the pastel hues of the early evening sky. Surrounding the marina are buildings, palm trees, and a few people strolling along the waterfront.
A sunny town square in Faro, Portugal features a white and red striped gazebo with a decorative metal roof. The square is adorned with patterned cobblestone paths, lined with trees and surrounded by colorful old-style buildings, some with shutters. A few people are scattered around.
A dimly lit room with walls covered in rows of human skulls and bones. A window with stained glass and an ornate hanging lantern are centered on the wall, reminiscent of Portugal's rich history. Below the window, there is a white vase with a bouquet of red and white flowers on a small ledge.
A tall palm tree stands in front of an old stone wall with weathered, peeling paint—reminiscent of Portugal's charming streets. Two green benches and two street lamps are positioned near the tree, all placed on a cobblestone pathway. The scene is bright under a clear blue sky.

Renting & Buying Property

Faro’s property market offers a range of options for both renters and buyers. The city centre and nearby coastal areas tend to be more expensive, while inland neighbourhoods and surrounding towns can offer more affordable alternatives. As an expat or retiree, you’ll find a mix of traditional Portuguese homes and modern apartments to suit various preferences and budgets.

Buying

Property prices in Faro vary widely depending on location, size, and condition. Prices for houses start at about €200,000 for properties in need of renovation and can exceed €1 million for luxury villas with sea views. Typical properties include apartments in modern complexes, townhouses in historic neighbourhoods, and standalone villas in suburban areas. Some expats choose to purchase properties in nearby towns like Olhão or Tavira, where prices may be lower.

Search properties for sale in Faro

Renting

Rental prices in Faro are generally more affordable compared to other major Portuguese cities. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs between €500-€700 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment might range from €800-€1,200. Prices tend to be lower in outlying areas.

Long-term rentals are available, but be aware that during the peak tourist season (June-August), some landlords may prefer short-term holiday lets. For more information on renting in Portugal, including tips on contracts and deposits, check out this helpful guide.

Cost of Living

Living in Faro can be relatively affordable compared to many other Western European destinations. While property costs are the most significant expense, day-to-day living costs are generally reasonable. Groceries, dining out, and public transportation are particularly budget-friendly.

A couple can live comfortably in Faro on a monthly budget of €1,500-€2,000, excluding rent. However, costs can vary depending on your lifestyle choices and specific location within the city or surrounding areas.

Can I move to Faro?

Portugal offers several visa and residency options for those looking to make Faro their new home. Each visa has specific requirements and benefits. Here are the most common pathways:

  • EU/EEA/Swiss nationals: Can move to Portugal easily without a visa. This also applies to their spouses/partners and some qualifying family members.
  • D7 Visa: Ideal for retirees or those with passive income from pensions, rentals, investments, or royalties.
  • D8 Visa: Designed for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers.
  • Golden Visa: For those willing to make significant investments in Portugal, requiring only an average of 7 days per year spent in the country.
  • D2 Visa: Aimed at entrepreneurs planning to start a business in Portugal.

Can I move to Portugal?

Attractions

Cidade Velha (Old Town)

Faro’s historic centre is a maze of cobblestone streets and charming squares. The area is encircled by ancient Roman walls and features well-preserved medieval buildings. Don’t miss the 13th-century Faro Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace, which offer stunning views over the city and Ria Formosa lagoon.

Ria Formosa Natural Park

This stunning coastal lagoon system stretches for 60 kilometres along the Algarve coast. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers, with numerous species calling it home. Take a boat tour to explore the park’s islands, enjoy pristine beaches, and observe the traditional clam and oyster farms.

Ilha Deserta (Barreta Island)

Part of the Ria Formosa, this uninhabited island boasts one of the Algarve’s most secluded beaches. It’s perfect for a day trip, offering crystal-clear waters and unspoiled natural beauty. You can reach it by ferry from Faro’s harbour, making it an easy escape from city life.

Expat Life

Faro has a growing expat community, although it’s not as large as those found in some other Algarve towns. The city attracts a diverse mix of nationalities, including British, German, French, and increasingly, Americans and Canadians. Many expats are drawn to Faro for its authentic Portuguese atmosphere combined with the conveniences of a small city.

You’ll find expat meetups, language exchange groups, and international clubs that make it easy to connect with fellow foreigners. The presence of the University of Algarve also brings a youthful, international vibe to the city.

Retiring Here

Faro presents an attractive option for retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle. The city is relatively flat, making it easy to navigate for those with mobility concerns. Healthcare facilities are good, with both public and private options available. The cost of living is manageable on a pension, especially compared to many other European destinations.

Retirees appreciate the relaxed pace of life, abundant sunshine, and rich cultural offerings. The proximity to beautiful beaches and golf courses provides plenty of leisure activities. Additionally, Faro’s international airport makes it convenient for visiting family or exploring Europe.

Food

Portuguese cuisine is a highlight of living in Faro. Here are some regional Algarve specialities you’ll encounter:

  • Cataplana de Marisco: A seafood stew cooked and served in a traditional copper pot. It’s packed with fish, shellfish, and aromatic herbs.
  • Caracóis à Algarvia: Snails cooked in a flavourful broth, a popular summer dish often enjoyed as a snack with beer.
  • Arroz de Polvo: Octopus rice, a hearty dish that showcases the Algarve’s seafood tradition.
  • Xerém: A porridge-like dish made from corn flour, often served with clams or other seafood.
  • Doce Fino do Algarve: A traditional Algarve sweet made from almonds, eggs, and sugar.

You’ll also find national Portuguese dishes like caldo verde (kale soup), grilled fish, grilled meat dishes, and cozido à portuguesa (a Portuguese stew) on most traditional menus. And of course, don’t forget to try the iconic pastel de nata.

A white bowl filled with a creamy green soup featuring leafy greens and a slice of chorizo in the center. The bowl is placed on a white napkin, and a silver spoon rests on the right side. The tablecloth under the bowl is red with a lace pattern.
Caldo verde (kale soup)
Robalo grilled fish
Robalo (typical grilled fish)
Mista de Porco Preto
Porco preto (grilled black pork)
Pastel de nata (custard tart)
Bacalhau à lagareiro
Bacalhau à lagareiro (grilled cod with olive oil)
Leitão
Leitão (roast pork)

For vegans and vegetarians, Faro offers a growing number of options, although not as extensive as in Lisbon or Porto. While traditional Portuguese cuisine is heavy on meat and fish, more restaurants are adapting to cater to plant-based diets. Gluten-free options are also becoming more common. In rural areas, choices may be more limited, so it’s advisable to learn some key Portuguese phrases to communicate dietary requirements.

Upsides & Downsides of Living Here

Like everywhere else, there are pros and cons to living in Faro.

Pros

  • Less touristic than many coastal towns on the Algarve (although it does still attract its share)
  • Easy access to Spain (A day-trip to Seville is easily doable)
  • Good train service than goes to the far east of the Algarve (Vila Real de Santo António) and as far as Lagos in the west. Bus connections are good too
  • Easy access to Faro Airport (which mainly has flights to Northern European countries like the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands)

Cons

  • No beach within walking distance of the town (but you could live closer to the beach, if you wanted)

Climate

Faro enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. Summer temperatures typically range from 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F), while winter temperatures usually stay between 8°C and 18°C (46°F to 64°F). The city receives an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a paradise for sun-seekers.

While Faro itself has urban beaches, the stunning beaches of the Ria Formosa islands are just a short boat ride away, perfect for cooling off during hot summer days. If you prefer freshwater swimming, there are several praias fluviais (river beaches) within driving distance in the Algarve hinterland.

Will I Need to Learn Portuguese?

While English is widely spoken in Faro, especially in tourism-related businesses, learning Portuguese will greatly enhance your experience living here. It’s essential for deeper integration into the local community and culture. Portuguese people are generally helpful and enjoy speaking other languages, but they greatly appreciate when foreigners make an effort to learn their language.

Learning Portuguese is not just about day-to-day communication; it’s also a legal requirement if you’re considering long-term residency or citizenship. To obtain Portuguese citizenship, you’ll need to pass an A2 level language exam.

Ready to start learning Portuguese? Check out this comprehensive guide on learning the language. It offers tips, resources, and strategies to help you on your language learning journey.

Schools

Faro offers a range of educational options for families with children:

  1. Public Schools: Free and generally of good quality, but instruction is in Portuguese. The quality of the school varies from school to school.
  2. Private Schools: Often bilingual, offering instruction in Portuguese and English.
  3. International Schools: Several in the Algarve region, including the Nobel International School Algarve and the Vilamoura International School, both within driving distance of Faro.

Faro is also home to the University of Algarve, which attracts both domestic and international students, contributing to the city’s vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.

For more detailed information about the Portuguese school system and your options as an expat, take a look at this comprehensive guide on schools in Portugal.

Getting Around

Faro is a relatively compact city, making it easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle, especially in the historic centre. The city is mostly flat, which is convenient for walking and cycling. However, some of the older streets can be quite narrow and cobbled, which might be challenging for those with mobility issues.

  • Train: Faro has a train station with connections to other major cities in Portugal. For example, the journey to Lisbon takes about 3 hours. From here, you can also get to many of the towns on the Algarve. However, it is important to note that not all towns have a train station and sometimes the train stations are far from the town itself.
  • Bus: The city has a good local bus network, and there are also regional buses connecting Faro to other Algarve towns.
  • Car: While not essential within the city, having a car can be useful for exploring the wider Algarve region. Parking in the city centre can be challenging during peak tourist seasons.
  • Ride-sharing: Uber and other ride-sharing services are available in Faro.
  • Flying: Faro Airport is just 4 km from the city centre and offers flights to many European destinations, including the UK. However, for intercontinental flights to the US or Canada, you’ll typically need to connect through Lisbon. Being so close to Spain, you may also want to take advantage of flights from Spanish airports, particularly Seville.

Day trips from Faro are plentiful and diverse. You can take boat trips to the islands of Ria Formosa, visit the historic town of Tavira (about 40 km east), explore the beaches and cliffs of Lagos (about 90 km west), or venture inland to the picturesque town of Loulé for its famous Saturday market. The Spanish border town of Ayamonte is also within easy reach, about an hour’s drive away, offering a chance to experience a different culture and cuisine.

Similar Locations

When comparing Faro to other Portuguese locations for living:

  • Lagos: Offers beautiful beaches and a historic centre, but can be more expensive and crowded in peak season.
  • Tavira: A quieter, more traditional option in the Eastern Algarve, known for its Roman bridge and island beaches.
  • Portimão: Larger than Faro, with a more industrial feel but also great beaches nearby.
  • Coimbra: If you prefer a inland city with a strong academic atmosphere, Coimbra could be an alternative, though it has a different climate and culture compared to the Algarve.

Each of these locations has its own charm and benefits, but Faro stands out for its balance of city amenities, cultural offerings, and proximity to natural attractions.

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