9 day itinerary for Farro, Portugal

Itinerary

Here's a suggested itinerary for 9 days in Faro, Portugal with a focus on local dining:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

• Arrive in Faro and check into your accommodation.
• Take a stroll around the historic center of Faro, known as Cidade Velha, and explore its charming streets and alleys.
• For dinner, head to O Castelo, a cozy restaurant that serves traditional Portuguese dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Day 2: Beach Day and Seafood Feast

• Spend the day at Praia de Faro, a beautiful beach just a short bus ride from the city center.
• In the evening, indulge in a seafood feast at Restaurante Ria Formosa, which offers stunning views of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and specializes in fresh fish and shellfish caught in the local waters.

Day 3: Cultural Immersion and Wine Tasting

• Visit the Museu Municipal de Faro to learn about the history and culture of the Algarve region.
• In the afternoon, take a guided tour of a local winery such as Quinta dos Vales, where you can taste some of the best wines produced in the area.
• For dinner, try the famous cataplana, a seafood stew cooked in a copper pot, at Adega Nova.

Day 4: Island Hopping and Grilled Sardines

• Take a boat trip to the nearby islands of Ilha Deserta and Ilha da Culatra, both of which offer pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
• On your way back to Faro, stop at one of the many beachside restaurants that specialize in grilled sardines, such as Marisqueira Ria Formosa.

Day 5: Nature Walk and Traditional Cuisine

• Explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park on foot or by bike, and admire its diverse flora and fauna.
• For lunch, head to Tasca Rasca, a cozy restaurant that serves traditional Algarvian dishes such as cozido (a hearty stew) and arroz de lingueirão (razor clam rice).

Day 6: Market Visit and Cooking Class

• Visit the Mercado Municipal de Faro, a bustling market where you can find fresh produce, seafood, and other local specialties.
• Take a cooking class at Tertúlia Algarvia, where you'll learn how to prepare some of the most iconic dishes of the region, such as cataplana and arroz de marisco (seafood rice).
• Enjoy your creations for dinner, paired with some of the best wines from the Algarve.

Day 7: Historical Sites and Tapas Tour

• Visit some of the historical sites in Faro, such as the Sé Cathedral and the Roman Ruins of Milreu.
• In the evening, go on a tapas tour of the city's bars and restaurants, sampling local delicacies such as petiscos (small plates) of octopus, cod, and cheese.

Day 8: Fishing Village and Seafood Paella

• Take a day trip to the picturesque fishing village of Olhão, known for its colorful markets and lively waterfront.
• For lunch, try the seafood paella at Restaurante Avenida, which is made with fresh fish and shellfish caught by local fishermen.
• Return to Faro in the evening and enjoy a nightcap at Gin Palace, a trendy bar that specializes in gin cocktails.

Day 9: Departure

• Depart from Faro, taking with you memories of the beautiful beaches, delicious food, and warm hospitality of the Algarve region.