Discovering Faro by Camper Van: Complete Guide

Introduction

Well, if you’ve been following us for a while, you know we have a strong fondness for the Algarve. And it has even become more than that, because now we live there: Tavira is our base, about thirty kilometers east of Faro. So, Faro has become our “big city” in the area, the place we go for serious shopping, to pick up a package, meet friends, or simply spend an evening when we feel like a bit of urban excitement.

We were already going there regularly back when we traveled in a camper van (and we even had to stay there for two weeks once, with the clutch breaking in the middle of the Algarve, but that’s another story). Now that we are settled nearby, we go there almost every week, and we are starting to know this city quite well.

In this guide, we share what we’ve learned from passing through there, both in a van and from our adopted Tavira: where to park without stress (because honestly, the old town and vans over 6 meters rarely make for a love story), where to sleep, where to do laundry, which activities are really worth it, and of course, our favorite restaurants. In short, the kind of info we would have loved to have ourselves the first time.

Video road trip in a camper van in this destination

What is Faro – Portugal?

History of Faro

Faro is a bit like a history book that you walk through. Romans, Moors, Christians… the city has welcomed just about everyone, and each has left its mark.

Founded in Roman times under the name of Ossonoba, it was already an important port for those heading towards the Atlantic. In the 8th century, the Moors arrived and brought everything that can still be found today in the local architecture and culture: arches, patterns, some street names, and even part of the gastronomy. In the 13th century, the Christians regained control and built the cathedral that still stands in the old town. And well, the city also endured earthquakes and pirates, which apparently was routine in the area for several centuries. Naturally, that builds character.

Today, between the salt marshes of the Ria Formosa and the historic center surrounded by walls, you feel like you are walking in a city that has not renounced any of that. Personally, we find that it gives it a rather unique atmosphere in the Algarve.

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Geographical situation

Faro is the capital of the Algarve, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south. On the map, you find it roughly in the middle of the Algarve coast: Tavira just to the east (and Spain not far behind), Olhao as an immediate neighbor, Albufeira further west. To the north, the mountains of the Serra de Monchique close the landscape.

A really convenient position for a road trip: Faro often makes an excellent stop right in the middle of a stay in the Algarve, especially if you zigzag between villages like Fuseta, Olhao, and Tavira.

How to get to Faro?

Climate: When to visit Faro in a Camper Van?

Faro has a typical Mediterranean climate: mild winters, very hot summers, lots of sunshine throughout the year. Overall, it’s one of the European destinations where you can drive a van practically all year round.

The important spots for Van and Camper Van in Faro

Discover all our spots for vans and camper vans in Faro directly on the interactive map below (campgrounds, service areas, free parking, laundries). Click on each marker to see the address, rating, and practical info.

Where and what to eat in Faro?

Faro, in terms of gastronomy, is the Algarve in all its contrasts: grilled fish in family tascas, traditional dishes simmered for hours, and a few more modern addresses that reinterpret all that. In short, plenty to vary the evenings without getting bored.

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The restaurants of Faro

All our favorite addresses in Faro are on the map above (click on the marker 🍽️ for details). You’ll find the classics like A do Pinto (traditional cuisine, we had a pretty memorable evening there), Tasca do Ricky (family atmosphere, great service), 2 Irmaos, Chefe Branco, and Cidade Velha in the old town.

And then especially, there’s our haunt: 8 Tapas, a small restaurant hidden in an alley of old Faro that we discovered a few years ago when our camper van had left us stuck for two weeks in Faro due to a broken clutch (yes, you read that right, two weeks stuck in Faro). Gourmet tapas in sharing format, a smoked cod tibornade that rivals what we’ve eaten best in Scotland, dangerously good sweet potato fries, and a dessert like Toblerone that Caroline didn’t really want to share. Since we moved to Tavira, it has become a real habit. We made a complete article about it because frankly, it deserved it.

Destination

8 Tapas: our little tapas hideaway in the alleys of Faro

Our tapas hideaway, tucked away in an alley of old Faro. Discovered a few years ago during a clutch failure of the camper van. Now that we live in Tavira,...

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The specialties of Faro

After choosing the restaurant, here’s what we order when we want to taste “the real” Algarve: the cataplana of seafood (cooked in that copper thing that looks like an alien, but what a result), the caldeirada (fish stew, a very convivial dish), and of course the pao de lo for dessert (a kind of moist sponge cake that’s to die for, especially in the “wet” version a bit liquid in the center). And if you ever see arroz de marisco on the menu (seafood rice), order it, you won’t regret it.

Travel Budget for a Road Trip in Faro

The currency in Portugal is the euro, so no exchange to consider if you come from a country in the zone. The cost of living is about around 30% lower than the UK, and you quickly feel the difference in restaurants and local markets.

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What activities to do in Faro?

Faro is more than just a stop: there’s really enough to fill 3-4 days without getting bored. Here’s what we like to do depending on our mood at the moment:

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