Hidden gems in Faro District

Hidden Gems of the Algarve

This collection spans the Algarve region, featuring medieval fortifications like the red sandstone Castle of Silves and the hilltop Castle of Aljezur. Coastal highlights include the limestone stacks of Ponta da Piedade and the Benagil sea caves. Historical landmarks range from the Roman villa ruins at Cerro da Vila to the 18th-century Igreja do Carmo in Faro, known for its bone chapel. Natural attractions include the Pego do Inferno waterfall and the anchor graveyard at Praia do Barril.

Derek Turner / CC-BY-SA

Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade is a headland with a group of rock formations along the coastline of the town of Lagos, in the Portuguese region of the…

Joseolgon / CC BY-SA 3.0

Marinha Beach

Praia da Marinha is one of the most emblematic beaches of Portugal with a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, located on the Atlantic coast…

Lacobrigo / CC BY-SA 3.0

Castle of Silves

The Castle of Silves is a castle in the civil parish of Silves in the municipality of Silves in the Portuguese Algarve.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

Praia de Benagil

Small fishing beach providing access to the Algar de Benagil, a large sea cave featuring a natural skylight and a secluded interior beach accessible by boat, kayak, or paddleboard.

Georges Jansoone / CC BY 2.5

Sagres Fortress

The Fortress of Sagres, also known as Castle of Sagres or Fort of Sagres, is a military structure, located near the Sagres freguesia, in…

Tibor Kovacs / CC BY 2.0

Praia do Camilo

Secluded cove reached via a 200-step wooden staircase. The beach is enclosed by jagged limestone cliffs and features a natural rock tunnel connecting to an adjacent smaller bay.

BiiJii / CC BY-SA 3.0

Praia do Barril

Located on Tavira Island, this beach features the Anchor Graveyard, a memorial of hundreds of rusted anchors from the former tuna fishing fleet. It is accessible by a narrow-gauge railway.

Kris / CC-BY-SA

Igreja do Carmo

18th-century Baroque church in Faro housing the Capela dos Ossos. This bone chapel was constructed using the skulls and bones of over 1,000 Carmelite monks.

Mussklprozz / CC BY-SA 3.0

Castle of Tavira

The Castle of Tavira is a medieval castle located in the parish of Santiago, Tavira municipality, Faro district of Portugal.

MJJR / CC BY 2.5

Castle of Castro Marim

The Castle of Castro Marim is a medieval castle on a hilltop overlooking the civil parish of Castro Marim, in the municipality of the same…

Lusitana / CC BY 2.5

Castle of Aljezur

The Castle of Aljezur is a medieval castle founded in the parish of Aljezur, in the municipality of the same name overlooking the Aljezur…

Husond / CC BY-SA 3.0

Pego do Inferno

Pego do Inferno is a small waterfall and lake located in the parish of Santo Estêvão, in Tavira in the Algarve, Portugal.

CC BY-SA 4.0

Ruínas da Fortaleza de Arrifana

Remains of a 17th-century defensive fortification situated on a high cliff. Originally built to protect local tuna fisheries and the coastline from pirate attacks.

Beechgrove / CC BY 3.0

Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila

The Roman Ruins of Cerro da Vila are the remnants of a historical villa in the Algarve region of southern Portugal.

Patrice78500 / Public domain

Convento de Nossa Senhora do Desterro

Ruined 17th-century Franciscan monastery in Monchique. Founded in 1631, the site features Manueline-style architectural elements and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.