The beauty and attractions of southern Portugal make Faro a popular holiday spot. Day trips are one of the best ways to explore the sights and sounds around the place. Listed below are some of the popular ideas for Faro day trips.

Lisbon

Lisbon is not too far from Faro and can be easily accessed by the railway. High speed trains here offer the best transport to this popular beach resort, taking approximately 2 hours. A day trip here is perfect for families that want a selection of activities. The coastline is beautiful and offers good surfing conditions. Tourists can also enjoy the City Zoo, an Oceanarium and the popular Feira Theme Park. One can also visit famous landmarks like the 14th century Castle of Sao Jorge and the Arco da Rua Augusta.

Sagres

This town is located about 118 km west of Faro, so it is advisable to set out for it early in the morning. This windswept and remote town can be accessed by car hire that is reasonably priced. It has limited attractions, so there are not many tourists here. This makes Sagres ideal for those who want a quiet serene place to relax. Here you can enjoy a number of the sandy beaches like the Praia do Martinhal, Praia de Baleeira and Praia do Tonel, which is ideal for surfing. The Praia da Mareta beach is also a great for tourists. A short walk from here is the central square of Praca da Republica, a historical attraction.

Silves

At approximately 62 km from Faro, Silves offers an excellent day trip for those interested in history of the town. Dominating the center of the town is the spectacular Moorish Castle of Silves with its governor’s palace and imposing sandstone facade. Another magnificent historical site to visit here is the Se Catedral de Silves which was built in the 15th century and has a Gothic appearance. The town also offers other attractions like the Igreja da Misericordia, the Museu Arqueolgia and the Fabrica de Ingles. The annual Silver Beer festival is held here every July.

Lagos

Located about 89 km from Faro, Lagos is a popular day trip destination as it has something for everyone. This popular town can be reached by road in little more than an hour. Most tourists come here for the spectacular beaches, but Lagos offers a lot more. This town is rich in history and is surrounded by 14th century walls that stand along the Ribeira de Bensafrim Tiver. Other attractions to visit in Lagos include the busy harbor, the Ponta da Piedade lighthouse, Barragem de Bravura reservoir and Lagos zoo.