6 Best Sights in The Algarve, Portugal

This stunning cathedral, flanked by cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and fragrant orange trees, is one of Faro's most beautiful monuments. Having survived earthquakes and fires since its construction in 1251, the Sé retains a Gothic tower but is mostly of interest for the 17th- and 18th-century azulejos that fill its interior. On one side of the nave is a red chinoiserie organ, dating to 1751. Best of all, however, is the view from the top of the church tower (up some very steep stairs), looking out over Cidade Velha rooftops and across the lagoon.

Beyond this 19th-century gate lies Faro's pretty Cidade Velha (Old Town) with its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. At the top is a niche sheltering a white-marble statue of St. Thomas Aquinas, plus storks that nest here permanently.

The small dock—flanked by Faro's main square, the Praça Dom Francisco Gomes, and the Manuel Bivar Garden—is filled with small pleasure craft rather than working fishing boats. Come at dusk to enjoy a drink as the sun sets dramatically over the lagoon.

Just north of the city center, this baroque church looks very out of place amid the modern buildings surrounding it. Inside, a door to the right of the altar leads to the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of the Bones) set in an outside garden area. The tiny chapel's walls are covered with more than 1,000 skulls and bones dug up from the adjacent monks' cemetery—an eerie sight, to say the least, but a fairly common custom in Portugal.

This 16th-century sanctuary—perhaps the prettiest of Faro's churches—has an unusual altar set to the left of the main altar. It's entirely carved in gilded chestnut wood and a delicate frieze depicts the Last Supper.

The closest beach to town is the long, sandy Praia de Faro, which sits on the Ilha de Faro (Faro Island) 5 km (3 miles) southwest of town. The long main road is flanked by the beach on one side and cafés and restaurants on the other. Activities are limited, and in the height of summer, parking can be a struggle. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee). Best for: swimming; walking.