Home to an airport that serves as the gate to the South of Portugal, Faro is Portugal’s southernmost municipality, famous for the iconic Algarve coastline. The city of Faro (the capital of the municipality) is often tossed aside as tourists make their way into the more famous parts of the Algarve. However, this city is worth its own attention, overflowing with natural beauty, dynamic culture, and friendly locals.
Those who give the city of Faro the time of day will quickly recognize the hidden treasures of this ancient city, from its charming cobblestone town center to the pristine beaches and surrounding countryside.
Even though Faro is the largest city on the Algarve coastline, it still only has a relatively small population of 60 thousand permanent residents, making it feel more like a town than a big city. Regardless of its size, Faro is a top destination for food lovers and cocktail connoisseurs, who can taste their way through the city’s unique bar and food scene.
Whether you’re visiting as a digital nomad, a solo backpacker, or with family or friends, Faro is a colorful city packed with exciting things to do and beautiful scenes to admire. If you’re looking for a private space to call home in the city, I recommend renting out one of the best villas in Faro. Not only will you enjoy access to a private home, usually with gardens and a pool, but you’ll be able to do so for an incredibly reasonable price.
1-Bed Villa in Traditional Portuguese Home
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Newly renovated with kitchen, living room, and bathroom with walk-in shower
- > On a cobblestone street a short walk from the beach
2-Bed Moroccan-Inspired Villa
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Former fishing house with a private courtyard
- > A block from the beach of Budens, within walking distance of restaurants and shops
Stunning 5-Bed Villa in Winelands
- > $$$$
- > 9 Guests
- > An old trading house transferred to a modern villa with a pool and outdoor cooking space
- > East of Faro city, surrounded by vineyards and ocean views
Staying in a Villa in Faro
Faro was founded as a fishing village and commercial agricultural hub as far back as the eighth century BC. What was once one of the most significant urban centers of the country is now famous for its gorgeous beaches, colorful historic architecture, intricate cuisine, and outdoor sports and activities.
Because of its unique history, the city center of Faro is made up of low-rise buildings, most of which are centuries old or built following the traditional quaint Mediterranean-inspired architecture. Unlike other big cities, you won’t find skyscrapers occupied by brand-name hotels here.
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Instead, the region has plenty of boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and hostels. However, the city is also home to a fair share of self-catering vacation rentals, from basic self-contained apartments to extravagant villas and estate homes.
Villas are easily one of the best types of accommodation in a region like Faro. A typical villa is defined as a large home with more than one bedroom, which offers self-catering facilities and a private yard. With year-round sunshine and hot summers, most of the best villas in Faro have a swimming pool and outdoor terrace, surrounded by loungers and overlooking gorgeous views.
What to Look For in a Villa in Faro
One of the best assets of a villa is that they are generally located outside the city center on private pieces of land. With remote locations, you’ll want to organize a car rental while visiting this region, which will allow you to travel up and down the Algarve coastline at your leisure.
Set on large properties in remote locations, with self-catering facilities and multiple bedrooms, villas are especially well-suited for large groups of friends or families. If you are traveling with young kids, try to find a villa with child-friendly amenities and a gated-in garden for extra peace of mind.
Some of the villas on this list are located in the broader municipality of Faro. Before you book a property, make sure you know exactly where you’ll be based – the municipality and city with the same name have been known to confuse visitors!
One of my favorite amenities in most villas is an outdoor BBQ terrace equipped with kitchen facilities. With such beautiful weather, barbecuing outdoors is a huge trend in this region, and I can’t think of a better way to unwind after a day in the sun than an outdoor cookout.
There are also a few beautiful villas suitable for couples and smaller groups, many of which are located within the cities or villages instead of in the surrounding vineyards and countryside. Sometimes classified as ‘houses’ or ‘apartments,’ these homes should offer all the amenities of a villa, just on a smaller scale.
All villas on this list have a well-working Wi-Fi connection, suitable for remote workers or business trip visitors. If you’re visiting as a digital nomad, find a space with a dedicated workspace or quiet table where you can tend to your work while in Faro.
Most of the best villas in Faro on this list can be found on Airbnb, except for one property listed on Hostelworld.com. To find the best properties on Airbnb for your particular needs, use the convenient filters to filter out any unsuitable properties.
The Top 15 Villas in Faro
From historic homes in the city center to elaborate countryside villas on sprawling estates, Faro has a villa for every type of traveler. Let’s take a better look at fifteen of the best villas in this underrated yet colorful city on the Portuguese Algarve:
Overall Best Value Villa in Faro – Cozy 2-Bed Villa in Historical Building
Set right in the heart of the city, bordering the walls of historic Old Town Faro, this cozy home is just steps away from the port and its vibrant restaurants and shops. As one of the best villas in Faro, the space is basic yet spacious, with two full bedrooms and space to sleep up to five guests.
The home also includes an open-concept kitchen and living area, a dedicated workspace, and free parking on the property (which can be hard to come by in such a central neighborhood).
Tastefully designed using a blend of traditional interiors, with exposed brick walls, Portuguese tiling, and wooden touches, combined with modern amenities, you’ll feel right at home in this villa.
Best Budget Villa in Faro – 2-Bed Moroccan-Inspired Villa
Not only is this property relatively affordable, but it might be one of the most eccentrically beautiful and unique accommodations in Faro. Designed by professional architects to emulate a rustic-chic Moroccan home, the property is decorated with hand-painted friezes, tiled walls, stained glassed windows, and ornate doorway arches.
It is also centrally located in the heart of Salema, a charming fishing village west of Faro, surrounded by plenty of restaurants, shops, and beaches. Cook up a feast in the full kitchen and dip your feet into the cold water pond after a day exploring the area.
Best Villa for Couples in Faro – 1-Bed Villa in Traditional Portuguese Home
Set in the heart of the old town of Lagos in Faro, this small home might not fit the description of most villas, but it certainly is the perfect villa for couples after a romantic retreat. The home is in a traditional house on one of the most famous cobblestone streets in the town, close to some of the best beaches in Lagos.
It has been renovated with modern amenities, including excellent Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and new kitchen appliances while retaining its authentic Portuguese old-world charm.
Best Villa for a Group of Friends in Faro – Modern Villa Abaton with 3 Bedrooms
With three bedrooms and bathrooms, a gorgeous open-concept living space, and a huge terrace with a swimming pool, this is easily one of the best villas in Faro for groups of friends or families.
The home is a new build inspired by modern simplicity and features bright, spacious, and contemporary interiors surrounded by a magnificent landscape. Double-height ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass walls and windows bring a relaxing natural element into the home, which is flooded with natural light and fresh air.
Over-the-Top Luxury Villa in Faro – Stunning 5-Bed Villa in Winelands
Set amongst the rolling hills, farmland, and vineyards of Conceicao de Tavira in Faro, this gorgeous villa offers guests a sense of calm for a relaxing countryside vacation. Casa do Troco was an old trading house that has been tastefully converted into a contemporary villa with exquisite open-concept interiors and a spacious outdoor pool space.
The home is simply yet beautifully designed, with classic farmhouse furniture and bespoke artwork. With five bedrooms, three bathrooms, several terraces with sun loungers, and an entire outdoor kitchen, the home can comfortably accommodate up to nine guests.
Best Villa for Families Visiting Faro – Family-Friendly Resort-Like Villa with Five Bedrooms
Faro is a top destination for a family getaway with a great climate and beautiful beaches to explore. If you’re visiting with kids, this is one of the best villas in Faro for families, with as many exciting amenities for children as it has for adults.
There are billiards, table games, walls of kids’ toys, a private swimming pool, and BBQ area, and a home cinema. Cozy up in the living room by the fireplace while your children enjoy an evening surrounded by games and toys.
Best Villa in Faro for Backpackers – Tilia Hostel
With multiple rooms and high price tags to match, villas aren’t typically the most practical type of accommodation for backpackers on a budget. However, if you want the villa experience while still saving and staying in a social hostel, Tilia Hostel is the place to be.
Located in the heart of Faro Central, this hostel is set in a historic home with ornate windows, grand living spaces, and a rooftop terrace. With a kitchen, plenty of bathrooms, and room choices, this space offers the amenities of a villa without the high cost.
Villa in Faro with the Best Views – Traditional 4-Bed Portuguese Villa with Views
Chances are you’re visiting Faro for its incredible natural beauty. So, why not indulge in one of the best villas in Faro with an exquisite view? Set in the mountains overlooking the coastline, you can enjoy sprawling views of the surrounding countryside, local villages, and sea from the comfort of the pool deck.
Besides spectacular views, this villa has four bedrooms, a traditional Portuguese-style kitchen, and multiple outdoor terraces to relax, BBQ, or sunbathe on.
It’s also well located in the ‘golden triangle of the Algarve,’ with plenty of restaurants, shops, beaches, and local markets to explore nearby.
Best Villa for a Weekend Trip to Faro – 4 Bedroom Villa Saragoca with Ocean Views
Just a 25-minute drive from the airport and ten minutes from the best beaches of Vilamoura and Albufeira, this gorgeous villa offers the perfect setting for a tranquil vacation in nature. Its central location also makes it ideal for a short weekend trip.
The luxurious villa is surrounded by lush trees and greenery and has a private pool, garden, and outdoor living space deck. The interiors are decorated with neutral tones and wooden accents, emphasizing natural light and textures.
Best Villa in Faro for Long-Term Travelers – Private Oasis Villa with Pool and Sauna
One of the best villas in Faro for long-term visits, this independent villa is set on acres of private property growing fresh fruit and olives. The home has all the necessities and amenities for living, including a fully stocked kitchen and three spacious bedrooms.
However, it also boasts a few luxurious additions to make your stay even more enjoyable. Lounge around the azure blue swimming pool or wander through the private gardens with your morning coffee before heading out to see what Faro has to offer.
The Villa with the Most Epic Location in Faro – Minimalistic Villa with Pool and 3 Bedrooms
You won’t find a spot more secluded than this villa in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. It is just a short stroll from a beach that has consistently been rated as one of the best in the world. Nestled within old fig and olive groves, the villa boasts three ensuite bedrooms, a full kitchen with washer and dryer facilities, and a beautiful pool area.
With the amenities of a boutique hotel, guests can enjoy weekly cleaning, access to an honesty bar, and complimentary toiletries.
The Most Beautiful Villa in Faro – 5-Bed Villa Geneche with Pool
Choosing the most beautiful villa in Faro is no quick task, but this gorgeous home nestled in a lush garden was an easy choice. The five-bedroom home takes inspiration from Mediterranean architecture, with terracotta roof tiling, dramatic fireplaces, and high ceilings.
The home’s interior has been professionally refurbished with an exquisite blend of contemporary designs and traditional Portuguese furniture, and bespoke art. Prepare a feast in the kitchen before enjoying it on the shaded terrace as you admire views of the pristine countryside.
Best Villa in Faro for Solo Travelers – Casa da Eira Country Villa Close to Beach
Villas aren’t the typical accommodation of choice for solo travelers who don’t need multiple bedrooms and tons of space. If you’re visiting Faro alone and would like to indulge in a private villa, this two-bedroom property has everything you need without being over-the-top or overpriced.
Set in the countryside near the Ria Formosa National Park, the home is a typical Algarve terrace house just a short distance from the city of Faro, the beach, and the airport. It has two bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a terrace with an outdoor seating area.
Most Traditional Villa in Faro – Gorgeous Traditional Villa with Pool and Sea Views
Built following the traditional Portuguese / Mediterranean architecture style, this luxury villa is set in the sprawling countryside with its own private gardens. Surrounded by nature at its finest, it’s the best villa in Faro to relax and unwind.
The home has three bedrooms, a dedicated workspace, a massive living area, and a kitchen. However, the best thing about this villa is the heated pool and terrace, which overlooks the picturesque fishing town of Tavira and the coastline.
Amazing Luxurious Villa in Faro – Traditional 4-Bed Villa with Pool and Gardens
Not just another luxury villa in the Algarve, this stunning home is set in a classic Mediterranean estate surrounded by olive groves and cypress trees. The traditional Portuguese villa features hardwood floors, a central living space overflowing with natural light, and four private bedrooms.
To top things off, the stunning heated swimming pool and surrounding terrace overlook unrivaled views of the Algarve countryside and fishing villages along the coastline.
Don’t Forget Your Faro Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Villas in Faro
Although Faro has long been left in the shadows of the nearby towns and villages of the Algarve, this is starting to change. The capital city of the Algarve has much more going for it than just being the gateway into the region’s resort towns.
Faro is great for those looking for a good dose of culture, an exciting local food scene, and gorgeous beaches. But it’s also an excellent base for exploring the central parts of the Algarve on day trips, including Loule and Tavira.
Why not rent one of the best villas in Faro for your trip to the Algarve, experiencing the region’s surrounding villages on day trips throughout your stay? With plenty to see, do, and taste in the municipality, you won’t regret setting up base in Faro!
If you’re planning a trip overseas, make sure you organize comprehensive insurance for all your travel party members for the entire duration of your trip!
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