This Budget Alternative To Lisbon Has Amazing Resorts And Snorkeling In Portugal's Algarve

If you're on the hunt for a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative to Lisbon's hustle and bustle, look no further than Faro, the capital of Portugal's Algarve region and an oceanfront hot spot. Unlike Lisbon, which is known for its urban vibe and historic buildings and streets, Faro boasts a more relaxed, nature-oriented environment. With pristine white beaches, a quaint and idyllic old town, and a welcoming atmosphere, why go anywhere else? The district of Faro encompasses a stunning coastline with some of Portugal's best offshore areas for snorkeling and diving. It's also famous for its budget-friendly resorts, making it an unbeatable destination for those looking for a dreamy beachfront vacation without overspending.

Faro old town sits less than a 15-minute drive from the Faro International Airport, which receives flights from many major European cities. This makes Faro a convenient starting point for exploring the Algarve, a region with charming towns like Alte, a picture-perfect European village with unspoiled beauty. You can also get to Faro via a 3.5 hour bus ride from Lisbon, if you want to enjoy views of the Portuguese countryside as you travel.

Choosing the perfect budget place to stay in the Faro area can be tricky, though, since there are so many appealing options, like the centrally located and spotlessly clean Hotel Made Inn Faro, with rooms under $200 per night. A wonderful beachfront hotel in Faro with rooms less than $200 is the Golden Beach Guest House & Rooftop Bar, which has (as its name suggests) a glorious rooftop restaurant and bar. Outside Faro in either direction along the coast, you'll find dozens of surprisingly affordable beachfront resorts, boasting amenities that will make you feel like royalty during your stay. Think expansive ocean views, sublime and spacious pools, delicious gourmet dining options, and relaxing spa services. 

One thing about Faro that truly sets it apart from Lisbon is that excellent beaches along with incredible snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities are so close at hand. Many area beaches boast crystal-clear waters, ideal for exploring the vibrant underwater marine life. Two of the best snorkeling spots in the entire Algarve are only an hour's drive west of Faro: Praia da Marinha and Praia de Benagil, where you can enjoy calm waters filled with colorful fish and unique corals. You need to expend some effort and climb down some stairs to reach Praia da Marinha, but it's worth the trek to get to this incredibly scenic slice of sand. And the cave at Praia de Benagil, less than a mile away from Praia da Marinha, makes for a super memorable snorkeling experience. If you want to explore farther beyond this area, keep driving an hour northwest to Aljezur, a remote Portuguese surf town with more gorgeous beaches.

Dive shops in Faro and scattered all across the Algarve can help arrange scuba excursions to reefs, underwater caves, and even a shipwreck in nearby waters. If you're a lover of marine life, you're in luck, as the biodiversity in this sea is truly spectacular, with dolphins, sharks, several species of sea turtles, and more. 

Last but not least, another not-to-miss spot for those who appreciate pristine nature is the ecologically rich Ria Formosa Natural Park, which is only three miles from the Faro city center. This amazing coastal lagoon system sits just below Faro's old town, offering tranquil kayaking routes and scenic walking trails surrounded by salt marshes and mangroves.

Undoubtedly, the Algarve coast is filled with natural treasures, but the city of Faro itself hides some fabulous attractions. For example, it's home to the Capela dos Ossos (also known as the bone chapel), a fascinating and macabre attraction that serves as the resting place for over 1,250 skeletons. Also, be sure to spend some time wandering through Faro's old town. If you're interested in ancient history, stop in the Municipal Museum, which showcases artifacts from prehistoric to modern times and — hinting at the area's Roman roots — an enormous Roman mosaic and several Roman emperors' busts. Of course, you can't travel all the way to the southern end of Europe and not sample some local cuisine. Se7e Pedras is a well-known restaurant in Faro's old town with outdoor seating and plenty of rustic charm. It serves up a creative and evolving selection of tasty petiscos, Portugal's answer to tapas-style dining.

The best time to visit Faro for water-based activities is between June and October. Hot weather, clear skies, and warmer ocean temperatures provide the perfect backdrop for relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, and swimming. But know that, similar to many other European destinations, the summer months see more tourists than any other time of the year. If crowds are not to your liking, you can certainly come at other times, when the beaches empty out and prices are considerably lower. For activities like hiking and walking, the shoulder months of April to May and mid-September to October are excellent: not overly hot but still pleasantly warm and sunny.