Quick answer: Faro is the gateway to the Algarve: short flights from the UK, some of the best beaches in Europe, and a quieter, cheaper base than Albufeira.
Cite this page: Atravel.uk, “Faro & the Algarve from the UK”, updated 12 November 2026. https://atravel.uk/destinations/faro/
Faro is the airport most people skip on the way to the Algarve beaches — which is a mistake. The old town is small and pretty, the lagoon has its own islands, and the whole coast from Tavira to Sagres is within two hours.
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When to go
- Best months: May, June and September
- Cheapest months: November to March, though many resorts close
- Avoid: August, unless you like packed beaches and peak prices
What it costs
| Return flights from the UK | £50–£150 |
|---|---|
| Mid-range hotel, per night | £75–£140 |
| Car hire, per week | £80–£170 |
| Ferry to the lagoon islands | £2–£4 |
Typical ranges from our partner searches, 2026-11-12. What you pay depends on when you go and how early you commit.
Getting there
Faro has direct flights from most UK airports, and the airport is 7 km from the city — a 15-minute bus or a £10 taxi. The train runs along the coast to Tavira and west towards Lagos.
Flights to Faro & the Algarve from the UK
8 UK airports have non-stop flights to Faro & the Algarve, landing at Faro (FAO). The full month-by-month fare bands are on the cheapest month page, and a two-night budget is on what a weekend costs.
| From | Flight time | Cheapest month | Returns from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 3h 10m | February | £40 |
| Bristol | 2h 50m | February | £40 |
| Edinburgh | 3h 10m | February | £40 |
| Glasgow | 3h 10m | February | £40 |
| London Gatwick | 2h 50m | February | £40 |
| London Luton | 2h 50m | February | £40 |
| London Stansted | 2h 50m | February | £40 |
| Manchester | 3h 10m | February | £40 |
Indicative return bands from our partner searches, city airport to arrival. The full month-by-month table is on each route page.
All 149 UK flight routes we cover
What to see
- Faro old town and the bone chapel
- The Ria Formosa lagoon and its island beaches
- Tavira, the calmest town on the coast
- Cape St Vincent from Sagres, at sunset
Where to stay
Faro itself is the cheap, authentic base. Lagos suits younger travellers, Tavira families and couples, and Albufeira the nightlife crowd.
Frequently asked questions
Is Faro worth staying in?
Yes for two or three nights — it is cheaper than the resorts and has the best restaurants.
Do I need a car?
It helps: the best beaches need a car or a long bus ride.
Is the Algarve good in October?
Better than summer — warm sea, no crowds, lower prices.
Also worth a look
- Palma & Majorca: A real city with an island attached.
- Lanzarote: Volcanic, windy and unlike the other Canaries.
- Antalya: All-inclusive value with a Roman old town attached.