Hotels in Old Town, Faro

Old Town, or Cidade Velha, is the historic core of Faro, Portugal. It sits on the eastern side of the city, protected by 9th-century Moorish walls rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. The main entrance is the Arco da Vila, an 18th-century neoclassical arch. Inside, cobblestone lanes lead past whitewashed houses and orange trees to the Sé, the 13th-century cathedral with a bell tower offering views of the Ria Formosa lagoon. The district is compact and walkable, centered around Largo da Sé.

The area functions as both a living neighborhood and a tourist attraction. Key landmarks include the Paço Episcopal (Bishop's Palace), the Archaeological Museum in a 16th-century convent, and the Chapel of Bones at the Igreja do Carmo. Several traditional restaurants serve cataplana and fresh seafood. The Jardim Manuel Bívar, a waterfront garden, is a short walk from the Arco da Vila.