Budget hostel in Faro old town near marina. Clean dorms and privates, rooftop terrace, communal kitchen, and good base for exploring eastern Algarve and Ria Formosa.
Old Town Hostel Algarve is situated on Rua Prior do Crato 23 inside Faro's walled old town (Cidade Velha), a compact medieval quarter entered through a 2nd-century Roman gateway and clustered around the Gothic Cathedral of Faro. The hostel occupies a traditional building in one of the Algarve's most historically layered neighbourhoods: the old town sits on the edge of the Ria Formosa lagoon, and the views from the hostel's rooftop terrace extend across the estuary's wetlands, the barrier islands, and the Atlantic beyond. Accommodation consists of mixed and female-only dormitories with 4–8 beds and a limited number of private rooms; the communal kitchen is well-equipped and the social areas are comfortable. Faro's older marina and the passenger ferry terminal to Ilha Deserta and Ilha da Culatra depart from directly outside the old town walls, making the hostel an ideal base for day trips on the Ria Formosa lagoon islands. The cathedral and the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo (with its famous chapel of bones) are within 5 minutes on foot. Faro International Airport, the entry point for most Algarve visitors, is 6 km west — a 15-minute taxi ride or 30-minute bus journey. The main city bus terminal and the railway station (with connections west to Lagos and east to Villa Real de Santo António on the Spanish border) are 10 minutes on foot from the old town gate.
Amenities
- rooftop terrace
- kitchen
- WiFi
- old town location
- breakfast available
Location
Rua Prior do Crato 23, 8000-533 Faro
37.0156, -7.9330 View on map
Highlights
- Rooftop terrace with views across Ria Formosa lagoon, barrier islands, and the Atlantic
- Inside Faro's medieval walled old town, entered through a 2nd-century Roman arch
- Steps from Ria Formosa ferry departures to Ilha Deserta and Ilha da Culatra
- 10 minutes on foot from Faro railway station and bus terminal for Algarve connections
- 6 km from Faro Airport — the Algarve's main international arrival point
Tips for visiting
- The Ria Formosa ferry to Ilha Deserta departs from Porta Nova, outside the old town walls — tickets can be purchased at the dock.
- Faro's old town is very compact and quiet in the evenings; the main nightlife and restaurants are in the newer city north of the walls.
- Faro Airport bus (Eva Transportes) takes 30 minutes and costs a fraction of a taxi fare.
- The Chapel of Bones (Carmo Church) requires a paid ticket to enter; it closes at 1 pm for lunch break.
- A rental car from Faro Airport significantly expands access to the central and western Algarve for day trips.
Accessibility
Old Town Hostel Algarve is in a traditional building within Faro's walled old town. The hostel has stairs to dormitory floors. Faro's old town streets are cobbled and uneven, and the rooftop terrace requires stair access. Guests with mobility impairments should contact the hostel before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Faro Airport from the hostel?
Faro Airport is 6 km west. A taxi takes around 15 minutes; the Eva Transportes airport bus stops near the city centre and takes approximately 30 minutes.
Can guests take day trips to the Ria Formosa islands?
Yes. Ferries to Ilha Deserta and Ilha da Culatra depart from the dock directly outside the old town gate, a 5-minute walk from the hostel. The islands have beaches, fish restaurants, and natural reserve walking trails.
Is parking available near the hostel?
Paid surface parking is available on the road outside the old town walls. Vehicle access inside the medieval walls is restricted.
Is Faro a good base for the western Algarve?
Faro is better positioned for the central and eastern Algarve. Lagos and the western Algarve are 1.5 hours away by train. A hire car makes day trips to both directions practical.