Caminho de Faro – From the Algarve to Lisbon

At a Glance

• Start / Finish: Faro → Lisbon
• Length: 437.1 km
• Elevation Gain / Loss:↗ 3,814 m / ↘ 3,811 m
• Duration: 16–20 days
• The stage: approx. 17–20 (22–28 km, depending on how you feel that day)
• Character: Southern Portuguese Feeder to the Central Portuguese Way
• Official Way of St. James: Yes – Eligible for the Compostela
• Best time of year: October through May

Overview

The Caminho de Faro is the southernmost starting point of the Portuguese network of routes to Santiago de Compostela. From Faraway From the Algarve, the route runs 437 kilometers north through southern Portugal until it reaches Lisbon where it meets the classic Caminho Português Central. Those who start in Faro cover the longest preliminary leg on the Portuguese trail network—and encounter hardly any other pilgrims along the way.

The route is less commercially developed than the The French Way or the Caminho Português starting in Porto. That means fewer pilgrim facilities, but more of the area’s authentic character. The landscape of southern Portugal—the Algarve’s interior, cork oak forests, and the vast plains of the Alentejo—possesses a quiet beauty all its own.

Anyone setting out on this route should have some experience or at least be well prepared: the infrastructure is sparse, the summer heat in the Alentejo is extreme, and there can be long distances between water sources.

Other Names

The trail is also known as Portuguese Way of Faro. In the CMS, it runs under Central Portuguese Way: Faro–Lisbon.

Who It's Ideal For—and Who It's Not So Ideal For

Ideal for pilgrims who want to experience Portugal away from the main tourist crowds, who want to start at Portugal’s southernmost point, or who want to extend the Caminho Português with a long southern preliminary leg. Also suitable for experienced pilgrims seeking solitude and open spaces.

Less suitable for pilgrims who rely on well-developed pilgrimage infrastructure—there are albergues, but not in every town. In the summer (June–August), the heat in the Alentejo is a serious challenge: temperatures above 40 °C on paths with no shade are not uncommon.

Route & Landscape

The trail begins in Faraway, the capital of the Algarve, with its walled old town Old Town and the Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. From Faro, the route first leads to Loulé, a lively market town in the Algarve's inland region, known for its Moorish castle and weekly market. Beyond Loulé, the climb into the Algarve's hinterland begins.

From there, the route continues northward through the interior of southern Portugal, through the countryside of the Alentejo – one of the least densely populated regions in Europe, characterized by cork oak forests (montado), olive groves, and vast, quiet plains. The trail ends in Lisbon, where it meets the Caminho Português Central.

Stages, Terrain & Difficulty

Over 437 km in 16 to 20 days, you’ll cover an average of 22 to 27 km per day. The elevation profile is relatively moderate: ↗ 3,814 m over 437 km amounts to less than 9 meters of elevation gain per kilometer. The terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling—not a technically difficult route.

The real challenge lies elsewhere: heat and water supply. In the Alentejo, summer temperatures can rise above 40 °C. Water sources are far apart on some sections—you should always carry at least 2–3 liters of water. Early start times (before 7 a.m.) aren’t just an option during the summer months—they’re a must.

Preparation & Practical Information

Best months to travel: October through May. Spring (March–May) is especially beautiful: pleasant temperatures, green countryside, and wildflowers in the Alentejo. In summer (June–August), the risk of heat is real—anyone traveling then needs experience dealing with the heat and must actively plan their water supply on a daily basis.

Accommodations: There are hostels and guesthouses in the larger towns. In the more rural sections, the selection is limited—it’s advisable to research lodging options for each stage in advance. Signage is available, but less frequent than on the main routes; a GPS track is a useful supplement.

What the journey will cost you

Realistic are 30–55 euros per day. Simple pilgrim hostels cost 12–18 euros per night; guesthouses and rural tourism accommodations range from 30 to 70 euros for a single room. In the cities (Faro, Lisbon), accommodations are available in all price ranges.

How Pilgrims Find Their Way onto This Path

Thanks to the Algarve Airport, Faro is the most easily accessible starting point for pilgrimages in Portugal. The Caminho de Faro brings together pilgrims from the south and leads them to Lisbon.

From Lisbon, the Caminho Português continues through Santarém and Coimbra to Porto—where the Central Portuguese Way to Santiago. If you prefer the eastern route, switch to the Via Nascente through the countryside.

Continue the pilgrimage?

And Lisbon the Caminho de Faro meets the Central Portuguese Way. From Lisbon, it's still about 640 km to Saint James of Compostela – or you can start in Porto (about 250 km to Santiago). If you walk the entire route from Faro to Santiago, you’ll cover a total of over 1,000 km.

Getting There

The Faro Airport (FAO) is easily accessible from Germany and Austria—direct flights are available from Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Vienna (seasonal). Ryanair, EasyJet, and Eurowings fly to Faro. The distance from the airport to the Old Town (starting point) is about 5 km—take a taxi (about 8–10 euros) or the city bus. By train: Faro is connected to Lisbon (about a 3–4-hour trip).