Faro, Portugal, isn’t just a gateway to the Algarve’s stunning beaches—it’s also a city where markets and food experiences shine. Whether you’re interested in learning how to cook a traditional Algarve dish, exploring a lively fish market, or taking a quick city walk with local tastings, Faro offers a rich variety of shopping and market tours that cater to different interests. We particularly love the Cataplana cooking class for its combination of sensory discovery and culinary skill, and the Olhão Fish Market tour for its authentic view into Portugal’s fishing heritage. These tours give you a deeper connection to Faro’s flavors, traditions, and everyday life.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the top shopping and market tours in Faro. Each offers a unique angle—whether it’s culinary, cultural, or simply a way to sample local life—and we’ll help you decide which one suits your trip best.
Tours Included in This Guide:
- Cataplana for all: from market to the table
- Olhão Fish Market & Food Tour
- Faro: Private 2-Hour Old & New City Walk with Market Visit
1. Cataplana for all: from market to the table
At number one, this 4-hour cooking experience offers a lively journey through Faro’s markets and into the kitchen, where you’ll learn to prepare the iconic Algarve dish—cataplana. The experience starts with a visit to the Faro Municipality Market, guided by a chef who shares stories about local ingredients, traditions, and the importance of fresh seafood. After browsing the colorful stalls, you’ll move to a restaurant where your chef will teach you how to cook the dish from scratch.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on culture and hands-on cooking. The chef shares insights about Algarve flavors, and you’ll get to enjoy your freshly made cataplana for lunch, savoring authentic tastes in a welcoming setting. Guests consistently praise the friendly guides and the chance to learn culinary skills that go beyond typical tourist experiences. One reviewer said, “Chef Suzanna was such a delight, and we learned so much about the culture and how to pick the best ingredients.”
This tour offers excellent value for money at $159.04 per person, especially for those who love combining market exploration with a culinary hands-on experience. It’s perfect for foodies, home cooks, or anyone wanting to take a piece of Algarve cuisine home with them.
Bottom Line: For a full sensory experience—shopping, cooking, and eating—this tour is hard to beat.
2. Olhão Fish Market & Food Tour
Second on our list is an immersive 4-hour exploration of Olhão’s renowned Fish Market and its surrounding streets. Just a short drive from Faro, Olhão is a lively fishing town with a vibrant market scene that’s a local favorite. The tour begins at the Mercado de Olhão, where you’ll see the bustling activity of fishermen, vendors, and locals buying and selling seafood.
Your guide will introduce you to the variety of seafood—from smoked tuna to fresh catches—while explaining the importance of fishing to Olhão’s identity. You’ll then stroll through the town, visiting local taverns and hangouts where the Portuguese eat, drink, and socialize. These spots aren’t just tourist stops—they’re authentic, everyday dining spots loved by locals.
This tour has a single review but an enthusiastic one, calling it “a true local experience,” with a guide who helped uncover hidden eateries and explain regional seafood specialties. It’s ideal for those wanting an authentic seafood experience combined with cultural insights, all for $109.38 per person.
Bottom Line: Perfect for seafood lovers and those wanting an off-the-beaten-path look at Portugal’s fishing traditions.
3. Faro: Private 2-Hour Old & New City Walk with Market Visit
The shortest, most flexible option is this 2-hour private walk that combines a city tour with a visit to Faro’s vibrant market. Led by a local guide, this experience provides a quick but rich snapshot of Faro’s historic streets, modern highlights, and lively market scene.
During the walk, you’ll discover Faro’s key sights—from ancient walls to charming cafes—while savoring a local specialty tastings along the way. The guide offers personalized tips on where to find the best eateries, coffee spots, or next adventures, making it ideal if your time is limited but you want a taste of Faro’s local flavor.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a short but comprehensive introduction, blending culture, history, and food. The personalized approach and flexible timing are what make it stand out, even though it doesn’t have reviews yet.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick, tailored introduction to Faro with local tastings.
How to Choose Your Faro Market Tour
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests and trip style. If you’re passionate about cooking and want to learn Algarve recipes, then the Cataplana for all: from market to the table provides an engaging hands-on experience. For those eager to explore local fishing culture and seafood in an authentic setting, the Olhão Fish Market & Food Tour offers a deeper dive into Faro’s culinary roots. If your schedule is tight but you still want an insider’s view of Faro’s sights and markets, then the private city walk is the way to go.
Consider your budget—the cooking class costs $159.04, while the Olhão tour is more budget-friendly at $109.38. Think about your interests; if food preparation excites you, the cooking class wins. For a taste of local life and seafood, the Olhão tour is ideal. And if you want a quick overview with personalized tips, the 2-hour walk fits best.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular experiences like the cooking class. Also, check the schedule for market days and local festivals, as these can make your experience even more special.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer learning to cook Algarve specialties, exploring a lively fish market, or just getting to know Faro’s streets with a local guide, these tours offer a fantastic way to taste and see Portugal’s southern coast beyond the beaches. For a full-day adventure, the cooking class provides a memorable deep dive into local flavors. If seafood is your passion, the Olhão Fish Market tour delivers authenticity and local color. And for a brief but personalized introduction, the city walk hits the spot.
No matter which you choose, booking early will ensure you secure your spot and maximize your time in Faro. These experiences will leave your taste buds satisfied and your appreciation for Faro’s vibrant culture much richer.
