The southernmost city of Portugal, Faro, is a popular tourist destination thanks to its hot summers and Mediterranean climate. Faro appeals to those looking for both a city break and a beach holiday. With its old town, Faro maintains a classic Portuguese charm, yet also on its doorstep are the lagoons of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa and nearby beaches, including the islands of Ilha de Faro to the southwest and Ilha da Barreta to the south.
As the biggest city in the Algarve, Faro has a large number of fantastic accommodation options; finding the best for your money and that suits your needs is the hard part. To help you make your choice, we’ve selected five of the best hostels in Faro taking into account price, location and facilities in the hostels.
Casa D’Alagoa
Dorms from €14/ night
The centrally located Casa D’Alagoa is a traditional Portuguese town villa with a variety of rooms and rates. You can choose to take a bed in one of the large- to medium-sized mixed dorms, or maintain your privacy by booking one of the double rooms. Guests are able to enjoy traditional local delicacies and hearty meals, prepared freshly onsite. The self-catering facilities allow guests to choose how to manage their budget, and breakfasts are free of charge. Shared spaces add to the hostel’s welcoming, social atmosphere: relax on the outdoor terrace, meet other visitors over the BBQ or take a break in the common room. Bikes are available to rent for those who wish to explore the surrounding natural parks or head down to the city’s sandy coastline.
Pirate Backpackers Hostel
Dorms from €11/ night
Pirate Backpackers Hostel is a traditional Portuguese villa with a cosy interior. With only two, eight-person dorms and two private rooms, the hostel prides itself on its intimate and friendly atmosphere. The home-style kitchen allows guests to cook for themselves with the homely vibes spreading through the villa to the comfy common areas, TV room and terrace. The hostel offers visitors a free city tour to help get them to get to know their surroundings. Bike rental is available for those wanting to explore the city, or further afield, in a more active manner.
Faro Beach Life Hostel
Dorms from €11/ night
If it’s the sandy beaches of the Algarve that brought you to Faro, then Faro Beach Life Hostel, located on the Praia de Faro beach, is an the ideal location. The hostel neighbours the beautiful Ria Formosa Lagoon with dorms that sleep six to eight people. Cooking and barbecuing facilities are both available in the hostel, with an outdoor terrace that is popular in the hotter months. For an additional charge, guests can rent bikes to explore the natural beauty up and down the coast, or head into the city.
Guest House São Filipe
Dorms from €30/ night
Found on the fringe of Faro’s historic centre, Guest House São Filipe is a well-connected choice of accommodation; a convenient seven-minute drive from the airport and in proximity to the city’s bus and train stations. All eleven of the guest house’s double, twin or triple rooms have adjoining private bathrooms, air-conditioning and heating for the cooler months. With this small amount of rooms, the guest house offers a personalised experience to each of its guests. As it is a guest house rather than a hostel, catering options are limited, although coffee and tea making facilities are available and breakfast is an option for guests at an additional charge. Ask a member of staff for great recommendations on eating options in the surrounding area.
Le Penguin Hostel
Dorms from €13/ night
Whether you are travelling solo or in a group looking to meet other visitors to the city, the social atmosphere and organised activities of Le Penguin Hostel give guests the opportunity to meet new people and get immersed in city life. In the summer months, the hostel organises a variety of events: quiz nights, BBQs, themed parties, and more. Eating is a social occasion here too, with the hostel hosting nightly dinners. A daily breakfast is included in the price. Private rooms are an option for those wishing more privacy and dorms range from six- to four-person, female-only or mixed dorms. But with a maximum capacity of 30 people, the hostel offers a friendly, relaxed and personalised experience to its guests.