Arco da Vila

Arco de Villa is a very calm place with old churches. We relaxed on a rooftop at the Cidade Vieja restaurant for some good drinks and appetizers. Prices comfortably priced.

A Feathered Welcome to Faro's Charm. If you’re heading to Faro, you absolutely must check out Arco da Vila! This isn’t just any old archway; it’s a grand, feathered welcome to the beautiful old town. As a nature enthusiast, I was particularly charmed by the storks that have made the top of this arch their home. Watching these majestic birds nest and preen against the backdrop of historic architecture was an absolute treat. The arch itself is an impressive piece of history, but let's be honest – the real stars of the show are the storks. It's like they’ve decided to set up a luxury penthouse suite right in the heart of the city. Their nests are massive, and seeing these big birds so close is something straight out of a David Attenborough documentary. Once you’ve taken in the storks’ grand entrance, step through Arco da Vila and prepare to be charmed by Faro’s old town. Cobbled streets, quaint shops, and delightful little cafes await you. It's like stepping back in time, but with all the modern comforts you’d want. So, whether you’re a bird lover, a history buff, or just someone who enjoys a good bit of urban wildlife, Arco da Vila is a must-see. Come for the storks, stay for the old town’s charm – you won’t be disappointed!

Very simple attraction. Can walk simply through the arc…mainly for pictures and sightseeing.

We spent a few days in the old town. It’s the oldest part of Faro town and it was a nice sty. The shops and cafes are pleasant and you can spend a nice morning or afternoon there. It is absolutely charming and the architecture is beautiful. We also learned a lot of the history of Portugal. Great time! Looking forward to returning in 2026! Highly recommended!

Like the architecture. It’s located in the central next to the harbour.

Faro is amazing! Didn't expect it would be so Lively and cozy. City center with its cobbled streets is so charming. We would love to come back!

It's an impressive arc, but after all, it is just an arc. I really enjoyed storks nests perched atop of the arc. You can walk through the arc and admire an old town or not walk through and admire the marina, which wasn't that impressive.

Some people say that Faro is no worth a visit, but that’s totally wrong! The city has a lot to offer and has very nice looking buildings and cozy streets and places. We visited the city in June 2021, when we stayed in Estoí. We’ve also had a negative advice about Faro, but this turned immediately out not to be true… !