Festa do Caracol: Faro Snail Festival inside the Old City Walls, 8 to 11 May 2026

Four days of snails, wine, music and community inside Faro's historic city walls. Free entry, daily 17:30 until midnight, 8 to 11 May 2026.

Festa do Caracol is the unofficial start of the Algarve's summer snail season and one of the Central Algarve's most distinctive community festivals. The whole event takes place inside Vila Adentro, Faro's walled old town, transforming the cobblestone streets into an open-air gastronomic village.

The star of the show is the caracol, small garlic snails simmered in broth and served in terracotta bowls with beer or wine. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are served alongside the traditional plates, and live music runs each evening. All proceeds support three local IPSS charities.

Festival details:

• Location: Vila Adentro, inside the historic city walls of Faro.
• Opening hours: 17:30 until midnight, Thursday 8 through Sunday 11 May.
• Food: traditional snails, local specialities, vegetarian and vegan options.
• Music: live performances each evening.
• Cause: proceeds support three local IPSS charities.