CIP Lounge Review
The ANA CIP Lounge is an airport lounge at Faro Airport, Portugal. I recently spent some time in the CIP lounge on my way home from a stay at the Conrad Algarve (booked with Hilton Honors points!) and as this was my third visit since 2022 I thought I’d share a review: my quick summary would be that the lounge is basic and no frills, but provides a convenient space in a relatively busy airport.
Booking and Entry at CIP Lounge Faro Airport
The CIP lounge is located airside, after passport control and security at Faro airport. It’s fairly easy to find, immediately up a single flight of stairs after duty free. I accessed the CIP Lounge with my wife, using two of our free Priority Pass visits (free with the American Express gold card) – which just required a quick scan of my Priority Pass QR code on arrival.
There is no option to pre-book the CIP Lounge via Priority Pass, but across my three visits I have never had any issue with access. The lounge appears to be sufficient size to cope with demand even at busier periods. On this occasion there was a very short queue whilst a larger group checked in, but we were admitted relatively quickly. The standard price for entry to the ANA CIP Lounge is €32 for adults and €15 for children.
Seating and Facilities at CIP Lounge Faro Airport
The lounge consists of an entrance/lobby area and a large lounge room with seating. The lobby area hosts the check in desk, a food and drink self service area and a hallway through to the toilets. The large seating area is configured a bit like a waiting room, with seating organised into sections.
One of the main advantages of using the lounge is that it does have ample amounts of relatively comfortable seating. In my experience, finding seating in the main departure lounge at Faro airport during busy times can be tricky, so lounge access means you don’t have to battle for a table or bench just to sit down. That said, for the €32 entry price, the lounge area isn’t particularly cosy or luxurious. It is clean, tidy and relatively organised though, with seating mainly consisting of small armchairs with side tables. There are some higher bar stalls, including along the window area. This window looks back over the main departure lounge, which is quite interesting for people watching. However there are also three large TV screens above the window – all showing different channels, without sound and I’m not sure what these really add. The nearest departure board screen is alongside the entrance and food area – so in most seating locations you will need to get up to check for your gate number and flight updates.
We were able to locate two armchairs with side tables near to the window quite easily, where we set up for our stay of about 1.5 hours. There are sockets available to charge your devices, however note that the CIP lounge at Faro airport does not have USB ports, so you’ll need a mains adapter (and EU converter) to use the sockets.
Food and Drink at CIP Lounge Faro Airport
The food and drink area is relatively small. There is an island in the middle with sandwiches, pastries, etc. and a counter/worktop around the edge with drinks, crisps, breakfast cereals and fruit. There are large fridges with beers and wine for self service. I took the opportunity to have my last couple of Portuguese Super Bock beers prior to departure. These are provided as mini 200ml bottles.
Across my three visits I have to say that the food has never been that inspiring/impressive, however this visit was perhaps slightly better than previous. There were a few sandwich options available, made with decent ciabatta bread – this included an interesting ‘mushroom omelette sandwich’. There were also small chicken pies, bread rolls and some cheese, ham and salad items. Alongside this, there were some pastry items and the all important Portuguese pastéis de nata, custard tarts.
Whilst the food range is relatively limited, it was replenished quickly, so plenty of food was available. It was also fresh and relatively well presented. There were also plenty of self serve drinks options, including spirits on a higher shelf above the counter. In addition, empty glasses and plates were cleared by staff fairly quickly, keeping the lounge tidy.
Overall View and FAQs
Across my three visits to the ANA CIP lounge at Faro airport I have always been satisfied with my experience. However, for context, it is important to remind you that I was using a ‘free’ priority pass visit and not paying the €32 entry fee. I probably wouldn’t value a short visit at that price point – however, if you plan your visit in advance there are likely options for cheaper entry. The best option for an occasional airport lounge user probably being the four complimentary visits included with the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card.
How do you find the ANA CIP Lounge at Faro Airport?
The lounge is located airside (after security and passport control). Once you pass through the main Duty-Free shop, follow the signs for “Lounge” or “Gates B.” You will find a single flight of stairs or an elevator leading up to the entrance.
Can you access the Faro Airport lounge with a Priority Pass?
Yes, the ANA CIP Lounge is part of the Priority Pass network. You simply need to present your digital or physical Priority Pass QR code at the reception desk. Access is usually limited to a maximum stay of 3 hours.
How much does entry cost if you don’t have a lounge pass?
If you are not using a lounge membership like Priority Pass or DragonPass, the standard “walk-up” rate is approximately €32 per adult and €15 per child. Children under 3 years old are typically admitted for free.
What are the opening hours for the CIP Lounge?
The lounge is generally open daily from 07:00 to 22:00. These hours cover the majority of UK-bound departures, though it is always worth checking the live status in your lounge access app if you are flying on a very late-night charter.
Final Thoughts: Is the ANA CIP Lounge Faro Worth It?
After three visits to the ANA CIP Lounge at Faro Airport, my verdict remains the same: it is a functional, “no-frills” space that excels at providing the one thing Faro’s main terminal often lacks—a guaranteed seat and a quiet atmosphere. While the food and drink selection won’t compete with flagship lounges in London or Lisbon, the convenience of escaping the seasonal crowds in the Algarve is worth its weight in gold.
At a standard entry price of €32, the value proposition is a bit thin if you are only staying for a short time. However, if you have a Priority Pass (via the Amex Gold Card or similar), it is an absolute “no-brainer” to use one of your inclusive visits here.
Pros:
- Guaranteed Seating: Much more comfortable than the busy public departure gates.
- Easy Access: Conveniently located right after security.
- Reliable Availability: Large enough that I’ve never been turned away.
Cons
- Basic Catering: Food is fresh and plentiful but quite limited in variety.
- The seating and environment is spacious, but relatively basic/no frills
- There are no USB Ports: So remember to pack your EU mains adapter in your hand luggage!
If you are flying out of the Algarve in 2026 and want to start your journey with a Super Bock and a Pastel de Nata in peace, the CIP Lounge is a solid choice. If you don’t yet have a way to access lounges for free, check out my guide on the American Express Gold Card to see how you can upgrade your next trip without paying the walk-up entry fees.
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