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February 2026 – Faro, Portugal

Another winter in the Netherlands, another mission to escape the grey. And because we suspected we were becoming far too predictable with Spain, we picked…Portugal (shocking, I know 🙂 ).

For weeks, I hold onto the image of myself sipping cocktails on an island cruise in Faro – sunglasses on, a light breeze in my hair – right up until the weather forecast refused to cooperate. We keep refreshing it, hoping for a miracle. No luck.

Still, our long‑awaited long weekend finally arrives. A short 15‑minute bus ride from the airport takes us into the center of Faro. It’s dark, wet, and gloomy. The hotel receptionist welcomes us warmly but with a look that says he almost feels sorry. Apparently it hasn’t rained like this in Portugal in twenty years. And tomorrow? A severe storm warning. Welcome to Faro!

So we order breakfast in bed and start meticulously searching for things to do indoors. Goodbye islands.

If you ever pass through Faro, here are a few tips for making the most of 1-2 days in the city. A third day? Only if you’re escaping the city on day trips. 🙂

WHAT TO VISIT IN FARO

• Municipal Museum of Faro

As soon as the rain becomes even slightly manageable, we start at the Municipal Museum of Faro, tucked inside a 16th‑century convent. Peaceful cloisters, Roman mosaics, old paintings, and an Islamic room give us a gentle crash course in Algarve’s past.

• Faro Cathedral

Then we head to the cathedral and climb up to the Bell Tower. From the top, Ria Formosa stretches out in every direction and looks pretty stunning, even under moody skies.

• Arco do Repouso + Muralhas de Faro

And because the rain finally stops, we keep going. We slip through Arco do Repouso and end up on the Muralhas de Faro, wandering along the old stone walls that once guarded the city. With a bit of clear sky, everything suddenly looks brighter.

• Chapel of Bones of Faro

We can’t leave without checking out the intriguing chapel of bones, built using the skulls and bones of Carmelite monks – partly to save space in an overcrowded cemetery, partly to remind the living that life is fleeting. Subtle.

• Jardim da Alameda João de Deus

We always save the best for last, so our final stroll takes us to this green oasis. Shaded paths, tall palms, and a surprising number of roaming peacocks make it one of Faro’s most charming spots.

DAY TRIP FROM FARO

• Boat tour to Desert Island and Farol Island

On good‑weather days, this is the perfect escape from Faro. The Marina is full of tour operators, so just book a spot, hop on a boat, and let them whisk you across the Ria Formosa.

FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS IN FARO

• Restaurante Adega Nova

Not just because it’s on the same street as our hotel, but because this is where we try Monkfish for the very first time – cooked to absolute perfection. Strongly recommend to Google what the fish actually looks like after eating it, not before. Trust me.

• Mão Na Massa Salgados

A lovely little spot serving delicious Brazilian bites – perfect for snacking in between meals. Think coxinhas, pastéis, bolinhas. All the classic salgados that somehow disappear as soon as they hit the table. A quick, comforting stop whenever you need a quick mood boost after yet another surprise rain shower.

• O Coreto

A central terrace with a wide view over the marina and a menu that feels made for slow, sunny lunches. It’s also a great place to try the local Cataplana, or the classic Bacalhau dish – Portugal’s beloved salted cod prepared in what feels like a thousand different ways.

• Comur

Don’t miss the quirky canned sardines at the Comur store – each tin is a tiny work of art. It’s an easy way to take a little piece of Faro home with you.

WHERE TO STAY IN FARO

• Roots Hotel Apartments

Centrally located, with a fully equipped kitchen, a comfy lounge downstairs – Roots Hotel is simple, practical, and exactly what we needed for a rainy‑day base camp.

The irony? Now that we’re heading back, it’s suddenly sunny in the Netherlands. Of course it is.
Sometimes, what you’re looking for is right under your nose. Lesson learned. 🙂

Until next time – travel well!