5 Reasons the Algarve is a great winter holiday destination
If you don’t like sharing a beach with thousands of others, being jostled in tourist venues or having to wait in a queue at restaurants, then take a winter break to the Algarve. You’ll have more time to talk to the locals, explore the area and actually relax.
A greener landscape
By late autumn, early winter, the countryside that has been dry and arid for months has started to ‘green up’ with wild flowers and verdure plains. It looks as if spring has come already. The locals will be dressed in their winter woollies and the tourists will think it’s not cold enough yet to wrap up.
Plenty to do
The cooler winter months are perfect for hiring a car and exploring the Algarve. It is also a great place for golfing holidays, with reduced green fees. One of the main golfing centres in the Algarve can be found in Vilamoura.
If golf isn’t up your street, you can try kayaking, rambling and exploring the countryside, or walk on the empty but beautiful beaches. The Meia Praia looks out onto Baia de Lagos, and there are plenty of bars along the seafront. You can visit the island beach ‘Praia de Barril’. This area is accessed by a wooden pontoon and has a miniature train going to the waterfront.
The weekend before Shrove Tuesday is Carnival time! And Loulé is the most well-known for its Brazilian style Mardi Gras.
Pay less
Naturally you are going to get much cheaper travel prices in the winter. Either side of Christmas can be very affordable. To get the best deals and prices, book early.
Weather
Many people do not like the overbearing heat of summer, it makes them lethargic and the kids grumpy! So a break in winter makes sense, especially if you like exploring rather than just sitting on a beach.
Yes the weather can be unpredictable, but it generally stays mild in the Algarve all winter long. The maximum temperatures are around 16-18C, but you can have 6/8 hours of sunshine during the day. Evenings drop to 5-10C so remember to pack some warm jumpers.
With such a pleasant winter climate, the Algarve is perfect for a winter holiday escape, away from the dismal weather in Britain!
Christmas
The Algarve offers great value for money, it is family friendly and there is plenty going on for a great Christmas. Flights to the Algarve can be significantly cheaper than to other Christmas destinations. Numbers over the Christmas period tend to be concentrated in certain resorts and many bars and restaurants in these areas stay open, so there is a great social atmosphere to soak up and enjoy.
All in all, if you’re looking for a fun, warm and not too expensive winter getaway, where there’s plenty to do and see, the sunny Algarve ticks all the right boxes.
If you are further interested in learning about how great the Algarve is as a potential holiday destination, then then have a look at this article by Robin McKelvie – a travel writer who booked a villa through us