Some places are meant to be visite, while others are meant to be felt. The Algarve, is, without a doubt, one of them. With 161 kilometres (100 miles) of stunning coastline it is a reagion where the light seems to have a glow of its own, iluminating golden cliffs shaped by time and sea that shifts between shades of blue and green. From Cape St. Vincent in Sagres, where the land seems to reach its very end, to Vila Real de Santo António, on the Spanish border, the Algarve unfolds as a landscape of contrasts, authenticiy and natural beauty. It is also a land of warm hospitaly, of long afternoons that gently drift by, of tables that invite you lo linger a little longer, and of evenings in no hurry to end. Because some places stay with you long after you have left. The Algarve is one of them and once you discover it, there is always a reason to return.
Sports & Activities in the Algarve
The sea here is meant to be experienced, not simply admired. Along the Algarve coast, there are endless ways to enjoy the water, from swimming, diving, surfing and sport fishing to scenic cruises and boat trips exploring hidden caves, grottoes and the open sea, often with dolphins along the way. For those looking for adventure on land, the region offers plenty to discover, from water parks and Zoomarine, outdoor adventures, go-karting, jeep safaris and horse riding. Whether travelling with children, teenagers or simply young at heart, there is something to make every day a little more exciting.
Beaches in the Algarve
The Algarve is the perfect destination for a seaside holiday, where clear waters, golden sands and cliffs shaped by time create the perfect setting to slow down and simply enjoy the moment. In Albufeira, you'll find some of the most beautifl beaches in the region. From Praia da Falésia to Praia dos Pescadores, São Rafael and Galé, each offers its own unique setting, from stretches of golden sand to sheltered coves and calm invitng waters. Most beaches offer restaurant, sun loungers and parasols, with lifeguards on duty during the bathing season, so you have everything you need to enjoy the sea in comfort. Because there are places where the sea is simply seen, and others where it is truly felt. In the Algarve you'll find both.
Events in the Algarve
The free concerts on Fisherman’s Beach in the Old Town of Albufeira are eagerly anticipated every August and New Year, with spectacular fireworks displays and much festivities. There are many other music concerts of every genre throughout the summer, gastronomic delights and numerous festivals and exhibitions. Superbike and powerboat races, classic car shows, international show jumping and the Portugal Masters Golf Tournament are also regular features. Carnival Week in February attracts thousands of visitors each year over three days of colourful parades and partying through many towns and villages.
Food
Here food is made with soul. Fresh fish and seafood take center stage, while in season sardines are grilled over charcoal, just as tradition dictates. And when it comes to chicken the unmistakable touch of piri-piri adds the perfect finishing note. It is no coincidence that the Mediterranean Diet has been recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. In the Algarve, food is enjoyed simply, with flavour, tradition and a true sense of place. Follow the aroma of charcoal drifting through the streets and yo'll soon discover a memorable meal, perhaps accompanied by a glass of fine Portuguese wine or a refreshing orange juice made from locally grown oranges.
Shopping in the Algarve
Local markets sell an abundance of goods at bargain prices. In the narrow cobbled streets of the Old Towns and villages, boutiques and stalls sell clothing, gifts and souvenirs to the tourists, their wares spilling out onto the streets. Albufeira Shopping, in the centre of Albufeira, has a hypermarket, a food court and a selection of smaller shops. There is also a taxi rank outside, making it the perfect stop for stocking up on supplies at the start of your vacation. The lively Algarve Shopping in Guia, near Albufeira, has a hypermarket, many different line shops, a large food court and 8 cinemas, most showing English language movies. Ikea, Mar Shopping and the Designer Outlet Algarve, opened near Loulé, between Faro and Albufeira, in 2017.
Weather in the Algarve
The Algarve has a temperate climate almost all year round and boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year. The tourist season extends from April to October and it only really quietens down in the dead of winter. Even then, there are many days when it is warm and sunny enough to sunbathe, or sit outside at the pavement cafés and enjoy the balmy weather. As a result, many visitors flock to the Algarve for one, two or three months at a time, to escape the miserable weather back home!
Algarve Weather Chart
| Month | Temp ºC | Temp ºF | Av. Sunshine | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16 | 61 | 6 | 70mm |
| February | 17 | 63 | 7 | 70mm |
| March | 18 | 65 | 7 | 35mm |
| April | 20 | 68 | 9 | 31mm |
| May | 22 | 72 | 10 | 25mm |
| June | 25 | 77 | 12 | 5mm |
| July | 29 | 84 | 12 | 1mm |
| August | 29 | 84 | 12 | 1mm |
| September | 27 | 81 | 9 | 5mm |
| October | 23 | 74 | 8 | 51mm |
| November | 19 | 67 | 7 | 55mm |
| December | 17 | 63 | 6 | 65mm |
Golf in the Algarve
The Algarve is one of Europe’s premier golf regions with nearly 40 golf courses and some of the finest Championship Golf Courses in the world. Warm playing conditions and immaculately manicured fairways make it the ideal destination for a golfing holiday. It is a year-round sport, though the main season extends from autumn to late spring. Winters are mild in the Algarve and visiting golfers can enjoy warm, sunny days and keep their swings smooth at a time when their home courses are unplayable. By visiting during the main golf season, you avoid the crowded roads and added accommodation costs that come with the summer tourist trade. On the other hand, during the summer months all of the courses are under-utilized, so more leisurely, relaxing rounds can be enjoyed, often with discounted green fees. A handicap certificate is required at all courses.
Public Holidays
| Month | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| February 9 | Shrove Tuesday |
| March 25 | Good Friday |
| March 27 | Easter Sunday |
| April 25 | Liberation Day |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| May 26 | Corpus Christi |
| June 10 | National Day |
| August 15 | Ascension Day |
| October 5 | Republic Day |
| November 1 | All Saints Day |
| December 1 | Restoration of Independence |
| December 8 | Immaculate Conception |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
Public Holidays which fall on different dates are: Shrove Tuesday and Good Friday.
Each town in the Algarve also has its own holiday (Albufeira August 20).
