The Algarve is the beautiful southern coastline of Portugal and the region makes for an enjoyable, alternative Christmas holiday destination. The winter months were typically the low tourist season for Algarve but over the last few years the Christmas holiday season has become more popular, as many of the North African winter sun destination have become unsafe due to political instability or terrorism.
The increase of visitors to the Algarve means that there are more hotels and restaurants open and there is a livelier atmosphere in the larger towns, like Albufeira, Vilamoura, Lagos….
Weather in December
You can say unpredictable, but mild. It can be sunny during the day, and you can even sunbath, but it can also be rainy and windy!
October is a lovely month to stay in the Algarve. Temperatures are very nice, not too hot, so ideal for activities and exploring the Algarve. Think of playing golf in the Algarve, walking, cycling, or how about a dolphin watching trip at the Atlantic ocean!?
Myself will start this weekend with an introduction lesson for Stand Up Paddling. How nice is that?! Will let you know how this was soon!
But there is more to do in the Algarve in October. Algarve Housing will give you a few options of festivals and activities.
August in the Algarve, is the busiest month of the year. Apart from lots of foreigners all over the world visiting the beautiful Algarve, the Portuguese also have holiday. Meaning, busy beaches, bars and restaurants, but also lots of entertainment, like festivals. Below Algarve Housing will inform you with a few large festivals of the Algarve in August.
You do not like crowds? No problem! There are many beaches, and very large beaches, so if you do not like crowds, I recommend the West coast, or find one of the many large, white stretched sandy beaches of the Algarve, and just walk a bit to the left or right and you have more or less your private beach! Do not forget to bring your parasol, water or other drinks, and ofcourse sun cream!
Just a quick note to inform you we have 2 new villas to rent in the Algarve.
A country style villa that sleeps up to 8, close to Loule, and a modern, contemporary style villa on a hill near Boliqueime that sleeps up to 10 lucky guests!
Viva Vista-Boliquieme
Luxury villa, that sleeps up to 10, where you can enjoy your breakfast with magnificent views!
and not only breakfast….
Ideal place for your holiday in the Algarve, not far from the most gorgeous beaches Algarve and amenities.
Please check out the website page for more information regarding this very luxury villa Algarve. Viva Vista!
Casa Loule, sleeps up to 8, different style villa, farmy style, cosy, in the countryside, but very close to the so famous Golden Triangle where you find the best beaches and golf courses of Europe!
More information about availability, prices, pictures you find here!
Algarve housing rent villas in the Algarve, Portugal. Please check our website for more unique villas in the Algarve. You can contact me for any further infomation regarding your ideal villa in the Algarve.
June weather is georgeous if you like warm weather, it is not yet high season, so not so busy, plenty of space at the beaches, and villa rentals are cheaper than the next month when the high season starts. But what to do in June apart from enjoying the sunsine and the beaches? Algarve Housing likes to share with you a few things to undertake in June in the Algarve.
There is plenty to do like dolphin safaris, mountain bike trips, or play a round of golf at one of the renowned golf courses in the Algarve. Or have a lovely treatment at one of the many Spa hotels, before or after shopping in one of the many large shopping malls.
Here a few events worth going to in June in the Algarve:
18 June
Carvoeiro Black and White Night
The charismatic seaside town of Carvoeiro will be transformed into a fabulous party venue for the 2016 Black and White night. Expect music, dancing, street entertainment, food and drink, and more…. If you’re going, make sure you dress in Black and White!
19 June
Goldra Summer Festival- Sao Bras
Take part in this charity event or go along and support the cause! The second Goldra Summer Festival is in aid of the Goldra Dog Sanctuary and promises to be a fun and entertaining event for all the family. Email if you are a musician, band or performing artist and would like to perform on the day.
From 2 pm til 2 am.
24,25, 26 June
Lagoa Jazz Festival- Fontes de Estombar
This international festival promises three days of quality Jazz music from Big Band sounds to solo artists. A internationally recognized event, Lagoa Jazz Concert is set in the unique and magical Sitio das Fontes. Open each day from 7pm with concerts at 10pm.
26 June
Auto Track Day – Autodrome International do Algarve
This is a great chance to drive your car on one of the best modern-day tracks. Accelerate around a FIA version of the Algarve International Circuit. Participants will be divided into 3 groups: Up to 2000cc | Over 2000cc | Competition. PRICE: €150 – includes lunch, personal accident insurance, timing and photography. For full details and to register for the event, contact AIA. Email: racingschool@autodromodoalgarve.com Tel: (+351) 927 244 694.
Enjoy the sun, sea and the beaches, and all the things to do in June in the Algarve.
Outside: private, fenced, well maintained garden. Lounge areas in the shade. Table and chairs in the shade.Ample of sun lounges around the pool.
Furniture: all high quality.
Location: very good! walking distance to very popular Caneiros beach, walking distance to beaches, bars and restaurants. Only 5 minutes drive to picturesque Ferragudo.
Ideal for your holiday in sunny Algarve! Just on the market, so lots of availability!
Algarve Housing has a few new villas for rent on their books, we like to share with you. 3 luxury villas for rent near Lagos, and two nice countryside houses near Silves…
Looking for sun, sea, sand? Relax and enjoy in the Algarve, and book a nice villa in the Algarve! We still have a few weeks available in July and August, of some gorgeous villas villas for rent. Below a few, but contact me for more availability and prices!
May is a wonderful time to visit the Algarve. The flowers are in full blossom, the climate is wonderful, and it’s just got warm enough to swim in the sea and lounge on the beautiful beaches that can be found all over the region. Algarve Housing like to share with you a few things to do in May in the Algarve.
There are plenty of things to do in the Algarve in May, so whether you are heading there as a family, or with a partner or a group of friends there really is something for everyone. Here is a selection of the best events taking place in the Algarve in May.
May Day, 1st of May
May Day takes place on the first of May and is a fantastic celebration where you’ll find lots going on all over the region. Here you can join in the fun by heading into the countryside along with the locals and enjoying a picnic lunch in the sunshine. Or, if you prefer to get into the hustle and bustle of it all, then head into the cities for a fiesta style atmosphere where you can enjoy street music, food and dancing.
The May Fair in Azinhal is an event not to miss and if you head to the picturesque village of Azinhal, you can soak up the atmosphere, stroll through the market stalls and sample local foods. In addition to this you’ll find beautiful examples of bobbin lace, basketwork, embroidery, tapestry and weaving of esparto grass – all perfect souvenirs to take home with you and remind you of your memorable trip.
Festa da Pinha- Algarve
Festa da Pinha – this lovely festival celebrates the humble pine cone and takes place on the second of May to commemorate the coming of spring. Here witness men in traditional dress riding proudly through the streets on brightly decorated donkeys. Music is a core part of the festival and you’ll enjoy many bands playing as well as be able to watch the procession of burning torches and an excellent fireworks display.
Tavira sea food festival
“The Gastronomy of the Sea” -is a fun filled festival in Tavira held throughout the month of May where the local restaurants come together to bring you a wealth of culinary delights all inspired by the fresh seafood ingredients on their doorstep!
Sand sculpture Festival- Pera
If you love arts and culture then the international sand sculpture festival at Pêra starts in May and runs right through until October. Here you can admire the beautiful sand sculptures created by talented artists. It is in fact known as the largest sand sculpture festival in the world and has been running since 2003!
Sounds of the Atlantic- Ferragudo
Sounds of the Atlantic – For those who love traditional and folk music the Sounds of the Atlantic is a celebration which they will not want to miss. Throughout the whole of May you can enjoy wonderful concerts that take place each night at the Centro de Congressos do Arade in Ferragudo. This is one for the party goers though as music doesn’t usually start until 10pm.
These fantastic events will leave you with lots to do on your holiday in the Algarve in May, so now all that’s left is to remember to bring the sun cream!
April in the Algarve is when the region starts to get busier ahead of the summer months. The Algarve is a popular destination, and many of the tourist attractions which close down over the winter start to open again during this time.
The weather in the Algarve in April is usually bright and warm, with over 9 hours sunshine a day and very little rainfall. If you are looking for a place where pleasant weather is practically guaranteed during April, then the Algarve is a wise choice. While it may be a while off swimming season, visitors can still enjoy days on the regions stunning beaches, boat trips and water sports, as well as outdoor dining. During the evening the temperatures will drop to around 11 degrees though so it is important to make sure you bring layers to stay warm when the sun goes down.
During April there is plenty to see an d do. Algarve Housing like to share a few not to miss:
9-17 April- Algarve Spa Week
You want to pamper yourself in the Algarve in April?
Do not miss The Algarve Spa Week – 9th to 17th April. This year’s theme is “Spa and Sports” with great discounts for the areas 5 top spa resorts. A free sports workshops also takes place. For more information visit Algarve Spa Week on Facebook.
10 April- Loule
Festa da Mãe Soberana in Loulé 10th April: This wonderful Algarve festival is centered around the “Festa Grande” in honour of Mãe Soberana, the Sovereign Mother. There is a fantastic procession and a wonderful fireworks display at midnight too,
24 April- concert Portimao
Marco Paulo concert which takes place on the 24th April. This fantastic Portuguese singer, is sure to delight and will be playing a one night only performance at Portimão Arena in western Algarve. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketline.
30 April-Flamenco Festival Faro
The Faro Flamenco Festival -on the 30th April – this fantastic celebration delights locals and visitors alike. With wonderful traditional and flamboyant flamenco dancing this is an event not to miss. It is taking place at the Figuras Theatre in Faro and tickets cost 12€.
Zoomarine Albufeira
For family fun there is Zoomarine theme park, which is a sure fire hit for all the family where children can enjoy an exhilarating afternoon on all the rides, and meeting the various animals such as aquatic birds, and even alligators!
Zoo Lagos and karting
The Zoo Lagos is another great trip and on a sunny day children and adults alike will enjoy having great fun on the karting tracks in Almancil, Portimão (at the Autodrome) and Olhão.
Waterslide parks
Aqualand is another hugely popular family attraction, and the Algarve in April is just about warm enough to enjoy the outdoor rides and pools. Aqualand is popular with children of all ages and has rides and attractions catering to all, with fun gentle rides for the little ones right up to thrilling white knuckle rides for older children, and grown ups of course!
Golf in the Algarve in April
For the dads the Algarve is hugely attractive due to its celebrated range of golf courses. The most famous is the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course, or “The Penina” which can be found at the Penina Hotel & Golf Resort. It was the very first resort to be built in Portugal and is popular with tourists and locals alike.
Culture
Of course if you are looking for a bit of culture than the Algarve will not disappoint. The region boasts a huge number of castles, churches and monuments to visit where visitors can learn about the fascinating history of the area.
Nature and activities
The stunning natural landscape is perfect for those who love a more active holiday in April in the Algarve and the breathtaking scenery will impress those who love lengthy walks and hikes. The Algarve is the perfect place for those who love to explore, and there are many ways you can get out there and enjoy all that the region has to offer. Wonderful horseback rides are available through the beautiful landscapes or on the stunning beaches, or you can hire quad bikes to get further afield and explore the more rugged parts of the area.
For adrenaline junkies the good weather means there are plenty of outdoor extreme sports to get involved with and ski diving and coasteering proving particularly popular.
Dolphin watching
Boat trips also are popular in the Algarve in April and shark and dolphin watching trips are a particular highlight. If you don’t fancy having a dip in the sea just yet you could try your hand a kayaking or hire a pedal to get out there onto the water!
April is a fantastic time to visit the Algarve, with the weather heating up and plenty to see and do, whether you are a family looking for a fun April break, or a couple looking for that perfect mix of activities and lounging in the sun, the Algarve has plenty to offer.
This article about Algarve in April is brought to you by Algarve Housing, the villa rental company for better holidays in the Algarve. Please contact me for any further information regarding April in the Algarve or Algarve villa rentals Portugal.
A visit to the Algarve in February makes for a fantastic holiday. This time of year is considered ‘out of season’ due to the cooler climates and there being no school holidays. However there are many advantages visiting the Algarve in February during these quieter periods.
The weather is still warm and pleasant (around 18-20 degrees) which means you can still enjoy the areas stunning coastline, take walks on the beautiful beaches, go on a boat trip and hike around the area to admire the breath-taking landscapes, flora and fauna that are blossoming at this time of year. Spring flowers are in full bloom so make for a rather spectacular sight, check out the cliffs at Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, for example, for a remarkable rainbow of colors. Last but not least, you can get good bargains on villa rentals! Contact Algarve Housing for more info!
Many visitors also enjoy taking part in water sports in February in the Algarve, where the water is less crowded so it is easy to surf, waterski, body board and swim -if perhaps a little chilly depending on what the temperature is like!
Resorts, towns and villages and the cafe’s restaurants and bars within them do tend to be quieter in February. Some even close out of season so be sure to check before you leave to be certain that you will have everything you require. The good news is that if places are less busy it can seem as though you have the whole place to yourself which is rather lovely, and can expect personalized attention from staff who are warm and welcoming and will be less rushed and stressed than they are in the most popular tourist months. Of course in the cities you can expect everything to be open all year round.
Carnival in the Algarve
Of course February in the Algarve, you can take part in one of the most anticipated events in the whole of the calendar year, Carnival (Carnaval, or Mardi Gras) falls on the 9th of February this year and is a spectacular celebration, and one which the entire family can enjoy. The festival falls on the weekend leading up to Shrove Tuesday, and is a colorful and friendly street party where music, dancing and stalls of food and drink are all in abundance. Loulé in central Algarve (Portugal) is the most well-known for its Brazilian style Carnival in the Algarve. However if you are holidaying in a different area, or even in a quieter town or village, it is still likely that there will be some sort of celebration taking place.
This year the carnival theme is ‘The Great Shipwreck’ so expect many amazing costumes and incredible floats. Friday is kids day and there are plenty of child-friendly activities taking place that children will just love.
February in the Algarve is a fantastic time of year to visit. So if you are looking for a great deal, pleasant weather and plenty of fun, the Algarve could be the perfect choice for you.
Algarve Housing is the villa rental company, for better holidays in the Algarve. Please contact us for more information
The Algarve is a fantastic destination for a family holiday. With a mild climate, beautiful scenery and plenty of fun family friendly activities on offer, it is a wonderful place to visit, no matter your age. Even in the ‘off-season’ months you can still enjoy a great holiday in the Algarve. In fact if you have children it is the best time to visit, with less crowds it making it hassle-free to get around and enjoy the many attractions with ease.
So what are the top 5 best family friendly activities to enjoy in the Algarve? Read on to see the pick of Algarve Housing best family friendly activities.
Boat Trips Algarve
Boat Trips are fun for all the family, and the Algarve offer some of the best around. While adults can enjoy a well-deserved rest and some beautiful scenery, kids will enjoy the excitement of being out at sea, and trying to spot the marine life that often makes a welcome appearance. There are a wealth of different boat trips to choose from, whether you want to focus on enjoying the local landscapes, chasing dolphins, or even fishing, you can take your pick. It is still warm enough to enjoy being outside and some even host a BBQ lunch or picnic on a private beach included in the price.
Mini Golf Algarve
The Algarve is famous for its stunning and challenging golf courses, but did you know it also offers some great mini golf courses which the whole family can try as well? There are many fantastic themed mini golf courses such as at the Family Golf Park in Vilamoura and Albufeira where they course is themed around accent Rome. The course is easy enough for kids to enjoy and will keep everyone entertained for an hour or so!
Life Science Centres
Who said something education can’t be fun?! The Centros de Ciências Vivas in Faro and Lagos make for a fantastic family day out, with many interesting exhibitions and hands on experiments that children and adults alike will just love. A family ticket, which covers 2 adults and up to 6 children is under 10 Euros so a fantastic bargain too!
Karting Algarve
An adrenaline packed adventure that all the family can enjoy! Karting is a great activity to get the whole family bonding and having fun together. In Albufeira, there is a great all weather indoor track, called ‘Hot Wheels Raceway.’ An alternative is the track at Almancil, or try the fun karting track near Portimão.
Beach Day
It is a holiday after all! Luckily the Algarve enjoys great weather almost all year round and even in the cooler months a trip to the beach is possible. The Algarve is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Perfect for a day on the beach, making sandcastles, taking strolls and paddling in the sea.
The Algarve offers a wide range of activities for families, and with something for everyone you have plenty of options regardless of the weather. So if you are looking to book a great holiday for you and the children, the Algarve makes for a fantastic choice.
What to do in the Algarve at New Year? The Algarve is a fantastic place to visit during the festive season, and sees many visitors flock here during the winter months to enjoy an out of season holiday. While of course it is possible to enjoy many of the traditional Christmas and New Year in the Algarve traditions as you would at home, there is also plenty to see and do that will make seeing in the New Year in the Algarve a time to remember! Algarve Housing like to inform you what and where to do in the Algarve, Portugal during New Year.
Of course one of the best things about jetting off to the Algarve at New Year is the weather. In past years this region has enjoyed a mild and temperate climate during the winter months which many visitors have appreciated, escaping the colder, harsher temperatures at home. It does get a little chilly at night however, so don’t forget your jumpers! The weather is perfect for getting out and about and enjoying all that the Algarve has to offer and many typical attractions such as boat trips out to sea are still available during the winter months. While you may not be able to lie out on the beach in a bikini, certainly exploring the beautiful coastal areas is something you can do in the Algarve at any time of year.
Algarve at New Year
The bigger tourist resorts such as Albufeira, Lagos, Praia da Rocha are fantastic if you are hoping for a lively and action packed time. Here you will find restaurants and bars that are buzzing and packed with local residents as well as other tourists who will bring in the New Year in a typically raucous and lively fashion!
Lagos
There is a fantastic annual fireworks display on the river in front of Lagos which will delight people of all ages. This beautiful display is well worth a visit if you want to see in the New Year in style. The New Year open air concert at Fisherman’s Beach (Praia dos Pescadores) is also fantastic and will make for a memorable evening too. It attracts over 50,000 visitors each year, and the bars and clubs stay open all night long, so if a real party is what you are after, this is the place to head to for New Year in the Algarve.
Sophisticated and glamorous
If you are looking for something sophisticated and glamorous, Vila Vita Parc in Porches hosts a fantastic Grand Ball. This Black tie 6 course Gala Dinner is truly special, and the evening finishes with a stunning fireworks display as well.
New Year’s Eve Gala
The New Year at Conrad Algarve is also worth investigating. Here you can choose from several mouth-watering fine dining experiences, as well as glittering New Year’s Eve Gala, complete with fireworks at midnight and live music.
If you are looking to party Monty’s New Year’s Eve party, at the Praça in Vale do Lobo has it all. Here you can enjoy a great dinner, as well as dancing and lively entertainment.
Praia da Rocha
On the Rocks in Praia da Rocha is the place if you want to dance until dawn, or head to the clubs in popular Lagos such as the Bon Vivant – a club boasting four floors all geared towards crazy party fun. Party, party for New Year in the Algarve!
Something for everyone
There is much to see and do in the Algarve at New Year and whether you are looking for a vibrant party, a good sing along with the locals, a fine dining experience or simply a quiet and relaxing evening it really does have something for everyone, and you are sure to have a New Year in the Algarve that is one to remember!
This article is brought to you by Algarve Housing, for better holidays in the Algarve. Please contact me for any further information.
The beautiful Algarve is a fantastic place to visit any time of year. If you fancy an out of season holiday you can take advantage of cheaper flights and a quieter time of year. A late autumn holiday can be just the thing to get you refreshed and relaxed in time for the party season, and despite the slightly cooler temperature, the Algarve in November still boasts a wonderful climate, with over 300 days of sunshine each year, so you are still likely to have some pleasant t-shirt weather (around 17-20 degrees in the shade), so do remember to pack a jumper or two to keep you warm during the slightly chillier evenings.
Algarve Housing like to inform you about what is there to do in the Algarve during November. Well there is still plenty going on, and with wonderful landscapes, cozy cafe’s and great places to eat and drink in the evening you are sure to find plenty to keep you entertained. In fact, one of the great benefits of coming to the Algarve in November is that the cafe’s and restaurants will be less busy, they may have shorter opening hours, but friendly staff will have plenty of time to give you a warm, personalized service, and will happily share their knowledge of the area, and give you fantastic tips on must-see places to visit, and things to do.
In November the Algarve starts to blossom with beautiful flora and fauna, and the cooler temperatures make this a perfect time of year to go on long walks, admiring the landscape, spotting wildlife, or heading down to the stunning stretches of coastline where you can laze on the beach, make sandcastles and take a dip in the beautiful aquamarine sea.
The wonderful festive markets begin to come to life at this time of year too, so when exploring the local towns you are sure to find these, with stalls selling local products such as arts and crafts and food, which make for lovely souvenirs to take home with you. While you are there make sure you grab a bag of warm roasted chestnuts which will put you in the festive holiday spirit! The 11th of November is in fact Dia da São Martinho – the day of St Martin, and if you happen to be in a busier town, or city such as Faro, the streets will come alive for the celebration where roast chestnuts are in abundance, music is played and lanterns are lit and people enjoy tasting the new year’s wine. Traditionally this day is also the last day of the 40 days fast known as Quadragesima Sancti Martin, therefore a fantastic opportunity to eat, drink and be merry with the local residents.
Some wonderful places to visit include the peaceful tranquility of the Barragem de Bravura reservoir where you can take walks through the magnificent national forest and also admire the quaint architecture of the local village of Barao de Sao Joao.
Further inland you can immerse yourself in nature even more by heading into the Sierra de Monchique, where you are sure to be impressed by the dramatic mountainous landscape. The town of Monchique itself is also charming with little cafe’s and shops to explore. While you are there why not take a little detour to the little hamlet of Caldas de Monchique, where the ancient spa waters are said to have fantastic healing properties.
November is a brilliant time of year to visit the Algarve, and with fewer crowds you can enjoy your holiday at a relaxed pace, away from the hustle and bustle and stresses of everyday life. With its temperate climate, activities and sightseeing is far more pleasant, so you can really get out there and see the best that the Algarve has to offer.
This article is brought to you by Algarve Housing, the villa rental company for unique villas in the Algarve, Portugal. Please contact me for any more details regarding what to do in the Algarve in November or information regarding the villas we rent in the Algarve.
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Algarve Housing like to present Casa Joia, a new villa for rent in the Algarve, just a little south of Silves. Not far from beaches, golf courses and amenities.
Casa Joia has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a private pool and garden. Ideal for a relaxed holiday in the Algarve.
For more information and prices, please click here.
Due to cancellation, this nice villa will be free for one week, from tomorrow onwards. Please check this link for all the details. Private villa near Silves, with private pool, garden, jacuzzi and wifi