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The Algarve is a popular summer holiday destination, but it can be a fantastic winter holiday option too. There's definitely more to the Algarve than just going home with a suntan (as lovely as that is).
Whilst I'd love to sell to you a winter holiday in the Algarve, I'll keep it real with the cons as well as the pros to avoid disappointment if you decide to go for it. Of course, what is a con for one may be a pro for another and vice versa. So maybe I'll just list some facts.
All photos included in this blog (bar the golf one) are ones I took at the end of December. Just to give you a taste of the weather you may have.
Fact One (100% a pro!)
It's cheaper!!!!!
The accommodation is cheaper. The flights are cheaper. The car hire is cheaper.
What's not to love!
Fact Two (con?)
Lots of things shut down at the end of October and open up again in April. The weather is not so hot and the water not so warm, which rule out much of what is on offer in the summer.
You're unlikely to go home with a glowing tan or having lived in the luxurious swimming pool.
But neither will you get the tourist busyness or the discomfort of the extremely hot weather, which opens up options of what you feel like doing.
Depending on what you want out of a holiday going to the Algarve in the winter is a different sort of holiday to going in the summer, although some bits remain the same.
Fact Three (a pro for sure!)
The climate in the Algarve is wonderful! The Algarve has more than 300 days of sun per year. It has mild weather and the Portuguese winter is more like our (English) spring. The average temperature between January and March is 12-15°C but we usually expect days where it gets up to 18-20°C.
When we were there at the end of December I wore a mixture of flip flops and shoes, and either just a jumper or a lightweight coat. My winter coat stayed in the cupboard apart from the days travelling from and to the UK. We were able to eat outside and even sit and have an ice lolly by the beach. We had a mixture of cloudy, drizzly days, and blue skies and sunshine.
Fact Four
There's still loads on offer at our property (As Andorinhas) and in the Algarve in general. Here's a list of some of those things.
What's on offer at As Andorinhas:
The views
One of the best things about the villa is the incredible views. These remain fabulous all through the year.
The location and remoteness of the property creates so much peace.
This picture is taken from the property with the rolling clouds below hiding the view. It is awesome watching them lift.
Nice walks
If you go for a little walk out of the property it's gorgeous. Monchique is a place people travel to especially to walk. The property is right there in the heart of it. No travelling needed, just walk out of the front door.
Spacious Inside
The pictures of the property do not do justice to how spacious it is inside and out. If you just want to stay in: there are games available; a log fire; DVDs; a desk for if you bring a laptop (my son brought his gaming equipment when we were here in the winter); and a CD and record player.
A cosy log fire
There's a good supply of logs and nothing better than a hot chocolate in front of the fire.
Fruit
You are likely to find fruit on the trees in the garden. Oranges, lemons, kiwis, and grapefruit.
What's still on offer locally:
The Beaches
The Algarve is known for it's reputation of having some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Whatever the weather, in my opinion, a walk along the beach has got to be one of the best things for the soul.
Swimming in the pool or the sea would be a no no for most as the water is too cold. Never say never though, I know there are those crazy, hardy ones out there that will swim whatever the temperature. Hats off to you if you are one of them.
It was even nice enough on this day, at the end of December, to be wearing flip flops, paddle, have no coat and sit outside with an ice-lolly.
Restaurants and bars
When we were there at Christmas we had a couple of meals out, for which we sat outside to eat. A real treat coming from freezing England.
Boat Tours
Boat tours are available all year around - even on Christmas day. This one was seeking out the dolphins (which was quite emotional) and seeing the caves.
Wine tours
Because of the wonderful climate in The Algarve it is a great place for making wine and there are plenty of wine tours available. Here is a link to some that are local to As Andorinhas: https://www.algarvewinetours.com.pt/the-tours/
Segway tours
A couple of options: https://www.algarvefun.com/activities/monchique-mountain-segway-tour/
65 euros from Monchique for 2 hours or https://www.algarvefun.com/activities/portimao-tour-segway/ 50 euros from Portimao.
Jeep tours
Quad bike tours
Have a look on Google, there's lots available
Sidecar tours
Here's a few links but if you do a goggle search you'll probably find lots more options.
Go Karting
The Motor Park, Autódromo Internacional Algarve, also known as the Portimão Circuit, is located in the hills above Portimão and Lagos. The track situated 25 minutes drive from s Andorinhas is open for various motor and bike racing events and there is a large go-kart track open to the public. https://autodromodoalgarve.com/
Karting Almancil is another famous go-karting venue. This is 1hr 15mins from the villa. https://kartingalgarve.com/
Surfing
The Algarve is one of the most popular destinations for surfing. There are a number on the west coast as well as the south coast.
You could hire a bike
Golf
The Algarve is famous for it's fantastic and varied golf courses.
Because of it's warm climate the cooler season is an absolutely ideal time to play golf here. Especially when the reality of playing golf back home is waterlogged courses and freezing cold fingers and toes (or more likely non-existent).
You can either hire clubs whilst you're out there or bring your own for an extra change (around £30 each way, depending on which airline you fly with).
I don't have a picture from December, but this photo was taken in May.
Lagos Zoo
Lagos zoo is open all year round. A great attraction, particularly if you have kids to entertain! https://zoolagos.com/en/
Browsing the shops
An enjoyable way to pass the time if you like that sort of thing.
Portugal sells traditional pottery painted in it's unique style and is also famous for it's cork trade.
Carnivals
Loule has a great reputation for lively carnivals but look around there may be others. They are particularly popular in the run-up to shrove Tuesday.
How about Christmas or New Year in the Algarve?
Christmas
We were lucky enough to have our Christmas here. It was so different and very special.
If I were to do it again I would have come earlier than Christmas eve as I didn't have quite enough time to land and prepare.
There are some Christmas decorations in the property for you to use: the nativity scene, some tinsel, baubles and Christmas stockings.
Imagine going on a boat ride or a stroll along a gorgeous beach in a Santa hat on a warm Christmas day! Bliss!
New year
I haven't been here for new year yet, but I've read about fireworks on a beach and a tradition of banging pans.
So, if you need a break, need to unwind, could do with some quality time with loved ones, have holiday to use up, or are just fed up with the cold and miserable weather of home, the Algarve, and more specifically: As Andorinhas, is the perfect destination for you.
Click on this link for our website with more information: https://www.holidayvillaalgarve.com/
Tel: +44 (0)7814 669 639
Casa As Andorinhas, CC1 111A, Corta Porcas, 8550-254 Monchique, Portugal
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