Although the weather will not be as hot in the wintertime, it will still be between 17-20 degrees during the day time in this region of southern Portugal. If you find temperatures of 30 degrees uncomfortable then this time of year might actually be a more enjoyable time for you to visit. It will not be hot enough to work on your tan every day but it will still likely be one of the warmest places in Europe. There might be a few rains during your holiday and the temperatures will drop in the evenings, but there are many advantages to visiting the Algarve in the winter.

First of all, you will be able to get the cheaper off season rates at many of the hotels and resorts which will save you a lot of money. There will also be fewer crowds so that you will not have to search for hours to find a vacant sun lounger or wait for a table at a restaurant. Although some of the local businesses will have shorter hours or might close during the winter months, there will still be plenty of selection. This is also a great time to visit the Algarve with kids, because the lack of crowds will make it less hectic and much easier to travel.

Another advantage is that while everyone else is enduring the freezing cold back home, you will be enjoying the pleasant temperatures and sunny days of the Algarve.

If you are planning a getaway to the Algarve this winter, here are some ideas of what you can do while you are there:

Go Golfing

The weather in the Algarve is warm enough to golf all year round and you might find it more pleasant to tee off in these cooler temperatures rather than the peak season heat. There are many excellent golf resorts in the area such as Monte da Quinta Club, Four Seasons Fairways and more which offer beautifully manicured professional courses.

Go Hiking

The weather will be just fine for hiking around the beautiful Portuguese countryside. Explore the winding country lanes and discover waterfalls in the forest, olive groves and picturesque seaside fishing villages. There are many coastal cliff walks all along the stunning Algarve coast, but these can sometimes be dangerous so always follow the marked path.

One of the best places to hike in the Algarve is the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This protected wetland is one of the most significant natural habitats for birds in Europe and many different species stop here on their migratory routes. There are several guided walking trails throughout the park that you can explore.

Listen to Some Live Music in Algarve, Quarteira, Portugal by run4unity

Take a look at the event listings in the area that you are staying and try to catch some live music while you are in the Algarve. Many pubs and restaurants might have performances of Fado, which is a traditional Portuguese style of hauntingly beautiful folk music about life near the sea.

Enjoy the Food

Of course, no trip to the Algarve would be complete without sampling the delicious food that this part of the world has to offer. Seafood is especially delicious in the Algarve as it is so fresh in this coastal region. Another tasty dish is Piri-Piri chicken which is tender barbecued chicken with a fiery North-African influenced spicy coating. No matter what the weather is like outside, you can always spend hours lingering over good food and wine with friends in a welcoming local restaurant.

A holiday in the Algarve in the off season can still be packed with fun, so why not check out some of these fun activities during your winter getaway?

If you are visiting Four Seasons Fairways or another Algarve resort this winter, here are some off-season activities you might enjoy.

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Playa Grande, Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote, Spain by Terry Whalebone

Where to Stay in Puerto del Carmen

Like all Canary Islands, Lanzarote offers a great selection of hotels and other types of accommodation. Go all inclusive at a five-star resort, or, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, try a self-catering holiday. For instance, a quick bout of online research lead us to Lanzarotevillas.ie, which offers holiday bungalows for rent from €447 per week, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, sleeping up to five people, not to mention the access to a shared pool.

What to Do in Puerto del Carmen

If you’re traveling with the little ones, you might want to take this opportunity to try out new, fun activities, such as go-karting, which is available locally, or, for families with elder children, all sorts of different water sports. Go down to Playa Grande, also known as Playa Blanca, rent a boat, go paragliding for a bit of an adrenaline rush, rent a pedalo or a banana boat. Or, for a more relaxing time, lounge in the sun at any of the three awesome beaches: Playa Grande, Playa de los Pocillos, and Playa de Matagorda (the least crowded one of the three).

A Little Bit of Nightlife for Mum & Dad

While Puerto del Carmen is generally laidback and dominated by a hassle-free, family friendly atmosphere, this does not mean it is in the least bit dull. There are a ton of bars for adults and young adults alike to choose from. Most of them are lined up in the entertainment center of the resort, the Avenida de las Playas, which translates as “the avenue of the beaches”. You can admire the variety of architectural styles displayed by the hotels there, go shopping at any of the many boutiques—and don’t let it come as a shock if you hear English spoken all around you. The beaches in Puerto del Carmen, as well as the nightlife spots there have been popular with British tourists since as early as the 1960s.

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