Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Sue Elias

What to Expect in Algarve

There’s some places that encourage guests to visit at a specific time of the year to avoid uncomfortable weather conditions. Fortunately, that’s not the case in Algarve, Portugal. Tourists are welcome to spend time there year-round without having to worry about unbearable climate changes getting in the way of their fun. Although work schedules may need to be tweaked for those in the labor markets, retirees tend to prepare a vacation whenever it suits them. Also, tudents are typically fond of visiting on their own time, particularly those enrolled in online colleges that make it possible to submit assignments over the computer.

Overall, the weather in Algarve is ideal. Temperatures normally stay between 77 degrees to 95 degrees fahrenheit throughout most of the warmer months and typically never drops below freezing level (32 degrees fahrenheit) during the cooler months. In addition, it remains one of the most sunniest regions in the world and hardly gets rainfall. The area’s Meditteranean climate results in an influx of visitors flocking there during the holidays.

Weather by Season

Winter

Most people assume that every region experience drastic changes during the winter season. However, Algarve is among the few places that incurs very little alterations. From late November to February, temperatures are likely to fluctuate between 50 and 60 degrees fahrenheit. Occasionally, there tends to be more frosty weather, and rainfall is at its peak but the overall atmospheric condition is considered mild compared to other parts of Europe at this time. Those who want a fairly gentle winter and don’t mind some wet days will find this spot most suitable.

Spring

In the springtime, weather in the Algarve is extremely pleasant, especially for visitors who enjoy more sunshine accompanied by light breezes. March through May promises warmer temperatures that cool down during the evenings, particularly in areas near the ocean. Lovers of greenery and outdoor activities are urged to come during this time since plantlife is revived and the climate possess some coolness that makes it comfortable to engage in happenings that promote high energy and/or strenuous movement.

Summer

Those who are at their best in the sunshine will revel in Algarve’s climate between June and August. At this time, tourists can experience balmy conditions to seering heat. Normal  summer temperatures normally range from the mid 70′s to the mid 90′s, enabling people to cool off at one of Algarve’s many beaches. Be mindful of considerably dry atmospheres, as well as high levels of wind and sand that are blown in from the Sahara dessert.

Fall

Like the summer, autumn can remain fairly warm, especially in September and October. By November, the regions typically witnesses a dramatic cooldown with temperatures as low as 55 degrees. The weather becomes even colder as the sun goes down and night sets in, particularly in coastal areas. If you’re a fan of nature and attracted to the fall’s aesthetic quality, this is a good time to go on a few hikes or simply watch the leaves turn colors from the comfort of one Algarve’s many cheap hotels.

Sources
TripAdvisor, LLC. (2012).
HolidayWeather.com. (2012).

Joy Martin works with Article Writing Services to write travel content for Online Colleges and other websites and blogs. To find more information on traveling to Algarve, visit Global Travel Blogs.

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When to go to Estonia?
The warmest in Estonia is in the period from May to September, but even the highest daily temperatures aren’t over 22 °C. If you experience heat in Estonia at around 30 °C, it is something unusual and it happens very rarely. The sea temperature in summer is between 16 to 21 °C. Since July and August are quite rainy months, the best time to visit Estonia is in May, June and September. There is a constant and pleasant weather, which only occasionally interrupts the storms. During the summer there are very long days which lasts 19 hours. During the summer months in Estonia you can visit a number of festivals and entertainment events. April and October are unpleasantly cold and windy months. Winter in Estonia lasts from November to March and temperatures are below 4 °C in some areas even freezes. Snow is common, and daylight lasts only a few hours. However, if you want to enjoy winter sports such as skiing, tobogganing or ice skating on frozen lakes, Estonia is ideal for you in winter season.

Passports, visas, documents
EU citizens do not need a travel visa to Estonia, but only if the planned duration of stay does not exceed 90 days. They must carry a valid passport or identity card with machine readable zone.

Health
EU citizens will be treated free in Estonia with the European health insurance card. Most health facilities in Estonia has a contract with the Estonian Health Insurance Eesti Haigkassa. If you were treated in private facilities / private doctor, who has a contract with the insurance company, you will be forced to pay the costs of treatment yourself. Do not forget to pack also a mosquito repellent, which is essential in summer. You don’t need any vaccinations unless you know that most of the time you spend in nature, it is good to be vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis. Pharmacies are usually adequately supplied with Western medicine.

Money
Since 1992, the official monetary unit of Estonia is Estonian kroon, which is relatively stable. Although Estonia is a member of the European Union, yet it retains its original currency. In every city you will find currency exchange offices and banks where you can exchange cash. In case of theft it is a good idea to carry at least a small amount of traveler’s checks. They can be exchanged but only in larger cities. Most banks also accept eurocheques. In hotels, restaurants and shops you can also use credit cards.

Pets
If you want to travel to Estonia with your four-legged friend, you must obtain an international certificate of vaccination, including vaccination certificate against rabies. The animal must be identified by chip or tattoo. Dogs can also be transferred only through selected border crossings, those are the airport in Tallinn, Narva on the Russian-Estonian border and Valga on the Latvian-Estonian border.

Location and natural conditions
Estonia is the smallest Baltic country, which is located in Northern Europe and is bathed by the Baltic Sea. It borders with Russia and Latvia, and is separated from Finland with about 80 km wide Gulf of Finland. Nearly 10% of the territory consists of islands, the largest are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The country is covered with pine and fir trees, a large percentage of the surface occupy the marshes, swamps and bogs, which can reach depths of up to 7 meters. In Estonia, there is located the largest Baltic Lake Peipus. It forms a natural border with Russia and with its area of ​​3555 km2 it is the fifth largest lake in Europe. The largest lake located only on the territory of Estonia is Võrtsjärv with an area of ​​266 km2. Estonia is mostly a flat country. Only at the south-eastern part of the country you can find the highlands, where is the highest mountain of Estonia – Suur Manamägi, 318 meters heigh. The country has one of the greatest natural attractions, the Baltic Klint (also known as North Estonian Klint), which is 1200 km long limestone cliffs. The emergence of this unique natural phenomenon dates back 60 million years ago. In Estonia, there is also a relatively large number of national parks, reserves and protected areas.

Estonian cuisine
Estonian cuisine is largely influenced by German cuisine, and it is quite bold and quite unhealthy. As it is known, however, what usually is not healthy, it is very good. Further it may also influence Finnish, Russian and Latvian cuisine. The basis of Estonian cuisine is mainly meat, especially chicken, pork and fish. Popular delicacies are the puddings, smoked trout and other salted and smoked fish. Estonians often eat black pudding, sausages and all kinds of salami, potatoes, cabbage and many other vegetables. One of the most popular Estonian dishes are served cold marinated eel, called “Marineeritud angerjas”.

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