Lucky you if you are going to the Algarve, it has sunny weather and beautiful temperatures all year round. Summer time is hottest with temperatures around 30 degrees which lends itself perfectly to enjoying the beaches and tours or outdoor activities that take your fancy. It cools a little in autumn but is still one of the places in Europe that you can enjoy warm temperatures, in November temperatures are about 20 degrees during the day, six hours of sunshine and a little chillier at night (14 degrees). The Algarve means “The West” and it occupies the southernmost region of Portugal. Its location makes it the top tourist destination in Portugal and also one of Europe´s most popular.
More About The Algarve
Car Rental
Unless you buy a package holiday and plan on staying in the one place for your trip, renting a car is, without a doubt, the best way to get around the Algarve. Public transport leaves a lot to be desired except in Albufeira which has the ‘Giro’ bus system. With your rental car you can explore the entire Algarve at your leisure. Diving across the Algarve takes less than two hours which means you can enjoy everything there. Car Rental is available from Faro airport and also in most resort towns along the coast including Villamoura, Praia Da Rocha, Vila Real, Portimao, Albufeira and many more. Booking your rental car in advance is always advised as it is a very popular place for car rental.
Top things to do
Albufeira has an unbelievable 23 beaches along its coastline where you can go on a fishing trip, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing or just laze under the sun. Try a dolphin watching tour, a day on a pirate ship or a catamaran or a cruise. Portimao is home to the beautiful Praia de Rocha beach and this is a good place to take in a show, eat in a lovely restaurant and maybe dance the night away. Portimao is also a great spot for some shopping with a good selection of boutiques, shoe shops and handbags. Golf is really popular all over the Algarve and there are far too many golf clubs for me to start naming them, get your clubs and hit the greens, earlier times are easier to get on courses in summer.
Road Trips
There is loads to see around The Algarve and because it is not so big, day trips are a great idea. For a few of our favourites, head to Lagos, it is perhaps a little less crowed than Albufeira with plenty of opportunity for swimming and exploring the surrounds. There are beautiful walking tours outside of Lagos (14km) if you venture to the lake at Barragem da Bravura. Also take a visit to the Alentjano National Park where there is bird watching or hiking on offer. For a lively family day out why not try the Aqualand Algarve which is the biggest water park in the Algarve or the Zoomarine theme park. And for water enthusiasts, Portimao is the place for jet-skiing, windsurfing, surfing and boats trips.