In the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, the winter season runs from the beginning of November until the start of March. It shows a completely different side of the Algarve, away from the busier, tourist-filled summer months. Visiting in winter – especially during the Christmas season – offers cooler temperatures, and unique festive celebrations, making the Algarve a tranquil winter retreat.
Our guide to the Algarve during Christmas and the winter season will show the many benefits of travelling to Portugal over this period. If you’re not just interested in visiting the Algarve during winter, read our blog titled What is the best time to visit the Algarve? Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about Southern Portugal in wintertime!
Winter Weather in the Algarve
The Algarve enjoys a Mediterranean climate, so even in winter temperatures are quite mild — especially compared to other countries. You won’t find snow here when Father Christmas visits! Average daytime temperatures are around 15-18 degrees Celsius (59-64 degrees Fahrenheit), and it will be cooler in the evenings, so pack a jacket/coat to keep warm.
In winter, rain is more frequent but is typically short-lived. Being on the coastline, the wind can be strong, so keep this in mind when choosing your Algarve wardrobe – layers will be needed. However, the Algarve remains one of the warmest places in Europe over the winter months. The Met Office can give you a guide on what temperatures to expect, which is very handy before you pack your suitcase for winter travels!
Christmas in the Algarve
The festive atmosphere in the Algarve is a blend of traditional Portuguese celebrations mixed with some modern touches. Local markets are just as charming in winter as in summer, with many festive lights to admire.
Your holiday to Portugal can also include your Christmas shopping! Many towns host Christmas markets where you can buy handcrafted gifts, seasonal foods, and plenty of mulled wine. Some popular markets involve:
Faro Christmas Market
Also known as Mercado de Natal da Baixa de Faro, this market is found in the heart of the old town. While in the Algarve’s capital of Faro, be sure to explore all the city offers including the many outdoor activities from Formosamar.
Portimão Christmas Market and Ice Rink
The 200m ice rink is the main event at this market but you can also enjoy biscuit decorating and present wrapping workshops, among the usual Christmas market offerings.
Carvoeiro Christmas Market
Held on a square, almost on the beach, this Christmas market marries seaside charm with festive fun. Accessible by a tourist train, the market offers a packed events program including archery, circus skills, and a cotton candy workshop!
If Christmas lights are your thing, the best displays can be found in the larger towns like Faro, Portimão and Tavira.
Seasonal Food and Drink in the Algarve
Hearty, traditional Portuguese dishes are on the menu in wintertime, as well as a few delicious festive specialities. Here’s a list of some stand-out delicacies that are worth a try while in the Algarve:
- Bacalhau: Salted codfish is a Christmas tradition in Portugal, often prepared with potatoes and vegetables, or in a casserole form. Check out this take on the recipe from Jamie Oliver.
- Rabanadas: This Portuguese-style French toast is a popular Christmas dessert, often served with cinnamon and sugar.
- Broas de Mel: Another sweet treat is these honey cakes, full of rich ingredients and spices. They are typically enjoyed over winter and Christmas.
- Roast chestnuts: A popular festive snack across the globe, roast chestnuts are also popular in the Algarve, sold on many street corners.
The Algarve also produces some excellent wines, with several local vineyards and wine-tasting tours to explore. The region is known for producing predominantly red wines, although some fresh white wines are made too.
Things to Do in the Algarve Over Winter
Just because the temperatures have dipped, that doesn’t mean there aren’t many activities still to be enjoyed in this region of Portugal. Enjoy the beauty of the Algarve without the summer crowds. A few activities to consider include:
Beach walks and scenic hikes: While it might be too chilly for sunbathing, Algarve’s beaches are still excellent for long winter walks. Lonely Planet has put together a ‘top 10’ of the best beaches in the Algarve so check out where to wander while admiring the beautiful views. Lagos, Albufeira, and Portimao are very peaceful places for a stroll in the off-season. For hiking enthusiasts, there are many excellent locations to try out including the Ria Formosa wetlands and its abundant birdlife.
Exploring nature: At Formosamar, we offer boat trips, tours, activities, and nature tourism experiences in the Ria Formosa. This coastal lagoon with a seaward belt of sandbars was recently elected as one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal! Why not take one of our private boat trips in Faro to this beautiful location? You can tell the crew what you want to do and where you want to go, surrounded by your favourite travel companions. Explore nature your own way.
Algarve’s historic towns: While in the Algarve, a visit to the old towns of Faro, Lagos, and Tavira will provide cobbled streets, charming cafes, and picturesque squares that come alive over the Christmas period. The Silves Castle, dating back to Roman times, is another historic site to see, with amazing views of the surrounding countryside.
New Year’s Eve in the Algarve
Even though the big draw of coming to Portugal over winter is the slower pace of life, that doesn’t mean New Year’s Eve will be sedate. Many restaurants and hotels offer special dinners with entertainment, music, and even fireworks! There are celebrations a-plenty in Faro, Albufeira, and Portimão.Speaking of celebrations, if you’re planning a winter wedding, be sure to consider the Algarve for your honeymoon. Our helpful blog, Is Portugal a Nice Place for a Honeymoon? takes you through all the pros of spending your first holiday as a married couple in this beautiful country.
