Life in the warm south of Europe sounds tempting to many. Escape the endless cold and wet winters and enjoy the sun all year round. Although it is not as hot in winter as in summer, there are still many opportunities to spend a lot of time in the mild nature. In this blog you will find some winter tips.
The Algarve and Alentejo welcome winter with mild, pleasant temperatures. During the day, the temperature fluctuates between 15 and 22 degrees.
Occasionally, the region experiences short periods of rainfall or even colder temperatures, especially after sunset. Inland, the temperature can even drop below freezing at night. On these days, it is important to wear clothes in layers. At the hottest time of the day, a T-shirt is often enough, and in the evening or early morning, a warm jacket is comfortable.
In the winter months it can get clammy, even in the house. A good heater and/or dehumidifier is not an unnecessary luxury.
The winter months are great for outdoor activities. The mild temperatures make it pleasant to be active without overheating.
It is then ideal for taking long walks through the beautiful nature or exploring various cycle paths. Near the south coast, more and more hiking and biking trails are being paved with wooden planks, which makes a walk along the coast even more attractive.
In addition, sports such as tennis, padel and golf are popular during these months.
Explore charming places such as Lagos, Faro, and Albufeira. Even though some beach activities are not ideal in winter, you can fully enjoy the scenic views and peaceful atmosphere as there are far fewer tourists present. Inland cities such as São Bras de Aportel, Beja or Evora are also worth a visit. There is a lot of activity here all year round, in contrast to the places along the coast where many summer guests have left their hotels and holiday homes in winter.
Explore covered markets such as the Mercado de Loulé, where you can buy fresh produce. Here you can enjoy the everyday life of the Portuguese again and again. Since the markets are covered, you are protected from the blazing sun in summer and rain or fresh wind in winter. Almost every medium-sized village or town has such a market hall.
The Algarve and Alentejo have a rich history and culture. In winter, the historical sites are less crowded, giving you the opportunity to explore them at your leisure.
Even in winter, cultural festivals, markets or music festivals can take place in the region. On www.viralagenda.com you will find a cultural program per region. You can also find announcements of various festivals and gatherings in your area on Facebook Events.
Winter is the perfect season to discover the local cuisine. Please note that some restaurants are closed in winter. It is advisable to check this in advance. Tripadvisor, for example, doesn't always have the most up-to-date information on this.
In Portugal, meat or fish is usually on the menu, but there have also been more and more options for vegetarians in recent years.
Explore the local wineries and enjoy a wine tasting. The Algarve has a growing reputation for its wine production. There are wineries all over the region that offer wine tastings.
The Alentejo has an even greater wine production with very refined and characterful aromas. Take a look at https://www.vinhosdoalentejo.pt to get an overview of all the wine producers in the Alentejo and the events they organize.
In recent years, many foreigners have settled in the south of Portugal. In addition to the fact that many new contacts are made with the Portuguese, new compatriots also look for each other through associations of, for example, Dutch or English-speaking people. They organize fun activities throughout the year. It's a way to speak your own language and make new friends.
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