Algarve - winter break

February would be ok as long as you are prepared for rain and cool temps. There would be few to no tourists in the Algarve that time of year. However RS suggestion for Salema is not the place to stay. It basically shuts down in the winter, as do a lot of the smaller places in the Algarve. I spent two weeks in early March in Lagos and it was quite nice. It’s large enough that it doesn’t shut down in the winter, but there aren’t many people other than locals around. It’s sort in the center of the Algarve, making for easy access all along the southern coast. It also has a small market with fresh produce and fish (not certain how many days a week it’s open). The oranges will be in season and they are amazing since they are grown right there.

As far away as Evora might be doable as a day trip and you can go north up the coast from Sagres. Other than those areas, I don’t have any experience with other places for day trips. But, Tavira is nice and it would be possible to drive into Spain on a longish day trip.

It’s possible to hike along the coast around Lagos but I’m not certain how far or have any details.

The food will be mostly seafood but the prawns/shrimp/camarao (pt) are amazing. The robalo and dorada (fish) are wonderful, too. The pork from Alentejo is also quite good all over Portugal. There are a number of beach restaurants that I enjoyed as they were quiet with good food. On the sunny days in the winter, the skies are clear and beautiful.

Hello
I would stay in Lagos. I lived there for a few years and it’s quite fine in the early part of the year. Weather will be mixed, warm in the day, but can be cool in Jan=Feb/ Mar evenings.
It’s much less crowded than summer and although some places close down, there’s enough to keep you busy, especially if you enjoy walking.
There is a good coffee culture, Lagos has many good eateries, catering for all budgets.
It also has a decent bus station, for local and long distance travel
The Avenida is a pretty stroll, around the Marina and out to Maia Praia, the main beach.
I DO NOT recommend Saleima, it closes down during the winter. Luz is lovely, a quieter beach town, explore by bus from Lagos. About a 20-30 minute ride. Be sure to check timetables before travel.
The train ride to Lisbon from Faro runs frequently (via Tunes) Travel first class for a treat, tho regular class is fine. Discounts for seniors. All transport is easy to use and folk are happy to help.
Enjoy your trip!

………Just another tip. The bus picks up outside the airport terminal and runs from Faro airport into Faro train station then from Faro town to Lagos at regular intervals, stopping in every town along the Algarve. Buy the tickets at the train station in Faro/Lagos.
Day trips out via train make Lagos an easy hub. Venturing further west makes for a more challenging trip, tho local buses are frequent should you choose not to have a rental car.

The Algarve will be quieter in Feb but it is a year round tourist destination because of its almost constant sun and blue skies. People go there to play golf at that time of year to escape cold and wet Northern Europe.