Thinking of spending time in the Algarves to escape Winter . I was thinking of Lagos but worried it could be too quiet at this time of year . Thoughts on Albufeira ? Or other suggestions
Posted by
Irving
2948 posts
My understanding is the Algarve is pretty much dead during the winter.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1671 posts
I was in Lagos at that time of the year a few years ago. I didn’t notice anything that was closed. But, be aware at the best of times the Algarve is all about beaches. And, it’s definitely not beach weather. Lisbon is still mild compared to a lot of places and there is so much more to do.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
My thoughts on Albufeira? A hideous place full of high rise blocks and popular with stag and hen parties doing their best to be drunk 24/7. Best avoided.
Lagos has a resident population of over 30,000 people so it isn’t quiet in the winter, although some resorts on the Algarve are dead, such as Salema and Altura. Plus resident numbers on the Algarve are boosted by pensioners from northern Europe spending their winters there. It’s much windier at the western end of the Algarve, which can knock several degrees off the temperature.
I have spent several February/March times in Tavira on the Algarve, but I now head to the Canary Islands - Fuerteventura - as the Algarve weather is still cool and wet in comparison. It’s not going to be beach weather.
Cabanas near Tavira is popular with Canadians and Americans who spend 8-10 weeks there. Some apartment rentals pre Covid offered 4 weeks for the price of 3 - I don’t know if this is still the case.
I would head to the Canaries, Lisbon or the eastern end of the Algarve at that time of year.