I’ve had the luck to grow up in the Algarve, the south of Portugal. Being Dutch by birth, growing up in a sunny country, surrounded by amazing nature and friendly people was a true blessing. If you did not have that luck, the Algarve is definitely worth a visit for your holidays this summer. As a local, I’m happy to share 5 reasons to visit the Algarve this summer:
1. Lovely Climate
The weather in the Algarve is quite different from its eastern side, closer to Spain and closer to the typical Mediterranean climate to its west coast, more influenced by the Atlantic Ocean.
In the Western Algarve, during the summer month, you’ll enjoy warm days, without too much wind and mild evenings. Sometimes, it may get too hot, especially for people like me, who don’t deal with the heat too well.
On the other hand, if we look at the western Algarve, we have more wind and colder nights. Personally, I love this because I don’t like to sleep with heat (and I hate AC).
So to pick your holiday destination in the Algarve this summer, you might want to check the local weather.
2. Friendly People
The Portuguese people are simply amazing. First of all, it’s easy to communicate as English is very well spoken in Portugal, specially at the most touristic places.
You’ll find that Portuguese people are very welcoming, especially toward visitors. They’ll do their best to make sure you have good memories of their lovely country! In addition, the Portuguese are always up for a chat as most of them are very interested in life abroad and will be eager to know more about your country.
Also, the Algarve is home to many expats, so you’ll be able to get to know people from all over the world.
3. Delicious Food
Nowadays you’ll be able to find cuisines for all tastes and budgets in the Algarve. In the bigger cities, you’ll find Italian, Asian, and Vegan restaurants along with the typical Portuguese ones.
My true passion is fresh seafood. I’d suggest looking for a good local restaurant with a nice view and try some “camarão” (shrimps), “percebes” (small crustaceans with a very characteristic sea flavor), “ameijoas” (clams) or a grilled catch of the day like “Robalo” (sea bass) or “Dourada” (golden bream).
Don’t forget to pair your meal with some delicious local wine.
The Algarve hosts multiple food festivals in the summer. Every year, around July or August, the city of Lagos hosts the “Feira de Artesanato e Doçaria”. It’s a fair of crafts and sweets where you can find all kinds of homemade regional sweets (like “Dom Rodrigos”), ceramics, cork items, etc.
If you like sardines, you should visit Portimão in September for the “Festival da Sardinha”. It’s a celebration of the sardine. The most typical way to enjoy sardines is grilled with bread, served with wine and live music. The festival takes place along the riverside area and includes concerts, crafts, and family activities.
Olhão hosts the “Festival do Marisco” in the month of August it’s one of the Algarve’s biggest food festivals. Here you’ll find massive seafood offerings and major live acts every night. It’s a great opportunity to taste regional dishes and party by the sea.
4. Incredible Nature
The Algarve is known for its stunning beaches and rock formations. A boat tour to check out some of the local caves is a must. The most popular caves of the Algarve are located about two areas: Benagil and Ponta da Piedade (Lagos). If you’re in a sporty mood, I’d recommend doing a stand-up paddle or kaya tour. If you have a higher budget, renting a boat with a private skipper is an unforgettable experience. You can enjoy the ocean for a full-day with customized catering options.
The interior of the Algarve is worth a visit for nature lovers too. The mountains of Monchique are a must-go place for those who like hiking or trail running. Horseback riding is also a great way to explore the local nature.
5. Parties and Nightlife
Some cities of the Algarve are known for their crazy nightlife like Albufeira and Lagos. Here you’ll find cozy pubs where you can drink and dance the night away.
If you’re more into dancing outdoors, you might find a local beach party or festival, which happens mostly during the summer months.
In Western Algarve, the famous “Festa do Banho 29” is celebrated on August 29th. People take a traditional dip in the sea at midnight, a local ritual for health and good fortune. You’ll find most beaches like Meia Praia full of parties and concerts. It’s a big happening!
Overall, the Algarve is surely a great place to spend your summer holidays. And if you’ve already got your holidays planned for the summer, how about planning a winter escapade?
Author bio:
Dutch-born Bo Irik grew up in Southern Portugal and her passion for the sea resulted in SeaBookings.com, an online platform about sea experiences around the world.
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