Every summer, a little over half of Portugal’s population makes its annual pilgrimage to continental Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve. It is customary for Portuguese people to choose a fortnight, a quinzena, in July or August (although the latter is more popular) to head down to the Algarve for some Vitamin D and Vitamin Sea. In addition to all the Portuguese tourists, there is no shortage of tourists from other countries. Because the Algarve is such a popular destination, it can sometimes feel that you’re going with the crowd without any control or direction. So I’ve prepared a few tips to make your next Algarve vacation a little more pleasant and, hopefully, a little more meaningful.
Go during the mid season: While July and August represent the high season, May, June, and September are great options for various reasons. Firstly, accommodation will be significantly cheaper. Flights can be cheaper too. If you have flexibility on when you can travel, consider the mid season. Secondly: May and June both offer long days and warm weather, while September offers great temperatures, despite the shorter days (which isn’t a bad thing if you’re going for the fun night life). Depending on the year, even October can be very mild and pleasant, making it an ideal last-minute getaway. Make no mistake: July and August are hot. If you burn easily, or simply don’t fare well in the heat (ranging from 30 – 40 Celsius, or even higher, which is 87 – 103 Fahrenheit) consider avoiding those months and go another time.
A big advantage of going in the mid season is that the beaches – and the restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops – are all less crowded. Everything is open, but you’re more likely to get the best table at a restaurant, a room upgrade, and overall better service everywhere than in the high season. Most importantly, the beaches will still have plenty of people, but you won’t feel packed like Portuguese sardines in a can. This means you can get more space and privacy, especially if you venture out a little from the main beach entrances.
Rent shade: If you want to avoid carrying a big beach umbrella to and from the beach several times a day, rent out a beach umbrella or toldo (a canopy held by wooden posts, which shades you from the sun). Both options usually come with two loungers. Toldos can be rented all day, morning or afternoon only; and either ad hoc or for weeks at a time. To rent one, ask your hotel for assistance or go straight to the rental huts on the beach. During the high season, rentals can be hard to secure, so it’s best to book in advance if you want one. If you’re traveling with children, this is a great option, as you’ll already have your hands full with beach toys, inflatables, etc. and it guarantees shade for the little ones’ sensitive skin. If you opt not to rent, there are often towel-only/bring your own beach umbrellas areas where you can sit, but you can’t park yourself in the formal areas designated for the toldos or beach umbrellas.
Avoid traffic: If you happen to travel to the Algarve from Lisbon on a day where a quinzena starts or ends (1st, 15th, 16th, and 31st) in July and August, you’re asking for traffic. This traffic is particularly acute when getting on one of the two bridges that connect Lisbon to the A2 highway which links Lisbon to the Algarve (it can easily add an extra hour to your trip). My advice is to avoid those busy days and weekends if possible, or go late at night or early in the morning, especially as it won’t be as hot in the car at those times. Be warned: August 15th is a national holiday in Portugal and a lot of people travel that day.
Dine outdoors: Whether you’re eating at restaurants or in self-catered accommodation, eat al fresco wherever you can. Have a picnic! Enjoy your hotel balcony! Choose the outdoor seating at a restaurant! However, avoid mosquito hour (which exists but isn’t usually as bad as other places I’ve traveled to). Still, at that time of day while you feast on food, you may be feasted upon by mosquitos.
Leave the beach: Even though the beach is the main draw to the Algarve, there’s a lot to be discovered. If you’re interested in history and architecture, there are centuries-old castles, churches, and even Roman ruins to visit. If you like golf, there are numerous world-class golf courses. Go on a hike to Serra de Monchique or visit the Ria Formosa wetland (one of Portugal’s 7 Wonders).
Eat local foods: Find out when the farmer’s market is at your destination – I can’t recommend these markets enough! The produce in the Algarve is top quality and markets are a great way not only to sample local produce that you might otherwise not know about, but a way to get insight into local life. If you’re staying in self-catered accommodation, stock up on food at a local market. Do not leave the Algarve without tasting the oranges (or freshly squeezed orange juice); the almonds and almond-based sweets; the tomatoes; and the fish. The bread is amazing too. In fact, just try everything. Eat at local restaurants and ask the waiters for their suggestions as to what is good and what is better.
Respect the location: This one is less of a tip and more of a request. Be a responsible visitor and respect the location, which means, first of all: don’t litter. Everyone wants to enjoy the streets, the beach, and the ocean. Nobody likes to sunbathe cigarette butts or build sandcastles with food wrappers. You can sometimes find really cool recycling facilities on beaches, such as the one pictured below, for plastic bottles. Secondly, respect the people, the language, and culture. Learning just a few words in Portuguese will go a long way. I put together an “easy peasy Portuguesey phrase book” for your convenience.
I hope these tips are helpful to you, and that your next trip to the Algarve is one that you will always remember fondly. Let me know if you have any other tips in the comments below!
