I have just returned from a fantastic week in The Algarve on Portugal’s southern coast. There is much to admire about this region, even in early March, and it makes an excellent location for a late winter break. Faro, in the central region, is the main gateway for air travellers and is well served by low cost airlines. Flight time from the UK is around 2-3 hours depending on the exact point of departure. Here are five reasons why I think you might want to consider a visit at this time of year.
It’s relatively quiet. The population of The Algarve can triple in the summer months of July and August when thousands head down to enjoy the beaches and hot sun. By comparison the winter months are much quieter with March being the last month that you can take this for granted. From April and Easter it starts to get much busier.
The weather is pleasant. The Algarve has 300 sunshine days a year with an average summer temperature on the coast of 25 celsius, it can get much hotter inland. In March the average is a very pleasant 15 degrees. There is a greater chance of cloud and rain but you would be very unlucky if it affected everyday of your stay. During our stay we had two cloudy days, one with a little light rain, and the rest were sunny and warm reaching a high of 19 degrees. It sure beats sitting at home in the cold and wet.
Flights and accommodation are relatively cheap. Not only is it cheap to get here with plenty of options using low cost airlines but there are also some good deals to be had in hotels and rental accommodation. This makes short break in The Algarve a very attractive prospect.
Restaurants and cafés are not so busy. At this time of year year you can have your choice of restaurant without having to make a reservation days in advance. Having said that the popular ones do tend to get busy by 7.30/8pm. For me one of the main reasons for visiting Portugal is eating out in the excellent fish restaurants that you can find here and in early March you haver the pick of the best.
It’s beautiful. Make no mistake The Algarve is beautiful at any time of year, white sandy beaches, clear blue ocean and a landscape inland that is undulating and covered with a vast array of different trees and shrubs. What is different here to March at home in the UK is the colour. Not only is the landscape greener because of the evergreens but is is also splashed with colour. Oranges are still ripening on trees, almond blossom covers trees with a touch of white and there are many wild flowers in bloom.
