Winter Holidays in Portugal: 8 Winter Activities in the Algarve

Although the Algarve is often thought of as a summer holiday destination, it has so much more to offer in the winter too. There are loads of things to do in the Algarve all year round. During the winter, temperatures range between 15 and 20 degrees, so it’s the perfect temperature to explore the different activities the Algarve has to offer.

So, if you’re planning a winter holiday in Portugal and are wondering where to go in the Algarve, this article will give some of our favourite suggestions to suit you.

Due to its mild temperatures, the Algarve is a favourite stop-off point for birds on their migration route between Africa and Europe. This is why it’s also the number one location for birdwatchers, who flock to the very famous Ria Formosa Natural Park during their winter holiday to Portugal to take part.

As well as bird watching, you can also enjoy the wonderful biodiversity within Algarve’s natural parks and observe water birds, reptiles and amphibians.

The beaches in Algarve are some of the best, even in the winter. You could opt for a peaceful long walk along the beach, with beautiful views as far as the eye can see. Because of the milder temperatures, walks on the beaches in Algarve in winter are an invigorating and pleasant experience. You'd be surprised at how many things there are to do in the Algarve during the winter months at our many beautiful beaches. Some activities you might not notice in the summer months when they’re crowded.

When thinking of activities in the Algarve golf is one of the most popular and it’s the perfect sport to play during the cooler months. There's nothing better than having a round of golf in nice mild temperatures, while enjoying the magnificent views of the ocean or countryside.

If you’re wondering where to go in the Algarve for the best golf courses, both Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo offer world-renowned courses with exceptional facilities, along with year-round tournaments and competitions. With over 40 golf courses across the Algarve, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Explore some of our golf booking suggestions to get you started, and if you'd prefer to avoid the hassle of transporting your equipment, we’re happy to help you with our golf equipment hire service.

For those looking for more active things to do in the Algarve, why not take a walking or hiking tour? It’s a perfect activity for the cooler months, as you can avoid the summer heat. For a lighter hike, enjoy the boardwalks of Carvoeiro or Alvor. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, there are some lovely trails along the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, Via Algarviana and the Seven Hanging Valleys that are well worth exploring.

Another activity to do in the Algarve if you want to explore more of the beautiful terrain is cycling. is another good option that will allow you to cover more ground along some of the aforementioned routes, and many more. Join a bike tour along the beautiful Ria Formosa or conquer the famous QDL - Praia de Faro route that’s at your doorstep!

Alternatively, you can explore trails such as the Grande Rota do Guadiana or one of the eco-cycling routes that are part of the Ecovia do Litoral programme, which is perfect for the seasoned cyclist. And if you’ve got a need for speed, visit the Foia and admire the breathtaking views. If you want to know where to go in the Algarve for cycling or prefer something more tailor-made, check out our bespoke bike tours.

Whether you're looking for a little bit of sightseeing, a historical visit, or a spot of shopping, the Algarve has many beautiful towns and cities that will hit the mark. If you’re visiting the Algarve on your winter holiday to Portugal, check out these places:

For something a little bit different, wine-tasting could be what you're looking for when considering where to go in the Algarve. There is a good selection of vineyards in the Algarve that not only offer wine tasting experiences but also tours of their vineyards and often a few extra activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Due to the glorious sunshine that we enjoy over 300 days a year, our grapes are ideal for wine production, and the fruits of our labour are very popular with visitors and residents alike.

Another fantastic way to enjoy the activities in the Algarve is by sea. Boat tours are available year-round, taking you to unique caves and stunning beaches in the Algarve that often can’t be reached on foot. You can even enjoy boat tours that offer dolphin watching!

If you’d prefer a land-based adventure, a Jeep tour is a great option. One of the benefits of taking a Jeep tour in the winter is that the occasional rainfall helps to keep the dust to a minimum. Going off-road gives you the chance to explore the many things to do in the Algarve that you wouldn't normally see by car.