4 family friendly things to do in the Algarve this winter | SPL Villas Blog

Sat at the very bottom of the country, stretching from the mouth of the Mediterranean to Spain's Andalucia, the Algarve is one of the most popular regions in Portugal for families and looking at what's on offer, it's no surprise. As one of the warmest places in Southern Europe, the Algarve provides a mild climate all year round, which means that there are still countless things to do even in the less busy seasons!

In fact, when it comes to the colder months, the Algarve may be one of the best spots in Europe for winter sun, chock full of great beaches, fantastic attractions, and of course, our superb family-sized villas are available all year round.

Algarve beaches

The beaches of Algarve range from family-friendly shorelines backed by bustling waterfronts to quieter scenic spots with award-winning vistas. One of our favourites includes Albufeira's Praia Sao Rafael, a beautiful stretch of golden sand paired with lagoon blue water. In and around Praia Sao Rafael are fantastic rock structures, making it popular with locals and tourists alike.

A short distance from many of our villas, it's a great spot during the winter season as crowds die down, but the water stays warm enough for a paddle!

Hiking

If you're a fan of the natural beauty Algarve has to offer, winter can be one of the best times to get out there and experience it. While you still might all need sun cream and a hat, the weather is cool enough that you don't need to worry about overheating or hiding from the sun when it's highest in the sky.

Algarve offers plenty of hikes, both inland and along the coast, each offering impressive views, the beauty of these walks is that you decide how far you want to go. We recommend doing some research into what you can expect to find and where your route will take you to ensure those with the smallest legs aren't too tired for the return journey! After a day of hiking, there’s nothing better than cooling off with a dip in your villa's private swimming pool. 

Algarve's activities and attractions

Theme parks and zoos

One of the best things to do in the Algarve in the winter is to make the most of the lack of crowds. Visiting the region's theme parks, zoos, and other top-rated attractions during the off-season periods can feel as though you've got the park all to yourself. With smaller queues and less time waiting around, you can really get the most out of the wide selection of attractions that makes the Algarve such a popular destination for families.

Dolphin and cave cruises, AlgarveDotted around the region and often very easy to get to, you're sure to find something to suit each family member, ensuring that everyone comes away with a smile. 

Cave and dolphin cruises

One of the most spectacular things about the Algarve and Portugal, on the whole, is the abundance and variety of wildlife you can find. Tree frogs, salamanders, even mongeese can be found in and around Algarve (though hopefully not in your villa!). However, some of the most exciting and memorable animals you might be able to spot on your winter sun holiday are dolphins and whales.

With two species of dolphins living in the area all year round, your chances of spotting these magnificent creatures on a boat trip are still high even in the cooler months, and with fewer customers, you may even be able to negotiate a cheaper fare.

Similarly, you can take cruises to explore some of the south coast’s hidden beaches. Tucked away in the limestone caves, these otherwise inaccessible alcoves can only be reached by sea, turning them into your own private beach.

Winter sun in Algarve

With our incredible villas spread across the beautiful Algarve, you're sure to find somewhere delightful for you and your family this winter. Perfect for a quiet getaway but with enough amenities and attractions on hand to keep kids of all ages happy, the south of Portugal may be exactly what you're looking for when it comes to winter sun.