The Algarve region of Portugal is a sunny, beach-filled destination that’s incredibly popular in the summer months. But visiting the Algarve in spring (March, April, May) has some excellent advantages!
In this blog post, you’ll discover 10 compelling reasons why spring is actually the optimal time for traveling to the Algarve. From pleasant weather and fewer crowds to celebrating Easter traditions and supporting local tourism, planning an Algarve holiday in the spring offers a more relaxed experience.
Spring Weather in the Algarve is Warm and Sunny
The Algarve boasts a wonderfully mild climate all year round thanks to its southern location along Portugal’s coast. While summers can get quite hot, spring brings warm yet comfortable temperatures perfect for spending plenty of time outdoors.
Average High Temperatures:
- March: 15°C – 20°C (59°F – 68°F)
- April: 18°C – 22°C (64°F – 72°F)
- May: 21°C – 25°C (70°F – 77°F)
The ocean water will still be chilly for swimming, but the lack of intense heat makes up for it. With lots of sunshine and fewer tourists, you can thoroughly enjoy Algarve beaches in the springtime.
Avoid the Crowds by Visiting in the Shoulder Season
Summer is undeniably the most popular time for vacations in the Algarve, when hotels, restaurants, tours, and attractions fill up fast. Visiting in the “shoulder season” of spring provides a much more relaxed experience overall.
You’ll encounter far smaller crowds at famous sites like Ponta da Piedade and have an easier time getting restaurant reservations or booking last-minute tours and activities. The roads and public transportation will be less crowded too.
Over-tourism is a growing concern for many destinations, but you can be a mindful traveler by visiting the Algarve in the off-peak season. This reduces the environmental impact and gives your tourist dollars to local businesses during their slower season.
More Accommodation Availability & Affordability
With fewer tourists, springtime naturally brings better availability for hotels, B&Bs, vacation rentals, and other accommodations in the Algarve. Rather than booking six months out, you can find places to stay much closer to your travel dates.
Accommodation prices also decrease slightly during the shoulder season. While not a huge difference, lower demand allows for better deals on hotels and vacation rentals.
More last-minute flexibility paired with savings on lodging costs make the Algarve an ideal budget-friendly destination in the springtime.
Lower Prices for Tours, Attractions & Restaurants
In addition to lodging, you’ll also find lower prices for many activities and experiences during the spring shoulder season.
For example, discounted boat tours to Benagil Cave or jeep tours through backcountry areas of the Algarve will be easier to find. Museums and attractions might have special spring rates too.
With fewer tourists around, popular restaurants have more availability for reservations. This increased competition motivates many dining spots to offer spring specials as well.
Overall, you’ll enjoy the Algarve much more affordably by visiting in March, April or May.
Shorter Lines & No Crowds for Attractions
Vacationing in the Algarve when it’s less busy means you won’t waste precious time waiting in long lines for top attractions.
In the summer, places like the historic castle in Silves or the famous arches at Ponta da Piedade get packed with tourists. Visiting in the spring provides a much more relaxed experience at these spots and others across the Algarve region.
Instead of jostling with crowds on busy beaches or in narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll have room to relax and take your time appreciating the sights.
The Best Time to Visit Benagil Cave
One attraction that’s an absolute must-see in the Algarve is the breathtaking Benagil Cave. This spectacular sea cave features a signature hole in its ceiling that beams down magical sunlight.
However, Benagil Cave has become extremely popular in recent years. During summer the tours feel crowded and rushed. Visiting this natural wonder in the spring provides a much more serene experience.
The most popular way to visit Benagil Cave is by boat. Tours can take you there by kayak, stand-up paddleboard or motorboat. Opting for an early morning or evening tour generally means smaller groups and more time to appreciate the stunning cave in peace.
Explore Charming Towns Without Crowds
In addition to coastal scenery, the inland towns of the Algarve region hold lots of old-world charm. Places like Silves and Ferragudo make for great day trips from beach hubs like Lagos.
Silves is centered around its impressive medieval castle and gorgeous cathedral. Quiet cobblestone lanes filled with cafés and shops weave throughout town as well.
The colorful fishing village of Ferragudo transports you back in time with its whitewashed buildings and lively port. It also boasts a historic castle and fantastic seafood restaurants.
During the busy summer, these towns overflow with tourists. Visiting in the spring allows you to appreciate the slow-paced local lifestyle without disruptive crowds. The cooler temperatures make strolling through quaint plazas even more enjoyable too.
Relax on Empty Beaches
While the ocean is still too chilly for swimming in spring, you’ll practically have the Algarve’s stunning beaches all to yourself! It’s the perfect time of year to relax right on the sand and soak up the warm sun in peace.
Two particularly scenic spots are Praia do Camilo and Praia da Cordoma.
Praia do Camilo features postcard-worthy views overlooking its small sandy cove nestled between towering cliffs. There’s also a second little beach accessed through a tunnel in the cliffs.
Meanwhile, Praia da Cordoama is an isolated 3-kilometer stretch of soft sand backed by weathered reddish cliffs. During the low season you might have its entire length to yourself!
Appreciate Ponta da Piedade Without Crowds
No visit to Lagos is complete without seeing the remarkable coastal rock formations of Ponta da Piedade. The scenic views of its arches, sea caves, and cliffs are beyond compare.
In the busy summer months Ponta da Piedade gets packed with boat tours and other visitors. But during spring you can truly soak up its natural beauty in peace and quiet.
Make sure to walk both atop the cliffs for panoramic vistas over the azure waters, as well as descending the stairs down to sea level for an up-close perspective. Going early in the morning or later in the evening will further allow you to avoid other tourists.
Celebrate Easter Traditions & Festivals
Experiencing the significant Easter celebrations and festivities in Portugal is a major draw for visits during the spring season.
The Algarve puts its own twist on the religious rituals and other Easter traditions celebrated across Portugal. You’ll find Holy Week ceremonies, masses, parades, and reenactments of Biblical events.
The fishing town of Olhão holds lively street fairs where you can try traditional Easter bread and other pastries. Handicraft markets and concerts also take place for Holy Week in the coastal hub of Lagos.
For the full Easter experience, head to Tavira to watch candlelit processions and Passion plays that commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Support Tourism in the Off-Season
Choosing to visit the Algarve in spring supports local businesses and communities when tourism is in its slower season. While summer brings the most tourists (and income), winter and spring are quieter.
By traveling to the Algarve in March, April or May, you’re helping support hotels, tour companies, shops, restaurants, and guides during their off-peak season. This creates a positive impact on the local economy in coastal towns as well as inland villages.
Plus, you’ll likely receive warmer hospitality when business owners are less overwhelmed by high volumes of tourists. Visiting in spring is a win-win scenario.
The Algarve Awaits! Plan Your Spring Getaway
From pleasant weather and blissful beaches to celebrating Easter traditions, springtime brings ideal conditions for an unforgettable Algarve escape. You’ll beat the intense summer crowds and heart while supporting local tourism as well.
Centrally located towns like Lagos make the perfect home base to explore the region’s captivating coastal scenery and idyllic inland villages. With discounted lodging and tour rates, spring is also an affordable time to visit too.
Will you Experience the Algarve at its finest this spring? Let us know if this blog post helped convince you to plan an amazing Portugal vacation! We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below.
