Getting festive in the Algarve

When thinking of Christmas and the festive season, the Algarve is not exactly the first destination that comes to mind… but not everyone is looking for a white Christmas, and many would welcome an escape from the Christmas chaos in their hometowns. The Algarve is fairly peaceful over the festive season (not quite as commercialized), however, every town seems to have events that keep the spirit very much alive.

If you'd prefer Santa to bring you blue skies and sunshine then flights to the Algarve should be top of your Christmas list… along with a suitable rental villa.

Luxury Villa To Rent In Quinta Do Lago

The build up to Christmas…

End of November, through December you can expect to enjoy a variety of Christmas activities and markets all along the Algarve.They're not as big or elaborate as the Christmas markets you would find in Germany or the UK, but the Algarve's Christmas markets are still well worth keeping an eye out for. There's usually food and drink, including glühwein, and the stalls are great for picking up local Christmas gifts as well.

Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura are fantastic locations to be in for the holidays, each catering to the whole family with something for everyone to enjoy! With luck, the weather will be characteristically sunny and you can enjoy a stroll on the beach before starting your celebrations.

Christmas Eve is a big deal here in the Algarve (as this is when the Portuguese celebrate their Christmas), traditionally families come together for a long and leisurely meal where cod is the star of the show on their Christmas table but for those on the hunt for a traditional Christmas Roast, you will not have to look too far in the Golden Triangle.

It's important to note that in the Algarve most restaurants, shops and bars will be closed on Christmas Eve from about 6PM, allowing local families to celebrate together.

*No matter where you choose to eat, advanced booking over the Christmas period is recommended.

Boxing Day is not considered a public holiday here in Portugal and the beach is arguably the best place to go to recover from the previous day's celebrations! You will find a number of restaurants open to grab a bite to eat and even catch all of the boxing day football games.

Vale Do Lobo Villas To Rent

New Year's Eve in the Algarve has grown in popularity over the years, and so whether you choose to celebrate at home in your rental villa or out at a restaurant/bar, the fireworks display down at the Quinta do Lago lake is a must see! A number of restaurants in Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, such as Spikes Restaurant, Tribulum Algarve, Bovino Steakhouse, Casa do Lago & the Cheeky Pup will be hosting some amazing NYE parties. We would advise making your booking well in advance as they are sure to be booked out in no time.

Here at Regency Luxury Villas we still have some of the very best luxury villas available for rent over the Festive season (Christmas and New Years), all of which are only a walk or short drive to a few of the areas markets/events to note:

Christmas lights switch-on event at Dano's
The Vale do Lobo Christmas Market
Algarve Tennis & Fitness Christmas Market
Christmas village in Loulé - Aldeias dos Sonhos (Dreams Village), one of the biggest christmas villages in the south of Portugal.
Quinta Shopping Centre Christmas Market

Keep an eye on our social media pages for dates and updates on these events.