Given the bad weather we often have during the winter months in the UK, it isn’t surprising that some of us start seeking out foreign climes to escape to for a week or so in the early stages of the New Year.

One of the more popular destinations people head for is the Algarve. Nestling down the very bottom of Portugal, the Algarve benefits from having a great deal of winter sunshine for you to take advantage of. Even when we’re still in the middle of January or February, you can expect to get around seven hours of sunshine every day in the Algarve. This is an average but it just goes to show it is worth planning a holiday in this area.

Obviously it will be quieter in winter than it is during the height of the holiday season in the summer months. But this is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact after all the excitement of Christmas, what could be better than lying back and relaxing on an Algarve beach for a week in January?

It is worth considering where in the Algarve you want to go though. For example you should check out which attractions and venues will be closed for the winter. A good example is Aqua Land, the water park that is open throughout the summer season from June until September but closes for the rest of the year. In a sense a winter holiday in the Algarve is quieter for more than one reason.

However if it’s a laid back and relaxing holiday getting away from it all that you’re after, you will be in luck. The Algarve is a delightful and attractive place to visit no matter what month you might pick. Just be sure you plan to take something to cover up with during the evenings. While it can be lovely here during the day, it can be colder at night when the sun has gone down. It might feel odd taking a couple of jumpers or cardigans, but you’ll be glad you did when you get there.