Off Peak Portugal - to peak or not to peak?

Discussing whether sea, sun and more sun the only things Albufeira are good for.

£20 return flight? Yes please. Alburfeira in Feburary may not be the prime tanning weather that we all crave after a long winter but it certainly has other qualities.

The Algarve is a popular tourist destination all year round with its white sand beaches, quality food and bustling strip. The warmer months are heaving with families embarking on their 10 day summer retreat - cue brit abroad culture. However, in the slow paced, cooler months, the relaxation factor is in full force given the empty streets and the ability to waltz into a restaurant without a booking. The off peak season is ideal for those seeking to travel but not break the bank - flights are cheaper, accommodation is cheaper, activities are cheaper, and you don't have all those pesky tourists filling up the sun beds before you've even downed your morning coffee.

Portugal in the winter, what have you got to offer?

Here are some headings if you want to skip to the juicy bits. This guide covers everything you need to know about skipping the crowds and travelling off peak in the the popular destination of the Algarve.

What you need to know

Food

Weather

Recommended activities

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What you need to know...

Travel is relatively cheap if you're in the right location. We stayed in the main town in Albufeira which meant getting to restaurants and the beach was only ever walking distance. Trading an Uber for fun little blue trains that cost 5 euros to take you down to the beach seems a worthy deal, even if just for the novelty factor. Food is cheap - especially when you visit off season. Go local and you'll find the prices are slashed by half. However, English is very limited in this area so prepare to whip out google translate to avoid awkward language barrier moments. Good luck explaining you want your steak cooked well done with hand gestures.

Food

The all important meals. The Algarve is home to fantastic pastry shops and known for its deliciously fresh fish, picked from the sea, or in this case the Atlantic ocean, that borders it.

In Albufeira, the unassuming Pasteleria Riviera on Rua do Muncipio is a must go. There is another Riviera just up the road which sells exactly the same produce, almost in exactly the same display order (clearly a staple in the community: if it's not broken, why fix it?), but this lacks the view. We went here every. single. day. and would have stayed for the whole day if the beach wasn't calling us. Fortunately, there's more to see than just deliciously indulgent pastries.

The balcony looks over to the seafront where you can enjoy 50 cent pastel de natas with a 1 euro coffee. Budget travellers dream. My sister's Portuguese boyfriend inhales them in one bite as a "proper local" does, apparently. The brioche bread toasties are another treasure at only 1.50 euros - they’re heavenly and addictive. Embrace the carbs, you won’t regret it. What happens on holiday, stays on holiday.

A traditional Portugese pastry called Jesuita was misleadingly enjoyable. The look of thick cream matched with heavy custard did not match the pleasantly light texture that the pastry gave, meaning the overwhelming look of the slice seemed slightly more manageable after the first bite.

The caramel cream slice was an absolute must. As my sister and I landed, it was the first bit of food we’d had since our 6am flight. We were starving and sleep deprived from the RyanAir budget flight and this was a literal slice of heaven. We both bought another throughout the time we were there…and packed one to take home. There was no holding back on this trip.

We took a trip to Silves which was about 30 minutes drive from Albufeira. It was here the damage was one - we had a fish feast fit for kings. Family run restaurant Marisquiera Rui is one of the best known seafood restaurants throughout the Algarve region and arguably the country. The fish is as fresh as can be with an aquarium bursting with coastal prawns, clams, spider crab, lobster, crab, sages fish amongst many other variations of fish. The famous seafood rice dish and Rui steak are also a staple in the restaurant, nestled in to the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere they pride themselves on. All the dishes were hurtled to your table in record speed time as terracotta plates were balanced on the fingertips of the waiters. Whether that was because they're hot on speedy service or eager to get us in and out while the ever growing queue looked hangrier by the second, it was fast. The typical seafood restaurant has an authentic feel with high quality food making for a fabulous dining experience without all the fuss.

http://www.marisqueirarui.pt

Weather

One of the joys of a European winter is that your anorak does not need to become a staple in your holiday wardrobe.The climate varied from jeans and jumper weather to bikini beach days (packing nightmare). I wore mainly linen trousers, representing the Exeter uni gal I am, and a light jumper but often didn’t need the extra layer in the midday sun. The wind in Portugal can get pretty strong, making it a breezy spot when exposed on the beach, hence the needed layers. So, although your tote bag might be slightly more filled out than a usual beach day, you can definitely still get that vitamin D with a sunbathing session. Soak up the sun, get in for a swim or grab a board and join the bleach blonde surf bums and ride some waves. Warning: a couple of surfing lessons in Devon when you were 15 will not qualify you for the big waves here. Total wipeout.

We were lucky to be able to have a fantastic beach day where the swim was actually a needed release from the sun. The Atlantic temperature of the sea is more noticeable at this time of the year but does not detract from the overall beach experience. This is definitely the place to go if you prefer a refreshingly cooler temperature compared to the Mediterranean seas.

Activities

While the occasional shower can make a beach day the last on your mind, Albufeira has many other activities to offer on a more overcast day. As a replacement for our horse riding day, which we found out too late was not open on the days we wanted (one of the downfalls of off peak season: activities aren't running as regularly), we bought some balls and spent the afternoon at the driving range.

As a first time golfer, I was not expecting to become the next Tiger Woods, or enjoy it as much, but I was pleasantly surprised. A mixture of the warming sun and green fields stretching ahead of me was the perfect combination for an afternoon activity and one that I soon found out is very popular in the area. Balaia Golf Course in Albufeira had a beautiful setting for not only whacking a golf ball around but also for enjoying a leisurely lunch.

During our trip to Silves, we ambled around the town, weaving amongst the tiled buildings and tempting boutiques, and came across a historical site. After huffing and puffing up a typical Portuguese hill, we reached the Silves Castle. With an entrance fee of €2,80 euros, it is well worth the visit, if anything just for the sweet elderly population that ambles along the cobbled streets with their mini dogs.

The inside of the castle isn't exactly decked with mile long dining tables and age old thrones, it's actually a cafe and flowerbeds. Only the perimeter remains but with a stunning view of the town, the 360 view is worth it in itself.

In the evening, we tested out the all-too-famous sticky strip, a popular drinking spot for post A level holidays and stag dos. While we weren't expecting a stream of jam-packed night clubs, we thought there would be a bit more of an atmosphere. Enjoying a strange drink in an empty club is probably not going to make it onto my list for when I next come to Albufeira. Although, if here in the peak of summer, it has a potential to be fabulously chaotic. Sometimes a bit of carnage is welcomed on a gals holiday.

Equally, if you're looking for a slightly more chic evening, the port is a perfect golden hour spot with a long stretch of slightly more expensive but glamorous restaurants that are, as per, empty in the off peak season.

So, is it worth it?

While a sunny weekend getaway is always a good idea, waiting for the summer to get those all so important vitamins is not always necessary. Cheaper flights, vacant tables and stretches of empty beaches make for a stress-free holiday. If you're looking for a more wholesome activity filled time rather than a wild weekend away, Albufeira is a prime spot to get that craved calmness, away from the stresses of UK life.