How to Beat the Crowds During Summer in the Algarve

Summer in the Algarve can be busy. The region is a mecca both for international visitors and for city folk from Lisbon, who head down to Portugal’s southern coast to spend much of July and August soaking up the sun. It’s clear why the Algarve is popular at this time of year – the sun shines constantly, the region is packed with restaurants, water parks, golf courses and more, and there are more than a hundred beaches for visitors to enjoy. But a summer holiday in Portugal doesn’t have to mean spending time jostling for sun loungers…

“Like any region, the Algarve has areas that are tucked away and known to few other than locals. Uncovering these ‘secrets’ can mean experiencing the Algarve in a completely different way to most tourists, with quiet spots to be found even in the height of summer.”

Alda Filipe, Sales and Marketing Director, Kronos Homes

Travel along the Algarve coast in the summer and it’s possible to see plenty of beaches packed with visitors enjoying the sun and splashing in the sea. For those who prefer a little more solitude, Praia do Barril stands out as the highlight in the eastern Algarve. Accessed by a miniature train that travels across a saltwater marsh populated by tiny, scuttling crabs, the beach has a little café for drinks, snacks and light meals, along with a huge stretch of golden sand. Walk for a minute or two and you’ll find plenty of space to spread out, even during the peak tourist season. A little way further along the coast, the island beach at Ilha da Armona near Olhāo provides stunning seclusion.

Praia de Ferragudo in the centre of the Algarve offers a similarly serene experience. It sits directly opposite Praia da Rocha, with the beaches facing off across an inlet that leads to Portimão marina. But while Praia da Rocha heaves with crowds stretching out on sun loungers or playing on giant inflatables and banana boats in the sea, Ferragudo exudes an air of quiet, unspoiled calm.

The Alvor estuary, some 10 km further along the coast, offers a similarly peaceful experience. Those in the know like to savour the view of the stunning, sparkling waters from the terrace of Al Sud, the Michelin-starred restaurant located at Palmares Ocean Living & Golf. With capacity for just 24 diners and enjoying a privileged position looking out over the estuary, the fine dining restaurant feels worlds away from the frenetic pace of some of the Algarve’s other eateries during the summer season.

Palmares Ocean Living & Golf provides both rental apartments and homes to purchase, for those looking for year-round serenity. Owned and operated by Kronos Homes, the resort is known for its stunning 27-hole golf course and the delightful way it harmonises its properties with the natural landscape. Prices for the Signature Apartments start from €600,000. Between the on-site facilities, which include an award-winning clubhouse and elegant cocktail bar, in addition to the Al Sud restaurant, and the 4 km stretch of sand at Meia Praia, just 700 m from the resort, owners can choose to dip in and out of the lively summer lifestyle as much or as little as they wish.

“The pace of life in the Algarve in summer has an energy and excitement all of its own. Some of those who visit are keen to dive into the midst of that lifestyle, while others prefer to experience the quieter side of the Algarve. By owning a home at Palmares, visitors have the option to tailor their holiday to suit their own preferences.”

Alda Filipe, Sales and Marketing Director, Kronos Homes

For more information about Palmares Ocean Living & Golf, please email realestate@palmaresresort.com, call (+351) 917 766 932 or visit https://palmaresliving.com/