6 Things to Do in Algarve in November, Portugal (original) (raw)
Traveling to Algarve in November is a wonderful time to visit if you know what to expect. It’s firmly offseason. Beaches are empty, temperatures are mild, hotel prices are low, and you can secure dinner reservations anywhere.
It’s an especially excellent time to go hiking, as the air is balmy and daytime temperatures hover around 18°C.
November isn’t a great month for a beach holiday. There will definitely be a few days that merit long hours at the beach, but most of the time, it’s just a bit too crisp. Therefore, we wouldn’t recommend designing your trip around a single beach resort town.
If the weather isn’t ideal, then you’ll be bored out of your mind. Because the “tourist season” has ended, some establishments in Southern Portugal start closing up for the holidays early in the month. That didn’t impact our trip too much, but it made eating out a bit difficult.
- Algarve Temperature in November
- Algarve Weather in November
- What to See and Do in Algarve in November
- Where to Stay in Algarve in November
- Portugal Travel Guides
- November Daytime Temperature: 17°C – 19°C (62°F – 66.2°F)
- Recommended Itinerary: Algarve Road Trip
- Getting Around Algarve: The most efficient way to travel between destinations in the Algarve is with your own car. We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Tenerife. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
- Recommended Hiking Guidebooks: Walking in Portugal and Walking in the Algarve
Algarve Temperature in November
The Algarve temp in November is very mild. In summer, the heat can be very oppressive and discourage you from exploring any place other than the beaches.
So, Fall is a great time to take advantage of the milder temperatures and get to know Algarve’s inland villages and coastal trails.
The sun sets around 5:30 p.m. As soon as it does, you’ll be grabbing your sweater and jacket. It gets chilly. Even wearing sandals at night felt too cold.
Daytime temperatures in Algarve in November range from 17°C – 19°C (62°F – 66.2°F). Nighttime temperatures range from 11°C – 14°C (51.8°F – 57.2°F).
Algarve Weather in November
We were in Algarve from early to mid-November. In general, the weather was very stable.
We had beautiful sunny skies with some cloud coverage almost every day. It rained only twice during our trip. The rainfall was sporadic, not continuous.
The forecast for the end of November (in 2019) showed more rainfall. Though, the temperatures remained the same throughout the month.
What to See and Do in Algarve in November
1. Walk the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
November is the perfect month to hike along Algarve’s Atlantic coastline. Because temperatures are mild throughout the day and parking isn’t a problem, you can start whenever you want.
One of the most popular walks in the Algarve is the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. This coastal route stretches between the beaches of Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centianes.
Read our Seven Hanging Valleys trail guide to find out where to start, where to eat, and which direction to hike in first.
2. Southern Portugal Road Trip
November is a great month to explore Algarve on a road trip. Unlike the summer months, the climate is very agreeable and allows for active exploration.
While beach destinations are definitely the highlight of any trip to Algarve, you could explore and stay in inland towns as well.
You won’t be roasted by the sun if you visit the towns of Silves, São Brás de Alportel, Castro Marim, Loulé, and Alte.
Read our Algarve road trip itinerary for trip planning inspiration.
3. Grab a Cocktail at Rei das Praias
Rei das Praias is a beach restaurant and bar situated at the hidden Praia dos Caneiros in Ferragudo. In summer, it’s really difficult to secure a reservation here, but in November, it’s blissfully quiet.
You can enjoy the golden beach of Praia dos Caneiros, before grabbing a cocktail, or dinner at Rei das Praias. And, if you’re keen on more coastal hiking, a beautiful trail starts right here (see below).
Tip | Stay at Caneiros Luxury House & Suites. From the hotel, it’s a short walk to Rei das Praias and Praia dos Caneiros.
4. Hike the Trail of Headlands
Another fantastic hiking trail in Algarve is the Trail of the Headlands. The trail clings to the coast between the beaches of Praia dos Caneiros, Ferragudo, and Praia do Carvoeiro.
This is a fantastic walking route that very few people know about. You can read more about it in Best Hikes in Portugal.
5. Watch the Sunset at Praia dos Arrifes
Praia dos Arrifes is a blue flag beach in Albufeira municipality. Dominated by three isolated rock formations, this dramatic beachscape makes for a fantastic photography spot during sunset.
When we were staying in Sao Rafael, we walked to Praia dos Arrifes for sunset. Our only company was a lone fisherman waiting to catch his dinner.
Where to Stay in Algarve in November
The best places to Stay in Algarve in November are Ferragudo, Carvoeiro, or Lagos. Learn More: Where to Stay in the Algarve.
Stay in Ferragudo
If you want a quiet holiday with a local vibe
Ferragudo is a whitewashed fishing village, situated at the mouth of the Arade River. It’s directly across from Portimão, though it couldn’t be more different.
Ferragudo retains its character with great ease. There are no tacky tourist shops or hideous megahotels here. If you’re looking for a quiet place to stay that feels more local than touristy, stay in Ferragudo.
Though quiet, Ferragudo was not empty in November. Locals drink coffee in snack bars and children run home from school.
Ferragudo Accommodations
Caneiros Luxury House & Suites
Midrange | The impeccably-run One2Seven offers a range of bright and clean double rooms and apartments in the historic center of Ferragudo. The aparthotel’s central location affords easy access to multiple restaurants, the Arade River, Praia da Angrinha, and Fort of São João do Arade. Guests love the swimming pool, fitness center, and terrace breakfast.
Midrange | The hillside Vitor’s Village in the center of Ferragudo offers a range of rooms, suites, and apartments that cater to various needs. The village property boasts an on-site restaurant, 3 pools, and nearby free parking. A complimentary shuttle service ensures easy access to nearby beaches.
Luxury | Hotel Rural Brícia Du Mar is a 4-star hotel in Ferragudo, situated between the town center and Praia da Rocha. This peaceful retreat offers air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and bar, gym, and on-site restaurant.
Top Choice – Luxury | We loved staying at Caneiros Luxury House & Suites, a boutique hotel in Ferragudo. We loved the comfort of our room, the professionalism of the staff, the overall design of the hotel, and our daily breakfast on the terrace. We have nothing but the highest praise for this accommodation.
Caneiros Luxury House & Suites is also a 5-minute walk to Praia dos Caneiros, the most beautiful beach in Ferragudo. Here, you can watch the sunset, enjoy a drink at Rei das Praias, and walk along the coast (Trail of Headlands).
More Accommodations | Vila Castelo Parque (luxury)
Look for accommodation in Ferragudo.
Stay in Carvoeiro
If you want to do lots of coastal walking
Carvoeiro is a scenic coastal town in the Algarve. It’s one of those few places where the development actually enhances the coast’s natural beauty.
Flanked by limestone cliffs topped with houses, the Carvoeiro Beach is picture-perfect from every possible angle. Its beauty is simultaneously timeless and nostalgic.
November is the perfect month to stay in Carvoeiro. In summer, it’s super busy here. But, in fall it’s perfect. Furthermore, if you stay in Carvoeiro, you can walk to Ferragudo along the Trail of Headlands. You can also walk along the boardwalk and to the start of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
Carvoeiro Accommodations
Budget | O Quintal Guesthouse is a darling, light-filled B&B in the center of Carvoeiro. Guests have access to a shared kitchen, lounge, and terrace.
Midrange | O Castelo Guest House offers spotless rooms with gorgeous sea views. The location is outstanding – close to the beach and city center (restaurants). Excellent Staff & Service.
Luxury | Tivoli Carvoeiro is a newly-renovated hotel in Carvoeiro. There is no better option for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. As a guest, you can enjoy two swimming pools and a spa center. You’ll also be treated to cliff and ocean views from your room (opt for sea view) and the hotel’s various bars (there are three). And, if you’re seeking a no-hassle vacation, you can book half board (breakfast and dinner included). Tivoli Carvoeiro has 3 on-site restaurants.
More Carvoeiro Accommodations | Villa Welwitshia (budget-midrange), Placid Village (midrange), Carvoeiro B&B and SPA (midrange), Quinta Nova Vale Del Rey (midrange), or Quinta do Ourives (luxury)
Look for accommodation in Carvoeiro.
Stay in Lagos
If you want a vibrant scene
Lagos is a vibrant town and a great base in the Algarve for couples, friends, and families.
Dining and cuisine options are unlimited. You can eat Mexican, Hawaiian, Indian, and the list goes on.
While many places in the Algarve in November feel empty and sleepy, Lagos doesn’t at all.
Stay in Lagos in order to visit Ponta da Piedade, Praia do Camilo, and Praia da Dona Ana. From Lagos, you’re well-positioned to take day trips to Burgau, Praia dos Três Irmãos, and even Sagres
Town Center Accommodations
Budget | Boutique Taghostel is a charming, centrally-located hostel with mixed and female-only dormitories. Guests have access to a communal kitchen, sea-facing rooftop terrace, and living room.
Budget | Olive Hostel Lagos is a lively hostel set in the historic center of Lagos with a communal patio, on-site bar, and kitchen.
Midrange | 3 Marias Guest House is a top-rated bed and breakfast in Lagos with a wonderful rooftop terrace. The rooms are simple, but extremely clean and comfortable. The breakfast is extraordinary.
Top Choice – Midrange | The recently renovated Alto Mar Inn is a lovely B&B with air-conditioned rooms and free, on-site parking.
More town center accommodations | Vi Mar Guesthouse (midrange)
Outside Town Center Accommodations
Midrange | Solar de Mós Hotel is a family-run B&B in Lagos, walking distance to the coastal trails and the town center. This clean and homey guesthouse features clean rooms, a well-kept outdoor swimming pool, and terrace.
Luxury Adults-Only | Villas D. Dinis – Charming Residence offers air-conditioned villas with private terraces set around a pool and garden. The property is a 5-minute walk to Praia Dona Ana and a 10-minute walk to Praia do Camilo.
Luxury | Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Cascade Wellness Resort is a serene cliff-top retreat that offers an assortment of rooms, apartments, and villas. All holiday needs are met with the outdoor swimming pool, quality breakfast service, several on-site restaurants, bar, adults-only (ages 16+) spa, open 10 am – 6 pm.
More outside town center accommodations | Lagos Atlantic Hotel (luxury), Vivenda Solmar (luxury), and Fazenda Viegas (luxury)
Look for accommodation in Lagos.
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