The Algarve's location on the southern fringe of continental Europe gives it a Mediterranean climate, particularly on the south coast. The weather is hot and dry throughout the summer and winters are generally mild. The rainfall is low throughout the year and reaches a peak in December and January making for lush green springs.
This weather report covers all regions of the Algarve. This includes Albufeira, Carvoeiro, Faro, Lagos, Loule, Portimao, Sagres, Silves, Tavira and Vilamoura.
For more information check out our Algarve climate...
Some of the rock formations that give Praia da Rocha ("Rock beach") its name. The beach stretches for nearly 2 km in front of the popular Algarve resort town of Portimao
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Suspension bridge just outside of Portimao which caries the main EN125 road over the River Arade
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One of the many interesting rock formations along the Algarve coast. This one is somewhere along Praia da Rocha - which translates into beach of the rocks.
photo: G Hooijer
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An aerial photo of Praia da Rocha beach, Portimao with the distincitve bridge in the background
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Located towards the western end of the Algarve, Portimão is one of the largest towns on this coast with a population approaching 40,000. As a tourist destination in its own right the town doesn't really jump out, as with much of south and west Portugal it was extensively damaged in the great earthquake of 1755.
Portimão
Consisting of nearly two kilometres of sand punctuated by jagged rock formations rising from the sea and backed by steep limestone cliffs, Praia da Rocha was one of the first places in the Algarve to be developed for tourism. As a result it is not the prettiest of towns. Purpose-built multi-storey apartment blocks dominate the cliffs behind the beach while discos, casinos, bars and restaurants line the main street, the Avenida Tomas Cabreira...