Sunshine, celebrations, sport, culture & plenty of reasons to visit Salema this winter
Think the Algarve shuts down when summer ends? Think again.
Winter in the western Algarve has a completely different feel. The beaches are peaceful, the coastal walks are spectacular, restaurants are less crowded and there’s a surprisingly lively programme of local festivals, sporting events, Christmas celebrations, music and cultural events.
If you’re staying with us in Salema, here are some of the highlights to look out for between November and March.
🍂 NOVEMBER 2026
🏁 27–29 November
Lagos Baja
📍 Lagos & the western Algarve
If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, the Lagos Baja brings off-road motorsport to the western Algarve.
The event takes competitors through spectacular countryside around Lagos, Vila do Bispo, Aljezur, Monchique and Portimão, making it a great opportunity to combine a day exploring the region with some high-speed action.
Perfect for: 🏎️ Motorsport fans | 👨👩👧 Families | 🚙 Adventure lovers
🎄 DECEMBER 2026
✨ Christmas in Lagos
📍 Lagos
December sees Lagos transform for its annual Christmas celebrations.
Expect a festive atmosphere around the historic centre, with Christmas markets, children’s entertainment, Santa’s house, performances and seasonal activities.
There are also normally concerts and cultural events taking place around the city throughout December.
Perfect for: 🎅 Families | 🛍️ Christmas shopping | 🍷 Festive evenings
⭐ Don’t miss
Lagos Christmas Market
Head into the historic centre, enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and combine it with dinner in one of Lagos’s many restaurants.
🎆 31 DECEMBER 2026
🥂 New Year’s Eve in Lagos
📍 Lagos
Fancy seeing in the New Year beside the Atlantic?
Lagos traditionally hosts a lively New Year’s Eve celebration, with festivities around the waterfront and historic centre.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for something more memorable than spending New Year’s Eve at home.
Perfect for: 🥂 Couples | 👨👩👧 Families | 🎉 Groups of friends
🌟 JANUARY 2027
🎶 5 January
Cantar dos Reis
📍 Lagos
Experience one of Portugal’s traditional January customs as groups perform Cantar dos Reis — traditional songs associated with Epiphany.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience something genuinely Portuguese rather than a tourist-focused event.
Throughout January
Lagos’s winter cultural programme normally includes:
🎵 Live music
🎭 Theatre & performances
🎨 Art exhibitions
🔭 Astronomy events
👨👩👧 Children’s activities
🥾 Walking & outdoor events
January is also a fantastic time to explore the Costa Vicentina, with cooler temperatures making long coastal walks much more enjoyable.
🎭 FEBRUARY 2027
🎉 Carnival
📍 Lagos & Odiáxere
Portugal knows how to celebrate Carnival!
Carnival normally brings colourful costumes, music, parades and family entertainment to towns and villages around the Algarve.
Keep an eye on the programme for Odiáxere and the Lagos area, where local Carnival celebrations have traditionally taken place.
📅 Carnival 2027: around 9 February
Perfect for: 🎭 Families | 📸 Photography | 🎉 Anyone who likes a party
🚴 FEBRUARY 2027
🚴♂️ Volta ao Algarve
16–20 February 2027*
📍 Algarve — including the western Algarve
One of the biggest sporting events on the Algarve’s winter calendar, the Volta ao Algarve brings some of professional cycling’s biggest names to the region.
The race has previously included Lagos and the western Algarve, giving visitors the chance to watch professional cycling against the backdrop of the Algarve’s spectacular coastline and countryside.
And if you’d rather take part than watch…
🚴 Algarve Granfondo
The associated Granfondo gives amateur cyclists the chance to ride through the Algarve themselves.
Perfect for: 🚴 Cycling fans | 🏆 Sports fans | 📸 Spectators
*Dates/routes for 2027 should be checked when the official programme is released.
🌿 MARCH 2027
🌸 Spring arrives on the Costa Vicentina
March is when the western Algarve really starts to come alive again.
The weather becomes warmer, wildflowers begin appearing across the countryside and the Rota Vicentina and Costa Vicentina coastline become fantastic places for walking.
🌼 Wildflowers & Walking
If you’re visiting in March, make time for:
🥾 Rota Vicentina walks
🌊 Dramatic Atlantic cliffs
🌸 Spring wildflowers
🏖️ Empty beaches
🍴 Lunch in a traditional village restaurant
🌅 Sunset on the west coast
There are also specialist wildflower and walking tours taking place around Aljezur and the Costa Vicentina during March.
Perfect for: 🥾 Walkers | 📷 Photographers | 🌿 Nature lovers | 🐕 Dog owners
📅 YOUR WESTERN ALGARVE WINTER AT A GLANCE
| MONTH | HIGHLIGHT | WHERE |
|---|---|---|
| 🍂 NOVEMBER | 🏁 Lagos Baja | Lagos & Western Algarve |
| 🎄 DECEMBER | 🎅 Christmas celebrations | Lagos |
| 🎆 DECEMBER | 🥂 New Year’s Eve | Lagos |
| 🌟 JANUARY | 🎶 Cantar dos Reis | Lagos |
| 🎭 FEBRUARY | 🎉 Carnival | Lagos & Odiáxere |
| 🚴 FEBRUARY | 🚴 Volta ao Algarve | Algarve / Western Algarve |
| 🌸 MARCH | 🌿 Wildflowers & walking | Costa Vicentina |
🌊 Why visit Salema in winter?
One of the best things about a winter stay in Salema is that you get to experience the Algarve without the summer crowds.
Imagine waking up to the Atlantic Ocean, enjoying breakfast on your terrace, walking along the beach with hardly anyone around and then heading into Lagos for lunch or an afternoon event.
And because Salema sits right between Lagos and the wild Costa Vicentina, it’s an ideal base for exploring the western Algarve throughout the winter months.
☀️ Winter in Salema means:
🌊 Peaceful beaches
🥾 Incredible coastal walks
🍴 Great local restaurants
🌅 Spectacular sunsets
🚴 Sporting events
🎭 Portuguese festivals
🎄 Christmas celebrations
🌸 Spring wildflowers
🏡 And, of course, a beautiful villa to come home to
🏡 Make Salema your winter escape
Our luxury Algarve villas are just a short stroll from the beach and make the perfect base for discovering the western Algarve outside the busy summer season.
With private pools, hot tubs, games rooms, spectacular sea views and beautiful terraces, you can enjoy Salema at your own pace — whether you’re here for a long weekend, a winter escape or a longer stay.
📌 Bookmark this page!
We’ll be adding new events and confirmed dates to our Western Algarve Winter Events Calendar as the 2026–27 programme is announced.
So bookmark this page and check back before your trip — there may be something special happening during your stay!
Event dates and programmes can change. Please check with the individual event organiser or local council before travelling.
