We have just experienced the busiest month of the year in terms of tourism to the Algarve, with thousands of happy holidaymakers flooding into the region to make the most of the fantastic August weather and family time away from school and the rituals of day-to-day life. Visitors are incredibly well catered for during the peak Summer months, with the Algarve Tourist Board (RTA) filling the days and evenings with fantastic events, from concerts to sports, and activity companies relishing in showing the guests exactly what the Algarve has to offer! With boat trips along the coastline, including dolphin watching and cave trips, a huge variety of water sports from surfing to parasailing, water parks and theme parks, guided tours and much much more, the Algarve really is a place for anyone to enjoy! Restaurants and bars too open their doors for extended hours to make sure that everyone can enjoy the social side of the Algarve, with late dining opportunities and late night (or early morning) partying for the hardier amongst us!
The Summer vibe has been amazing, with the swell of people, incredible weather for the beach and exploring and the general contented moods of local residents making the most of their Summer breaks. But do we wave goodbye to the Summer now for another year? Not unless you believe what the holiday companies will have to say when they try and convince you that 'guaranteed' sun will only be found in the Canaries, Cyprus, Egypt or long haul destinations from now on! And admittedly, we don't always help ourselves here with "End of Summer" parties at the end of August and clothes shops stocking their Autumn-Winter collections (something we still laugh at as the temperatures are in the 30s; but we do get bargains from the 'end of Summer' sales!). We can't guarantee the weather (but where can?) but all we can say is make the most of the bargain flights and cheaper accommodation rates and keep coming!