Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the Algarve is packed with ways to escape the cold and enjoy festive tradition on Portugal’s warm and welcoming south coast. Famed for its breath-taking beauty, fabulous food and luxurious leisure facilities, the Algarve is the ideal place to enjoy the winter sun and experience a Christmas and New Year with a difference. Each resort has something unique to offer.
Quinta do Lago
Play tennis, go mountain biking, meet new people, get fit, and be entertained. Phase one of Quinta do Lago’s evolutionary sports centre – The Campus - has just opened. Why not set some sporting goals for the holiday and let the team of world class trainers and coaches help you reach them? The superb facilities offer a great way to have fun while you experience professional levels of training. Start 2018 fitter and stronger!
The Shack is a beautiful location for an early evening drink, space for children to play, live music on a Thursday night, and if you want to stay into the evening there’s a lovely Bar and Grill menu.
The Bovino steakhouse is the perfect place to savour superb food in a stylish setting. And on New Year’s Eve you can see in 2018 with a specially crafted menu accompanied by complimentary drinks at midnight.
Vale do Lobo
You can combine Christmas shopping with a great family day out at the Vale do Lobo Christmas Market. This indoor event offers a wide range of luxury lifestyle Christmas gifts along with entertainment and seasonal food and drink. And, as it’s a charity market, you will also be helping to raise money for deserving causes in the local area.
Another exciting event is the Algarve Tennis and Fitness Club’s Christmas Fayre. Packed stalls with great gift ideas, an international food court, plenty of festive drinks, children’s entertainment and Christmas Carols, the TFC Fayre is a traditional family favourite.
If you enjoy a spectacular ocean view, live music and delicious food, the Boxing Day lunch at Sandbanks is the perfect place for you.
The Royal Spa is a beautiful relaxing retreat, inspired by salt mines in the Algarve. De-stress, de-tox and regenerate in this unique location, and make the end of year memorable by hitting the heights of luxury and relaxation. Alternatively, you may wish to unwind on the golf course. Vale do Lobo Golf Club open days are a great way for club members and invited guests to take part in Saturday tournaments.
Faro
In the historic heart of Faro, the Hotel Faro's Ria Formosa restaurant has prepared a festive menu which will run from 1 December to 1 January. There’s something special for Christmas Eve and a festive-themed brunch for the big day itself.
The Rest of The Algarve Region
You can buy artworks, handmade gifts and traditional and local products at Lagoa’s Lady in Red (LiR) Christmas Gallery. On December 10th, there will be live music, workshops, mulled wine, hot chocolate and Santa Claus – accompanied by a great party atmosphere.
Celebrate in style at the exclusive Conrad Algarve resort, which has a Grease theme this Christmas. You can enjoy exceptional food and jive along to the sounds of Grease (but not at the same time!). For something a little different, the magical setting of the Parrilla Natural restaurant provides an alternative setting to enjoy a traditional Sunday roast accompanied by live music.
On the 2nd of December, the Vila Vita luxury hotel and beach resort opens the doors on its Christmas Market. As well as distinctive festive products and local handicrafts, the market promises traditional northern European treats such as grilled sausages, Lebkuchen and Glühwein.
If you want to get away from it all, why not experience a luxurious festive break in charming Alentejo at Herdade dos Grous 1,700-acres country estate. Part of Vila Vita Parc, you can enjoy your exclusive Christmas escape any time between 19 December and 28 December.
Also at Vila Vita, there’s a packed New Year’s programme of entertainment, music, fine dining and fun for all the family with a Cuban theme. Running from 29 December to 1 January, this promises to be an unforgettable mix of Cuban rhythms and Latin flavours.
Celebrate Christmas and New Year on the beach
While most of Europe is shivering in the winter chill, the mild Algarve weather makes outdoor celebrations a popular option. If you want to start 2018 with warm sand between your toes, there are miles of soft golden sands on which to dance, drink dry sherry and eat salted almonds before enjoying a barbecue and then lie back as dusk descends to look up to count the stars.
At One Select Properties, we know the Algarve better than anyone. So, if a luxurious home in Portugal’s most beautiful region is on your Christmas list this year, we have the expert insight and the choice of properties to ensure you find exactly what you are looking for.
