Escaping Winter: Sun, Ocean, Algarve

Winter is not necessarily the most beautiful season – at least not here in Germany. The saying “everything was better in the past” still holds true – in the past, there was actually more snow in winter, and even white Christmases. Today, things are different: In Munich, winter is often just gray, rainy, and lacking sunshine. Climate change is apparently making itself felt, and we seem to be stuck in a kind of middle ground – winter is no longer as beautifully cold and white as in the mountains, but also not as warm and sunny as in the south. The only solution that comes to my mind: flying or driving away to escape the winter in Munich. To St. Moritz if you want snow, or to the Algarve if you’re looking for sun and warmth.

Especially in January and February, enduring the Munich winter is tough. All the holidays are over, all the hustle and bustle around Christmas and New Year’s is gone, and that’s when the time period begins that I really dislike. From the end of April, Munich becomes beautiful again, but what do you do in winter? I’m also not a fan of flying to the tropics – oppressive tropical temperatures and high humidity are simply not my thing. But spending time on the Atlantic coast is truly a great idea for those who want to escape winter. Why that is, I’ll tell you in this blog post.

ALGARVE: EXCLUSIVE, CHARMING, AND FULL OF HIGHLIGHTS

Since discovering the Algarve, it has become my favorite winter travel destination. There are many reasons for that. The most important one – it is simply indescribably beautiful there. Orange rock formations, the bright blue ocean, plenty of stunning hotels, simple yet incredibly delicious cuisine, and of course, as much radiant sunshine as you could possibly wish for. For me, who suffers greatly from vitamin D deficiency in winter, the Algarve is the best way to replenish the depleted reserves during the cold months. It immediately shows in my energy levels: One week in the Algarve, and I feel like new – full of strength and drive. The ocean itself is an energy source – the sound of the waves washes away all the stress of city life: It’s just me, the sun, and the endless Atlantic.

quality of life: There are some beautiful and excellent hotels here that are barely occupied by tourists in winter. My favorites are the Pine Cliffs Resort, the Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort and the Suites Alba Resort & Spa – these are the three where I love staying the most. The cuisine in the Algarve is the second big highlight in terms of quality of life: It is simple, incredibly fresh, healthy, and offers a huge selection of fish and shrimp – which I love and could eat three times a day. And all of this combined is exactly what I look for in every trip and what I appreciate so much about the Algarve: It is an aesthetic delight – the natural scenery is truly breathtaking, the hotels are beautiful, the service combines class with warmth, and on top of that, the food is simply amazing. I can’t imagine a better combination for a vacation!

Another reason why the Algarve is so spectacular is the sheer number of things to see. Apart from the breathtakingly beautiful coastline, there are many cultural and historical sights to explore. The Algarve’s coast has a long and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. It was not only an important strategic location for seafaring but also a hub for trade routes, conquering armies, and cultural exchange. The Romans brought their architecture, engineering, and trade here. In the 8th century, the Moors conquered the Algarve and shaped the region with their cultural and architectural heritage, building fortresses, palaces, and mosques. In the 13th century, the Christian Reconquista began, the campaign to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors, and in 1249, the region became part of the Kingdom of Portugal. Many famous explorers, such as Vasco da Gama or Prince Henry the Navigator, began their journeys from ports along the Algarve coast. Due to its strategic location, the Algarve was repeatedly targeted by pirate attacks and naval battles.

One of my favorite places here is Carvoeiro, a small town known for its history of military and pirate attacks. Its history dates back to 1544 – at that time, Carvoeiro was a popular pirate spot because it was quiet and secluded in a bay. In general, the entire Algarve coast was highly sought after by pirates. The former fortress of Cacela Velha, in the eastern Algarve near Spain, was a pirate base – from there, it was easy to intercept ships coming from the Mediterranean. Even today, there are stories claiming that hidden pirate treasures can still be found in the rocks.

This is also where you’ll find the famous Heart Rocks at Praia da Marinha – rock formations that, from a certain angle, form the shape of a heart. Every beach in the Algarve is a sight in itself, and every bay with its crystal-clear water and orange cliffs feels like paradise. The best thing about the Algarve is that the coastline isn’t particularly long – it stretches only about 160 km, yet every few hundred meters, there is something special to see. Just the lighthouses alone – I counted six during my road trip!

ARRIVING IS MORE THAN JUST A DESTINATION

Another reason to fly to the Algarve during the cold season is how easy it is to get there. The flight from Munich to Lisbon takes only three hours – in that time, I barely manage to draft a text for my next blog post, and we’re already landing. Most of the time, I rent a car at the airport and drive to the Algarve. The drive is really pleasant – the highways are modern, straight, very comfortable to drive on, and there is hardly any traffic here in winter – the roads are almost empty.

I usually stay in Lisbon for one or two nights first because I know and love the city, and I enjoy seeing it every time. Then, I head to the Algarve – the drive from Lisbon to Carvoeiro takes less than three hours. Sure, you could fly directly from Munich to Faro, but personally, I find it much nicer to arrive in Lisbon first and continue from there. I need that time to collect myself and truly feel like I have arrived in Portugal.

And of course, the absolute highlight of the Algarve is Cabo de São Vicente, one of my all-time favorite places. The rugged cliff with its lighthouse sits at the very tip of a landmass. It is the southwesternmost point of the European continent and, in fact, the last point of Europe – on the other side of the Atlantic lies New York City.

Cabo de São Vicente is located in Sagres, a place that has seen many naval battles since the 14th century and where traces of prehistoric settlements from the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods can still be found. According to Roman legends, this was a meeting place of the gods. You can truly feel something mystical here, and besides that, it is one of the most breathtaking locations I have ever seen. Cabo de São Vicente is not just a place – it is an experience – I wrote more about it in my last blog post. Here, I saw the most beautiful sunset of my life, and for that alone, it is worth coming to the Algarve!

Have I convinced you? What are your favorite winter destinations?

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