Planning a trip to Algarve is fairly simple due to the moderate weather. The temperature never gets over the top hot or too cold for a holiday, although travellers should be advised that the wettest months in the region are January and February.

Festival Sons do Fado in Lagoa

The festivals in the Algarve are a fun way to experience the local culture of the region. In April, the Fiera de Mãe Soberana is held; this religious festival begins with the transport of the statue of the patron saint from the Ermita do Alto do Cerro to the Church of São Francisco.
A week later, the statue is returned to the original location, in the second part of the celebration. One of the best carnivals in Portugal is the Loule Carnaval, held for three days at the end of February or beginning of March. A food lover’s paradise waits at the Festival de Gastronomia Serrana in March and April, where many neighbouring restaurants offer tastes from the local culture of food.

Seafood lovers can wait until August to visit and partake in the Olhão Seafood Festival. Furthermore, in April is the five day long Lagos Jazz Festival. Also catering to music lovers is the Festival Internacional do Musica do Algarve, which runs from April to June and highlights dancers, singers, and other performing arts, showcases from across the globe.

For a great look at the culture and folklore of Portugal and especially the Algarve region, visit for the Festival de Folclore do Algarve, in August or September. This festival showcases performances that celebrate the culture of Portugal. Whatever time of the year you choose to visit Algarve, there is something magical waiting for you along the majestic Portuguese coast and the inland countryside, full of rich culture and history.

[ Photo, courtesy of scottx ]