Why Algarve, why Portugal

The Algarve: A Perfect Destination

(Al-Gharb – Arabic for “The Land to the West”)

The Algarve is the ideal location because it is accessible to all of Europe, has connections worldwide, and its people welcome tourists with warmth and high-quality service.

The excellence of the Algarve lies in its clean waters with outstanding bacteriological quality. We have no dangerous marine animals, the temperatures are mild, and the Algarve is one of the safest destinations in the world in terms of crime. Open water swimming is excellent, as our coasts are calm, with little wave activity. We can predict the weather with great accuracy, as our bays are sheltered from the Atlantic while maintaining their rich marine biodiversity.

The Algarve also boasts exceptional gastronomy, distinct from the rest of Portugal, featuring premium ingredients such as fresh fish and vegetables. Our culinary culture is based on olive oil and healthy, flavourful Mediterranean habits.

As you arrive in the Algarve, you can smell the native plants, see the vibrant colours, and appreciate the natural landscapes. When you enter the water—ranging from a minimum of 15°C in winter to a maximum of 24°C in summer—you are treated to emerald greens, shifting from darker to lighter hues depending on the time of year.

The Best Open Water Swimming Routes in the Algarve

In the Algarve, I like to highlight three areas:

1. The Eastern Algarve (Sotavento) – East of Albufeira.
2. The Western Algarve (Barlavento) – Between Albufeira and Sagres.
3. The Vicentine Coast – Stretching from Sagres to Odeceixe.

In the east, you’ll find long golden beaches, shaped by the flat plains from Faro to the Spanish border. The area between Albufeira and Sagres features cliffs of sandstone and limestone. Further north of Sagres lies the northern coast, known locally as the Vicentine Coast.

The Barlavento Coast is the most interesting, offering ideal swimming conditions on 90% of the days each year. With fascinating geology, you can find everything from fossilised shell deposits in cliffs ranging from 5m to 25m in height, to dinosaur footprints.

The seabed is full of life: octopus, squid, cuttlefish, sea bream, sea bass, and grey mullet thrive here. And, of course, the sardine is king. In some areas, you can spot massive schools of sardines right near the shore. Water temperatures range from a minimum of 15°C to a maximum of 25°C in summer (with a few exceptions).

The Vicentine Coast lies within the Vicentine Coast and Southwest Alentejo Natural Park, with strict regulations on construction and nature conservation. In the sea, there are also restrictions on the capture of certain species and limits on how many animals or algae can be harvested.

The only real challenge in this area between Sagres and Odeceixe is the waves. On about 80% of the days, the swell makes swimming difficult. This region is dominated by surfers, but on days when the waves calm, what you see in the water is absolutely breathtaking. (This is my personal favourite area—without a doubt.)

My Favourite Swimming Routes in the Algarve

• Carvoeiro and Benagil: Known for their cliffs and caves.
• Portimão and Lagos: Ideal for spotting friendly marine life, always sheltered from the ocean by two large bays.
• Sagres: My passion. The wild cliffs and emerald green waters here are stunning.

From Sagres to Odeceixe, you’ll find cliffs rising up to 70m above the sea, made of shales and red sandstones the colour of Silves Castle. Some cliffs are nearly black, as quartz has been eroded by the sea and wind. The beaches feature white sands and a dazzling variety of marine life. Here, the sea bream (sargo) is king, deeply tied to the local economy. Locals love the “percebes” (goose barnacles), and nature remains untamed by human hands.

Swimming in these waters makes you feel special, encouraging a deeper connection with the world—a calmer, simpler, and purer perspective.

Tips for Swimming in the Algarve

When swimming in the Algarve, it’s essential to consider:

1. Recommended areas for entry and exit.
2. Tidal conditions at the time of your swim.
3. Local boat and marine traffic.

Understanding the tides is crucial. Although apps and the internet provide forecasts, unexpected conditions can arise. Knowing when the SE or SW winds will help or hinder your swim, combined with generational knowledge, proves invaluable. And, of course, knowing how to swim is a given! 😊

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See the idea here