Christmas Decorations

I talked about Christmas in my last Italian Premier Villas post, so I only think it’s fair that I give Portugal the same treatment, especially as the festive season in the Algarve is so beautiful (and not just because you won’t need your thermals!).

The decorations may go up on palm trees rather than pine trees, but Christmas is still celebrated with the same enthusiasm in the Algarve as it is here – it’s just that a festive walk on the beach doesn’t require quite so many clothes (it has even been known to stay warm enough for a spot of sunbathing).

The shops will start to get into the Christmas swing soon and walking round the stores and the markets is lovely, not least because the streets are a lot less busy than the average British high street. Christmas celebrations actually start properly in the second week of December and the big day is the 24th rather than the 25th, which still leaves plenty of time to indulge in the traditional marzipan sweets and fig cakes.

As I’ve already given in to talking about food (which is becoming a regular thing!), I’d better spill the beans on the traditional Christmas Eve family feast: a main meal of bacalhau (salted cod) is usually washed down with plenty of local wine and followed by nibbles, including Fatias Douradas.

It’s well worth staying for the New Year celebrations as well. There are always lots of fireworks, with the riverside display in Lagos a popular one. Flor De Lis is a great base from which to enjoy these pyrotechnics and the entire festive season. The luxury villa is a short ride from the shops and the beach and has it own heated indoor pool.

I’d also recommend the New Year’s open air concert at Fisherman’s Beach in Albufeira. Stay at Santa Lalia premier villa and you won’t be far away, although you may struggle to get away from the Jacuzzi.

For more information on Premier Villas and our villa holidays in Portugal, contact Libby on +44 1243 514970 or libby@premiervillas.net.