Well, August 2013 is certainly proving to be a steamy month here in the Algarve. Today (23rd) temperatures are forecast to reach 35 degrees Celsius in the Faro area and similar highs should continue throughout the weekend. That’s well above the 28˚C August average.
A wise woman once said to me, “There are more fun ways to keep cool than there are to stay warm.” She was so right! And there couldn’t be a better place to keep your cool than in the Algarve, where you’re never far from a refreshing dip.
Here are Meravista’s Top 5 Algarve Cooling-Off-Spots:
1 Sítio das Fontes, Lagoa
The Parque Municipal do Sítio das Fontes, "Site of Fountains" is located on the left bank of the estuary of the Rio Arade in Estombar, Lagoa. The park surrounds a major spring which has been captured to form a natural swimming pool with a shallow area suitable for children. Because the water is constantly refreshed, even on the hottest days it’s always refreshingly chilly. Very popular with locals, Sítio das Fontes has a picnic / BBQ area, a children’s playground and an amphitheatre. There is also an old mill house and a Nora (water-wheel) to see and, for those who want to get really hot before cooling off, various keep fit apparatus.
2 Barragem do Arade, Silves
Built between 1944 and 1956, the Barragem do Arade is one of the main reservoirs in the Algarve providing agricultural water. It is situated just outside Silves, off the N125 Messines road. The Barragem is a huge expanse of cool calm water. It’s really stunning to visit on a still evening, watch the sun go down and see the world around reflected in the water. Even in August, you are unlikely to see many people other than the odd fisherman or a few campers. The only sounds are the birds and the fish jumping - total tranquillity. Do take some sensible shoes though, as you will have to climb down the rocky bank if you want to cool off in the water.
3 Pego do Inferno, Tavira
Over to the east, approximately 7km northwest of Tavira, you’ll find Pego do Inferno (which literally means “Hells Pool”). This spectacular waterfall cascades down the rocks into an expanse of inviting emerald green water and is a great Cooling-Off- Spot. It’s an Ideal location for a family picnic and, if you’re brave enough you can even do what is locally known as a ‘devil’s leap’ - a jump from the cliff into the cool clear water. Do take care though, we’re not recommending that you take that leap!
4 Water Parks in the Algarve
The Algarve is home to several fantastic water parks. And, they’re not just for the kids! You’ll see adults of all ages enjoying the fun too. The three main and largest parks offering hours of cool fun for all the family are:
Look out for discount vouchers in local shops and tourist offices. Check our article on fun stuff for kids for more water park and other fun stuff.
5 Beaches – across the Algarve
Of course, let’s not forget the Algarve’s 200 km of fabulous beaches, where you’ll find a cool breeze and endless cool saltwater on tap (pun intended). Head west to Sagres for some of the best surfing beaches, relax in the Golden Triangle with a cataplana and a caipirinha, or go island hopping in the east, and take in the beautiful Ria Formosa Nature Reserve.
Don’t forget your sun cream and, before you set off, check out the sixty-nine Algarve beaches which are flying the Blue Flag award this summer.
Wherever you go and whatever you do, keep your cool!
Oh, and you might be interested in our earlier blog: A cold summer in the Algarve – not! which was a little jibe at some forecasts for a poor summer with low temperatures.
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.
Keeping your cool in the Algarve
by Almonds & Oranges
Well, August 2013 is certainly proving to be a steamy month here in the Algarve. Today (23rd) temperatures are forecast to reach 35 degrees Celsius in the Faro area and similar highs should continue throughout the weekend. That’s well above the 28˚C August average.
A wise woman once said to me, “There are more fun ways to keep cool than there are to stay warm.” She was so right! And there couldn’t be a better place to keep your cool than in the Algarve, where you’re never far from a refreshing dip.
Here are Meravista’s Top 5 Algarve Cooling-Off-Spots:
1 Sítio das Fontes, Lagoa
The Parque Municipal do Sítio das Fontes, "Site of Fountains" is located on the left bank of the estuary of the Rio Arade in Estombar, Lagoa. The park surrounds a major spring which has been captured to form a natural swimming pool with a shallow area suitable for children. Because the water is constantly refreshed, even on the hottest days it’s always refreshingly chilly. Very popular with locals, Sítio das Fontes has a picnic / BBQ area, a children’s playground and an amphitheatre. There is also an old mill house and a Nora (water-wheel) to see and, for those who want to get really hot before cooling off, various keep fit apparatus.
Built between 1944 and 1956, the Barragem do Arade is one of the main reservoirs in the Algarve providing agricultural water. It is situated just outside Silves, off the N125 Messines road. The Barragem is a huge expanse of cool calm water. It’s really stunning to visit on a still evening, watch the sun go down and see the world around reflected in the water. Even in August, you are unlikely to see many people other than the odd fisherman or a few campers. The only sounds are the birds and the fish jumping - total tranquillity. Do take some sensible shoes though, as you will have to climb down the rocky bank if you want to cool off in the water.
3 Pego do Inferno, Tavira
Over to the east, approximately 7km northwest of Tavira, you’ll find Pego do Inferno (which literally means “Hells Pool”). This spectacular waterfall cascades down the rocks into an expanse of inviting emerald green water and is a great Cooling-Off- Spot. It’s an Ideal location for a family picnic and, if you’re brave enough you can even do what is locally known as a ‘devil’s leap’ - a jump from the cliff into the cool clear water. Do take care though, we’re not recommending that you take that leap!
The Algarve is home to several fantastic water parks. And, they’re not just for the kids! You’ll see adults of all ages enjoying the fun too. The three main and largest parks offering hours of cool fun for all the family are:
Slide and Splash in Lagoa
Aqualand in Alcantarilha
Aquashow in Quarteira
Look out for discount vouchers in local shops and tourist offices. Check our article on fun stuff for kids for more water park and other fun stuff.
5 Beaches – across the Algarve
Of course, let’s not forget the Algarve’s 200 km of fabulous beaches, where you’ll find a cool breeze and endless cool saltwater on tap (pun intended). Head west to Sagres for some of the best surfing beaches, relax in the Golden Triangle with a cataplana and a caipirinha, or go island hopping in the east, and take in the beautiful Ria Formosa Nature Reserve.
Don’t forget your sun cream and, before you set off, check out the sixty-nine Algarve beaches which are flying the Blue Flag award this summer.
Wherever you go and whatever you do, keep your cool!
Oh, and you might be interested in our earlier blog: A cold summer in the Algarve – not! which was a little jibe at some forecasts for a poor summer with low temperatures.
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.