How to spend the perfect holiday in the Algarve

For deserted beaches, come outside the school holidays. The best months are May, June or October, when the sun is hot and visitors few.

High summer – July and August – can mean crowded facilities in the central Algarve, but head inland to find a quiet rural paradise that has changed little over the centuries.

In December and January, although it’s colder at night, there’s often warm sunshine in the middle of the day – and, of course, much lower hotel rates. Although swimming is only for the truly hardy, it is a wonderful time to have the Algarve to yourself.

However, if your visit is going to revolve around eating out and sightseeing, bear in mind that in winter many restaurants close – as do certain tourist attractions, such as water parks and zoos. Some airlines cut their flight timetables in winter, which results in higher prices for the flights that do run, so book well in advance for the cheaper fares. The most likely times to encounter heavy rain are late October and November.