What's the weather like in Alvor in April?
Temperature
As a second chapter to the coastal Portuguese spring, April brings even more sunshine, and slightly less rain. The average temperature is a warmer 15⁰C (59⁰F), with higher averages reaching 19⁰C throughout the third and fourth week of the month. Despite the increase in mercury values, the nights are still quite cool at 12⁰C on average. However humidity drops down to 75%, making the dew points comfortable and the air-conditioning less of a necessity and more of a luxury. The air is now dry enough to favour warmth and sun throughout the month.
Sunshine Hours
The days are even longer, with up to 10 hours of sunshine and an increased 36% chance of gloriously sunny days to work with in April. While rainfall is slightly increased to 44mm on average, the quantity is still small and spread over a large number of days up to 18.5 days, to be precise. Chances of rain drop to 19% on average, which overall translates into an abundance of sunny days, with occasional cool showers and just 10% chances of full-on cloudy days.
Wind
The winds are still strong, most of them now shifting to eastern and south-eastern influences, and average speeds of up to 4.2m/s. They're quite bold, but slightly warmer and drier than their northern predecessors. Chances of windy days are still encouragingly high at 28% on average, making for slightly choppy waters and high tides which are perfect for more experienced sailing and windsurfing just don't forget the neoprene, as the water temperature only gains one degree, keeping itself steady at 17⁰C (62⁰F). The North Atlantic Ocean now welcomes the Mediterranean undercurrents, with tropical influences from the North-African shorelines, but still not something we'd recommend in terms of swimming.
Beaches in Alvor in April
Praia Dona Ana
While the water may not be the best for swimming, you can still catch some sun, breathe in the healthy and salty ocean air and explore the numerous grottos and rock pools that the Algarve coastline has to offer between stretches of fine sand. Praia Dona Ana, for example, is one of the most beautiful and most intriguing locations on this part of the shoreline. You'll find it closer to Lagos, and fully framed by enormous rock clusters and a sharp cliff which suddenly drops into dark and hidden grottos and inner petals of flat golden sand opening up to azure waters. It is absolutely perfect for exploring and relaxing, and the water entrance is shallow and better during the warmer days if you really want to dip your toes in the ocean.
Bars and Restaurants
Vagabondo Restaurant
As the summer season creeps closer and closer, many venues begin to open their doors. April is quite a popular time for tourists, marking Easter and the beginning of the holiday season. One of the best places to try in terms of delicious local foods is Vagabondo, one of Alvor's most popular restaurants.
Its setting is very relaxed, the décor is modern and charming, the service is excellent and the food is absolutely divine, a mixture of modern and traditional Portuguese cuisine sprinkled with grilled seafood and an impressive wine list to match. The prices are also wallet-friendly, making Vagabondo one of Alvor's top spots for lunch, dinner or drinks with friends.
Windsurf Restaurant and Snack Bar
Down by the fishing docks, right on Alvor's main beach, you'll find Windsurf Restaurant & Snack Bar, an excellent choice for drinks and great food alike the chef is experienced and a lover of quality and locally sourced ingredients, so expect your sirloin steak and piri piri chicken to be grilled close to perfection, served with a wonderful selection of dips and side dishes. The wine list and exotic cocktails are perfect companions to whichever meal you choose.
Black Stove Alvor
For an evening drink and a hefty amount of live music, you most certainly have to stop by the Black Stove Alvor, the city's most popular Irish Pub. It's been making many people happy since it first opened its doors to the public in 2005, offering a wide variety of draught ales and ciders, as well as a local selection of wines and Porto, Portugal's signature drink. Their kitchen is not to be played with either, as they certainly know how to complement a good beer with an even better meal, and on top of it all, they put together very lively and entertaining live music nights, bringing both locals and tourists together in a great atmosphere.
Things to Do in Alvor in April
Bike Tour
Alvor is part of the absolutely splendid Algarve, home to the Ria Formosa and one of Portugal's natural seven wonders, a haven for endemic flora and wildlife, and truly a wonderful sight to behold. A very good way to fully explore and take in all the wonders that this place has to offer is by taking the bike tour.
Your leader will take you through some of Ria Formosa's most breath-taking spots, giving you the opportunity to admire and photograph some of the rare and local birds. You'll be taken from beaches through pine woodlands all the way down to the famous saltpans, just enough for you to see and truly understand the incredible biodiversity and splendid scenery that this area is so famous for.
Tuna Route
Take the Tuna Route, a traditional fishing boat tour in Tavira while you're here. You'll board a traditional Portuguese fishing boat and be taken down the beautiful Ria Formosa to admire and observe the fascinating array of riverside farms, villages and wild scenery. The river will take you around the Island of Tavira, whose people carry generations of fishing traditions in their culture. You'll even get to see the little village that was once a centre for tuna fishing on this side of the coast, and you'll learn more about the old net and harpoon techniques used to catch this fish.
Guided Walks
Step away from the urban sights of Alvor and go on a Sao Bras de Alportel, in the heart of the beautiful Algarve, the jewel of the Portuguese countryside. They start you off from the delightful little village of Mesquita, down a circular path which takes you through limestone stretches, wild orchids and ancient man-made stone walls lining the idyllic scenery. The walk will take you through old and charming woodlands of olive trees, then bold green meadows sprinkled with yellow buttercups and red poppies, and then through the lush valley of Sao Bras, ultimately bringing you back to Mesquita, where you can grab a drink and lunch at the small tavern.
