A Digital Nomad review of Praia da Luz (August 2021)

A brief recap: Since arriving at Ocean Villas Luz in August 2020, our resident blogger/writer David Lugg has been experiencing all aspects of Luz Life. This is his August review:

Last week, a friend sent me a message asking if I ever got bored of the sun shining every day in the Algarve. I was sat watching the final embers of a blood-red sunset at the time, so my immediate thought was that it was a daft question, but the tranquil setting offered an opportunity for reflection and I felt that my response deserved more than a yes or no. 

By chance, the question coincided with my one year anniversary of living in Portugal. Though I am far from calling myself a local, my time here has allowed me to experience all four seasons and qualify me for a more educated answer. So, let’s get straight to it. Does the Algarve sunshine become boring?

The pellucid waters at Praia da Luz

Well, firstly, the region is renowned for having 300 days of sunshine. This isn’t just some regional marketing campaign – it’s true. The Algarve has an extraordinary climate and long periods can pass where clouds are but a distant fluffy memory. I imagine that sales of vitamin D tablets are struggling again this year.

But is this boring? Well, I seldom need to check the weather forecast or worry if there will be rain for the weekend’s BBQ or day at the beach. It’s probably going to be fine. Perhaps this takes out some of the excitement, but the sunshine does add an ever-present positivity to life. Algarve wedding planners must sleep easy at night. 

But surely all this sunshine means it gets a bit too hot? Well, not really. Sure, the Algarve has occasional days when the thermometer hits the mid to high 30’s but as a general rule, most coastal areas tend to hover around the 30 degree mark in peak summer, whilst evenings sit comfortably at around 17 degrees. Outside of July and August, the temperature tends to linger in the mid 20’s. Air conditioning isn’t really needed. 

The view from a one-bedroom apartment

Ah, but it must be pretty humid yeah? Um, no. I will admit that the humidity increases if you head inland, especially if you go over the border to the arid (and beautiful) region of Alentejo. But the Algarve coast lacks the humidity that you find elsewhere (such as with our neighbours over the Spanish border). There is also a reliable northerly breeze that increases throughout the afternoon (the Nortada) that provides welcome relief if it does get a little sticky. It’s this breeze that makes the Algarve a great place for sailing, windsurfing and, well, just living. 

So, what about the people that like to experience the unpredictability of all four seasons? Well, I can confirm that the winter’s can be fairly cool, especially in the evenings. But, the glow of winter sun on your face warms the heart as much as it warms the skin. Sure we have rain from time to time (usually in late winter/early spring). And when it does rain it doesn’t hold back. I remember getting a taxi once that may as well have doubled up as a Venetian gondola.

But the rain doesn’t tend to hang around too long. It’s forbidden as there’s probably a BBQ or beach walk planned at the weekend. 

The cove of Prainha (as seen from the Fortaleza)

So, there you go! Feel free to make up your own mind about whether ever-present sunshine gets boring. If you’re looking for all the joys of the Algarve but with a bit of mixed weather than pop over in January. If sunshine is your thing then we’ll see you at the weekend.  

So, as the last quiver of Algarvian red sunset disappears over the western horizon, I contemplate my reply. Something thoughtful maybe? Witty perhaps? Hmm, what shall I put? Do I ever get bored of the sun shining every day in the Algarve?…

‘No’


More news next month.

David Lugg

Digital (ish) Nomad
#oceanvillasluz

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