Long stays
Wintering in the Algarve: a guide for Canadian snowbirds
Thinking of trading Florida for Portugal this winter? Here is what you need to know about flights from Canada, the 90-day rule, the weather and life in Albufeira from October to May.
Praia das Conchas · October 2026
Every winter, more Canadians swap the snow for the Algarve. The south coast of Portugal has mild, sunny winters, quiet beaches, excellent food and a relaxed pace of life, with the rest of Europe a short flight away. Albufeira, in the middle of the coast, is one of the easiest places to settle in for a month or more.
Why the Algarve instead of Florida
- Mild winters, with most days sunny and daytime highs of 16 to 19 °C in the coldest months
- Long, quiet beaches and clifftop paths that are perfect for walking
- Dozens of golf courses within a short drive
- Fresh fish, local wine and good restaurants open all year
- English is widely spoken
- Lisbon, Seville and the rest of Europe within easy reach
Flights from Canada
Air Transat flies direct from Toronto to Faro all year round, with flights running twice a week in winter. From Faro Airport, our villas are about 30 minutes away by car, and we can arrange your airport transfer.
You can also fly direct from Toronto or Montreal to Lisbon. From Lisbon, it is about 2h30 to Albufeira by car via the A2 and A22 motorways, or around three hours by train. Schedules change from season to season, so check with the airlines before you book.
How long can Canadians stay?
Canadian citizens can usually stay in the Schengen area, which includes Portugal, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Days spent in other Schengen countries, such as Spain or France, count towards the same 90 days. The EU now also records entries and exits electronically at the border. Rules can change, so please check the latest official guidance before you travel.
Our long stays run from 28 nights to 3 months, so you can plan a stay that fits comfortably within your time in Europe.
The weather, month by month
Even in midwinter, most days are sunny and mild.
| Month | High | Low | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | 23 °C | 16 °C | 7h/day |
| November | 19 °C | 12 °C | 6h/day |
| December | 17 °C | 10 °C | 5h/day |
| January | 16 °C | 8 °C | 6h/day |
| February | 17 °C | 9 °C | 6h/day |
| March | 19 °C | 11 °C | 7h/day |
| April | 21 °C | 12 °C | 8h/day |
| May | 23 °C | 15 °C | 9h/day |
December and January are the coolest and wettest months, but rain usually comes in short spells. From February the almond trees blossom and the days get longer and warmer. Evenings can be cool, so bring a sweater: our villas have air conditioning with heating in every bedroom and the living room.
Health and insurance
Make sure your travel health insurance covers your whole stay in Europe. Pharmacies are everywhere in the Algarve and pharmacists are often a good first stop for minor issues. There are also private hospitals and clinics in the region with English-speaking staff.
Getting around
A car makes life much easier. Car hire is cheaper in winter, and many companies offer monthly rates. The nearest supermarket is about 3 minutes away by car, and Albufeira old town and marina are about 10 minutes away. If you drive on the A22 motorway, remember that tolls are electronic only.
What to do in winter
- Walk the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, between Praia da Marinha and Vale Centeanes
- Play golf on some of the best courses in Europe, with no summer crowds
- Visit Silves, Loulé market, Tavira and Lagos on day trips
- Enjoy the Carnival parades in Loulé in February
- Take a longer trip to Lisbon or Seville
A home for the winter
Villa Simão and Villa Namibe, in Quinta da Balaia, have a private pool (not heated), 500 Mbps Wi-Fi, air conditioning with heating and a fully equipped kitchen. For long stays, weekly cleaning is included and utilities are included up to a monthly limit. See all the details on our long stays page.
