What's the weather like in Alvor in March?
Temperature
Spring rolls into Alvor with less rain, more sun and yet plenty of climatic contradictions, typical of any continental and coastal spring. The average temperature earns a degree, going up to 14⁰C (57⁰F), while the nights stay cool at 11⁰C, slightly warmer than February but still somewhat nippy. The warmer days reach 17⁰C on the high average, making the beginning of spring a nice opening for what's about to come in the summer time.
Sunshine Hours
The days get longer as well, experiencing up to 9 hours of sunshine on average, and chances of sunny days stay optimistic at 30%. Humidity levels rise a little to 80% on average, which might become slightly uncomfortable in the early morning if you don't have air conditioning. The dew point gets closer to 19⁰C, which isn't oppressive but it won't be the best feeling either. On the other side, despite the higher humidity, chances of rain stay low at 27% on average.
Rain
Rainfall is not expected to exceed 37mm spread over a cumulated 22 days throughout the month this roughly translates into occasional 5-minute showers intertwined with sunshine galore and only 16% chances of cloudy days ahead.
Wind
Typical for a coastal spring, the winds gain momentum, reaching average speeds of 4.2m/s, and most of them either blowing from the North Atlantic Ocean or from the northern parts of the mountains. This usually leads to high tides and choppy waters with foamy waves, good for the more experienced sailors who enjoy the adrenalin rush of cutting across a slightly temperamental ocean. Chances of winds are high as well, at 31% on average, making the shoreline of the Algarve quite the place to be during early spring.
Sea Temperature
The ocean water keeps its temperature quite crisp at 16⁰C (61⁰F), still getting cold currents from the Atlantic side and very little of the summery Mediterranean influences that Alvor's waters are better known for during the high season.
Hotels in Alvor in March
Dom Manuel I Charming Residence
March is an excellent time to try one of the hidden gems of Alvor, at least in terms of hospitality. The adults only Dom Manuel I Charming Residence offers double rooms for £44 per night for couples. The hotel features a beautiful and lush garden framing an outdoor pool, and a beautiful view of Lagos Castle, which is only 650 yards away.
All the rooms are elegant, with a modern décor and a balcony overlooking the ocean. There's a traditional touch present still, in the paintings and tiles adorning the walls and floors, respectively. One of the most popular beaches of the area, D. Ana Beach is only 550 yards away from the property, and the hotel also features a hip sauna with a luxurious steam bath.
Hotel Solar de Mos
The family-run Hotel Solar de Mos has twin rooms going for £37 per night during this month. The rustic style of the 3-star accommodation will certainly charm you, and so will the Algarvean cuisine served at the hotel's restaurant. The units feature LCD TVs, air conditioning, a lounge area and private bathrooms to maximize your comfort against the small budget.
Old clocks and handcrafted mosaics give the hotel's lounge area a particular charm, making it perfect for an evening drinks and a game of darts by the bar. The restaurant is in fact quite popular, with a fireplace and a terrace overlooking the garden and pool area to compliment your garlic shrimp or delicious lamb dishes. On top of that, the hotel's 24-hour reception also offers bike rentals and city tour facilities.
Hotel Santa Catarina Algarve
Hotel Santa Catarina Algarve is a delightful 3-star accommodation which offers superb twin suites for a surprisingly good £22 per night for couples, so this is a good chance to spoil someone on Mother's Day, for example. It's only a walk away from the beautiful Praia da Rocha Beach, and its units offer superb views of the ocean. All the rooms are fitted with balconies, air conditioning and flat screen TVs, as well as a fully stocked minibar. Most notably, the wooden furnishings and traditional Portuguese tiling give this hotel a distinctive charm, as it offers great value for money.
Beaches in Alvor in March
Although the weather isn't beach-perfect yet, and the North Atlantic Ocean is still quite cold, the daytime is warm and sunny enough to make a stroll down the beach worthwhile. The tides are high and the waves often crash against the rocky clusters along the coastline, between patches of fine sands lining endless sheets of dark blue waters.
Joao de Arens
A good beach to visit this time of the year is Joao de Arens, perfect for long walks and midday picnics. You can find it west of the splendid Prainha Beach, as it's one of the few stretches of sand along the cliffs and caves typical to the area. It's quite an adventure to reach this little corner of paradise you can either take the car, or walk along the rumbled clifftops, taking in the salty fresh air. Or you can sail to the beach. Either way, it's definitely a fun way to spend some time at the beach.
Bars and Restaurants
Drake's
Drake's is a great place to try if you're looking for some good and tasty Indian food. They serve a wonderful selection of curries, rice dishes and fresh naan breads, in a cosy and comfy setting, inclusive of an outdoor terrace the lovely furnishing makes it a pleasure to just sit back under a sun shade and watch the world go by. You can also go for heftier dishes based on steak or lamb, and complement your meal with any of the carefully selected wines and beers on the menu chances are you will walk away with a happy stomach and a good feeling altogether.
Tasca Morais
A lovely little place to try is the Tasca Morais, a traditional Portuguese restaurant best known for its Cataplana dishes, which can either be served for one or left on the side of the table for two or more to enjoy. The service is excellent and the prices are very good, matching a rich and varied menu that gives you an authentic taste of the Algarve.
Ababuja
The best place for great seafood is probably Ababuja, a couple of yards away from the shoreline and offering a wonderful selection of fresh fish and fruit of the sea specialities. They get the ingredients fresh every morning and take great pride in offering an authentic taste of the Portuguese coast.
Things to Do in Alvor in March
Ria Formosa Boat Tour and Faro
As the weather gets warmer and sunnier, particularly towards the third and fourth week of March, you can easily go on the popular Ria Formosa Boat Tour and Faro, and see for yourself all the magical reasons this beautiful river has been elected as one of Portugal's seven natural wonders. This is truly a wonderful experience of ecotourism, on board of a lovely traditional boat, as it takes you down the river and shows you all the amazing sights and wildlife that the riverside flora has to offer.
This is one of the most important wetland regions for the aquatic bird population of Portugal, and this comprehensive tour will also give you the opportunity to admire some of the precious inhabitants of Ria Formosa, including the white stork, little egret, the spoonbill, as well as the waders, whimbrels, grey plovers and turnstones. The boat will take you further towards the natural islands of the natural reserve, where you'll get the pleasure of watching black-tailed godwits, sandwich terns, oystercatchers and even the fabulous greater flamingo in their natural habitats.
Ria Formosa Nature Trail
You can also take the 3-hour Guided Walking Tour along the Ria Formosa Nature Trail as the guide takes you through some of the best spots on the banks of the river. Just make sure you bring a camera, because you will most certainly want to snap photos of the breath-taking lagoon, or the splendid pine woodlands, riddled with birds and other fascinating species of endemic fauna.
If you're lucky, you might even spot a chameleon or two, as this little critter is only found in these parts of the country, in the company of exotic birds, including the protected purple swamp hen. The trail will then lead you further down through the saltpans, where the guide will tell you more about the long-lasting relationship between the Algarve and its salt deposits.
Church of Mercy
If you're keener on exploring the local history and culture, rest assured there are plenty of small churches and ruins to visit around Alvor, such as the little Church of Mercy, in the splendid Praca da Republica, dating back all the way to the early 16th century.
Villa Abicada
As you leave the town along the Alvor riverbank, and on your way to Lagos, you'll find the ruins of Villa Abicada. Despite their need for serious restoration works, you can certainly hang around and explore these remnants of an ancient Roman villa, built and occupied throughout the 4th century, and its residents living exclusively from what the ocean and river gave out. The natural surroundings are pristine and untouched by man, with lush greenery and delightful flowers and wild birds.
