Weather Lowdown
The month of October offers a distinct seasonal change from the sultry, sometimes scorching, climatic conditions of the summer months.
The average rainfall for October is in the vicinity of being three times the rainfall for August, reaching 64mm. Accounting for less than a third of the month visitors to Praia de Rocha can expect to experience 10 rain days with a fourteen percent chance of experiencing cloudy, overcast conditions. While the month of October marks the initiation of wetter conditions, overall it offers consistent mild weather compared to the more intense, and potentially busy, summer months.
Daytimes might be spent in summer clothes, while evenings spent in a pair of comfortable trousers. The mean monthly temperature for October is recorded at 19°C. Highest temperatures come at an average of 22°C with those at the coldest scale reaching 16°C. The chance of experiencing a windy, blustery day is at around one in five. Consistent with the seasonal change towards winter, holiday makers can expect slightly cooler temperatures at the end of the month.
The coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean are around 20°C, about one degree less than in the previous month of September. Of the post-summer months, October is the most pleasant, before the slightly heavier rainfall of November and December kicks in. This drop in temperatures coincides with a drop in visitor numbers, and therefore allows for greater choice in accommodation options. October tends to be the last month of operation for those companies that close for the winter season.
Where to Stay
Colina da Lapa club, is not in Praia da Rocha itself, but is located just 3.4km away in neighbouring Carvoeiro and offers shuttle bus services to the centre and the beach. The 4-star property offers villas and apartments with wooden decor, cleanliness and access to ample amenities on site. They have their own balconies, and some are equipped with fireplaces and washing machines. Guests can also access the pool, games room, tennis courts, restaurant and snack bar. The nearby fishing village of Ferragudo also offers a choice of restaurants.
Make the most of the 2km walk to Praia da Rocha beach, and the exceptional value on offer at the Flamingo Residence, a modern, comfortable complex of apartments located just outside the town centre of Portimão. It's not central to the amenities of Praia da Rocha in the way others are, but for the price and standard of this 3-star, this place has plenty going for it. Apartments are extremely spacious, there is a pool, and guests have access to free Wi-Fi.
The Plaza Real by Atlantic Hotels presents more than 60 studios, one and two bed-room apartments, just west of Praia da Rocha, overlooking Three Castles Beach (Praia dos Tres Castellos) and offers great special offers at this time of year. This is a particularly good option if a hire car is being organised, as there is free parking, as there is at the local beaches from October. This place is ideal for a relaxed, comfortable, winter break.
Things to Do
Take a trip out to Armação de Pêra and witness the spectacular sculptures on display at the International Sand Sculpture Festival. Each year the festival has a theme, and displays hundreds of artists' creations in what is the largest exhibition of its kind. It will entertain and amaze adults and children alike.
Travelling in the opposite direction from Praia da Rocha, and located near Albufeira, the impressive Zoomarine has Dolphin and Sea-lion shows, and lots more on offer to entertain and educate the family. It has been a highlight for many visitors and includes the possibility to swim with dolphins at their Dolphin Emotion activity.
In Portimão, a quiet few hours can be whiled away at one of the ever-changing art or photography exhibitions in the EMARP Gallery on Rua José António Marques.
For families with kids of all ages, a trip to the Feira de Santa Iria in Faro is a must. Every October, this fair brings traditional carnival rides, local crafts and food stalls together for a dizzying array of entertainment. This is one of the oldest fairs in the Algarve region, more than 400 years old and it fills the Parque de São Francisco by the Marina in Faro for the duration of its run.
Restaurants and Nightlife
La Gioconda Pizzeria can be extremely busy during high-season, as it's popular with visitors, so it's a better choice at the quieter side of the year. They offer good value, tasty Italian food, that's prepared fresh in their open kitchen, and excellent service.
Daly's Irish Bar, offers a warm, friendly, family owned business that becomes many people's local away from home while they are in Praia da Rocha. They serve pub grub, imported beers, and there is music and friendly crowds.
A great option for lunch, dinner or an evening drink, with beachside seats, and an excellent menu is the Salsada do Ze Beach Restaurant. This place prides itself on its traditional Algarvean dishes and seafood, and an impressive range of vegetarian dishes to choose from. There is a children's playground right next to the restaurant so perfect for those with kids who want to chill out while keeping them entertained.
