Staying Safe in the Algarve Sun:
TIPS FROM VILA DO OURO
Why these tips? We’ve lived in the Algarve for many years and every season we see the same pattern: guests absolutely love the sunshine, but sometimes forget how strong it can be here — especially in spring, when the sun is already very high. We want everyone to enjoy a wonderful and comfortable holiday, so we’re happy to share our own experiences and practical tips for staying safe in the Algarve sun.
Sun strength in the Algarve: what you need to know
The Algarve is famous for its sunny climate, with around 300 days of sunshine per year. It’s a perfect destination for sun lovers, but nobody wants to spend their holiday with sunburn.
From April to September, the UV index here often ranges between 7 and 10, and on many days it reaches 10. This means most people can burn quickly between 10:00 and 17:00. Depending on your skin type, this can happen within 15 to 60 minutes, even when the temperature feels mild.
You can also burn surprisingly fast:
- on the water
- with light cloud cover
- even in coastal fog
So sun protection really comes down to three simple options:
- Sunscreen
- Body Covering (lycra shirts, long sleeves, hat, cap)
- Shade
The UV index is shown clearly on the Portuguese weather service IPMA.pt — the Portuguese equivalent of the UK Met Office.
How we personally deal with the sun
We’re not huge fans of applying lots of sunscreens: it makes your skin sticky, you sweat less easily, and sand sticks to you more quickly. Still, there are moments when sunscreen is essential. In those cases, we usually wear a hat or cap and choose a natural sunscreen.
Why natural products? Many commercial sunscreens cause stubborn stains on furniture, towels and bedding — something we unfortunately see often. We also find them harsh on the skin. That’s why we prefer products with zinc oxide, which protect well and are gentler.
We also try to stay out of the sun between 11:00 and 17:00.
Because we live here, our skin can gradually adapt to the sun. Guests usually don’t have that luxury — one week is too short to build up sun tolerance. That’s why choosing one of the SBS options (Sunscreen, Body covering, Shade) remains the safest choice.
If we do get sunburned, we use cooling products and apply Calendula before going to bed. It works very well for us.
Sun is healthy — in the right amount
Sunlight is great for your mood, your energy levels and your body’s production of vitamin D. You don’t need to be afraid of the sun, but using it wisely is important. Sunburn is not only uncomfortable for the rest of your holiday — long-term exposure to strong UV radiation can also contribute to faster skin ageing.
Sunscreen: a protection, but also a challenge for accommodations
As accommodation owners in a sunny climate, we also see the less pleasant side of sunscreen:
- The pool water struggles with all the sunscreens.
- Spray bottles often cause stains on furniture.
- Some stains cannot be removed, even with strong cleaning products.
- Sofas can usually be cleaned by pouring boiling water on the stain and then using a carpet cleaner.
A small housekeeping request:
- Please be careful with sunscreen, especially sprays.
- Please don’t use our towels to wipe off sunscreen.
- And before swimming: a quick shower helps a lot.
Sunscreen in the pool water is unpleasant for everyone.
What you can prepare before your holiday
- A good hat or cap
- Lycra shirts for children
- A good sunscreen + lip protector
- Optional: natural sunscreen (also available here)
- And don’t forget a good pair of sunglasses
All well-known brands are widely available in the Algarve, so you don’t need to bring everything from home. Natural sunscreens can often be found in surf shops or organic stores.
