Do you need a wetsuit in Algarve?
Do you need a wetsuit in Algarve? The water in Portugal stays pretty cold all year round. This means that you'll need a wetsuit even in summer. In the summer, on the central and northern coast, water temperatures reach a maximum of 18-22°C (65-71°F). You'll need a 3mm long-sleeve shorty or a 3/2mm wetsuit if it's windy.
Is it harder to swim without a wetsuit?
If you use a slow stroke rate without a wetsuit you will start to sink between strokes if you don't have great balance or buoyancy. With a wetsuit there is a lot more leniencies to swim with a slower stroke rate and keep better forward momentum.
Are Algarve beaches safe to swim?
Beaches in the Algarve are generally safe although in some areas due to sea erosion cliffs can be unstable.
Is it safe to swim in the sea in the Algarve?
The ocean currents can be strong and unpredictable. If you plan on swimming, go to beaches with lifeguards and pay attention to the warning flags – green means it's safe to swim, yellow means use caution and stay near the shore, and red means do not enter.