Affordable country where you can still wear a T-shirt in December is closer than you think

SINCE moving to Portugal four years ago, there are some key things I miss about the UK in December - festive pubs and reliable online shopping among them.

But on balance, they're things I'm willing to sacrifice given that I can do my Christmas shopping in a T-shirt.

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Obviously, Portugal is a country that spans 561km from north to south - with varying landscapes - so the weather can vary.

However, it is known to be one of the sunniest places in Europe, with some spots getting 300 days of sun per year.

Here's where to escape to if you want to swerve the grey in favour of a vitamin D top-up...

Lagos

There is a reason why the Algarve is so popular amongst Portuguese and tourists alike: the Mediterranean climate.

In fact, it delivers mild winters - as well as famously long summers - and gets more sun annually than California.

Since moving, I've developed a particular soft spot for Lagos, which has a picturesque old town that feels less touristy than other places on the southern coast.

Head to the nearby Praia do Camilo beach and take in the sweeping views at the Ponta de Piedade cliffs - you'll be shedding layers in no time.

Beja

If you're keen to explore an area of Portugal that's got a better local-to-tourist ratio, then the Beja district - in the food and wine region of Alentejo - is a great option for winter sun.

It is home to the village of Amareleja, on the border with Spain, that recorded the country's hottest temperature ever of 47.4°C in 2003.

Fortunately, the winters are a more pleasant reading on the mercury, all the better for exploring the stunning and peaceful surrounding scenery.

Take a car with you to discover the nearby medieval village of Monsaraz, the castle of Beja and the Roman ruins of Pisões.

Albufeira

The city is one of the most popular destinations for Brits to visit, who benefit from the unbeatable Algarve weather and close proximity to Faro Airport.

However, in the summer, it can become very busy with tourists - and particularly stag dos, the antics of which locals are keen to curb with a 'Code of Conduct' currently in the works.

Yet, visit off-season over winter, and not only will you be able to make the most of cheaper rates, but you can enjoy the sunshine in relative peace.

One of the area's highlights is the incredible Benagil Caves which you can still see - and without craning your neck - via a boat tour in December.

Madeira

I spent the vast majority of a trip to the Portuguese island, where you can fly direct from the UK, in December 2020 in a T-Shirt.

During winter, the temperatures are a mild 18°C to 20°C - like the mainland at this time of year - although you'll probably need to take a jumper if venturing up into the mountains.

Ponta do Sol is - as its name suggests - the sunniest place in Madeira, and further round the coast you can reach the Porto Moniz natural swimming pools, which are open all year.

My other year-round highlights include getting a cable car from Funchal up to Monte Palace Madeira's tropical garden, the hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo - which takes you above the clouds - and the Ponta de São Lourenço hike.

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Lisbon

The Portuguese capital has been known to reach T-Shirt-appropriate temperatures in December - there's a reason why all the best ice-cream parlours, Davvero, Niva and Nannarella, are still popular in this season.

Further still, the rates to stay in the city are often a fraction to normal, and you'll have many of its iconic sights all to yourself.

Some of my favourite sunny wintertime Lisbon activities include walking - or e-scootering - along the banks of the Rio Tejo or enjoying a fresh seafood lunch on a terrace beside a nearby beach.

You can also enjoy a cheap drink at one of the many quaint quiosques dotted around the city, and tour the stunning Christmas lights to still feel that festive spirit (Avenida da Liberdade has the best).

Vilamoura

If you want to skip any sightseeing and simply just want to relax - in the Algarvian sunshine - then this high-end resort is a great idea.

Cristiano Ronaldo has a place on the marina, while Coleen Rooney and Holly Willoughby have been spotted at the nearby Quinta do Lago Hotel.

My recommendation is to take a stroll - and dip your toes in the sea - along the 5km beach of Praia da Falésia.

If golf is more your cup of tea, then there are five 18-hole courses and one course with 27-holes, which can be enjoyed year-round.

Açores

The beautiful archipelago - newly accessible by direct flight from the UK - lies more than 1,000 miles west of mainland Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean.

Thanks to its mild climate in December, its famous hikes can be a far more pleasant experience than at other times of year - however, don't worry, you can still be in a T-Shirt.

Locals recommend starting with the main São Miguel island, which has the most things to see and do of all the nine small islands - that are often compared to Hawaii.

You can see for yourself some of the most iconic postcard-perfect views at Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo - no drizzly forecast (usually) in sight!

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