The Algarve's councils have trimmed their New Year festivities year on year since 2008, but there still are free parties from one end of the region to the other, as well as deals on staying over for those who want to splash out in style.
In Faro, New Year’s Eve will kick off with the local Stone Covers Band and the DJ André Salgueiro in the Jardim Manuel Bivar, and in Quarteira revellers can hear the group La Plante Mutant.
In Albufeira the party is at the Praia dos Pescadores where the Portuguese reggae singer Richie Campbell will perform.
Vila Real de Santo António council are in a partnership with a private company to offer a free programme on the waterfront at Monte Gordo whose New Year’s highlight is the singer David Carreira.
Tavira’s party will be in the Praça da República with the Tributo ao Rock Português band, and Portimão has commercial sponsorship to send up fireworks from the riverside area with music in Praia da Rocha.
There are several special year-end deals at most of the Algarve’s hotels.
For €225 you can stay at the Pousada de Estoi (Faro) in a promotional package covering two nights accommodation which includes dinner and a year-end frolics for two.
At the Grande Real Santa Eulália (Albufeira) you can enjoy dinner and an overnight stay from €210 per person.
Up in the hills, but with a great view of the coastline, the Longevity Wellness Resort (Monchique) has a two night programme with breakfast, dinner, New Year's Eve dinner and a New Year’s Day brunch for €152 per person.
Almost certainly the Algarve’s top hotel, the Conrad Algarve (Loulé) presents several year-end festive menus ranging between €175 and €210 per person, accommodation in one of its spacious, luxurious and rather unforgettable suites is extra.
If you know of more towns with festivities, especially with fireworks, please send in the location and description under ‘add comment’ below.
Check the Algarve weather before going out. It is forecast to be cloudy all day with a 60% chance of rain.
