Come rain or shine; there’s never a dull moment. Rainfall isn’t something that often happens in the Algarve, but on those few occasions that it does, fear not, there’s plenty to do. rainy day Algarve activities 

There are many cultural, wellness, and adventure activities to keep everyone entertained in between meals. With some of the best spas around, there are top-notch facilities in most of the 5-star hotels that are open to non-residents, wine tastings in gorgeous vineyards, indoor karting or hover crafting for adrenaline junkies.

Shopping malls are also a popular place to spend some time and pick up some bargains. International shows are also an option at one of the Valle Verde Casinos where dinner shows are a great choice.

Museums, underground wine cellars, beachfront floor to ceiling restaurants, and escape rooms or local markets are some of the things you can enjoy come rain or shine. Ten-pin bowling alleys are a great place to hang out, slip into those colourful shoes and test your skills, knocking down the pins.

Thankfully, there’s plenty to do and the Algarve rain, when it comes, usually doesn’t stick around for too long. You’ll be back on the beach or out and about in no time at all.  

1. Admire some art

Visit the Lady in Red gallery in the wine cooperative in Lagoa. This is a very cool gallery, set inside the vast upper floor of the functioning wine factory with an industrial ambience. The range of art is eclectic and varies from small, hand luggage sized pieces to massive wall murals and sculptures.

The artists are usually local, and the venue has a cool loft-style bar serving wine, gins, craft beers and ethical teas and coffees. During the year, they host various live music events, screenings and charity events, so check their social media page to keep up to date. 

2. Take a cooking course

The internationally acclaimed MIMO set up in the 5-star Pine Cliffs Resort a few years ago and is a fantastic way to spend a few hours while taking home some skills – especially ideal on the rainy day in the Algarve.

Learn how to make one of the most famous Algarve dishes, the Cataplana in the copper dome dish.

oin the supper club, get to know your fellow diners and enjoy wines paired with the dishes prepared for you by the chef who is always happy to offer cooking tips along the way. Take the whole family along for a Family Cooking Class that covers everything from preparation, etiquette, techniques and much more before enjoying your creations.

Quinta dos Santos vineyard

3. Sample the wine

The Algarve has lots of vineyards that are open to the public with tours available by appointment. Quinta dos Vales is a good one for a rainy day with an internal pathway between the cellars and a large tasting room where visitors can enjoy an informative overview of the various ranges that they offer along with some local snacks.

If you really love wine, why not go Vila Vita Parc in Porches where they have a stunning, underground wine cellar with an enviable collection of wines for sale. You can book a table here and have a unique dining experience. 

Near Carvoeiro, Quinta dos Santos combines a beautiful vineyard, restaurant and craft beer brewery, while their own wines are available for tasting at the restaurant.

4. Relax at a spa

You’ll be totally spoiled for choice with some stunning spas – is this not the perfect rainy day Algarve activity!

L’Occitane Spa by Bela Vista in Praia da Rocha has an off-street entrance where you follow the sweeping staircase down to a heavenly haven when the experienced therapists work their magic.

Conrad Algarve Spa has a plethora of relaxation areas, an excellent water circuit, ice fountain and experience showers to enjoy before or after treatments. It’s worth making a day of it and treating yourself to a cocktail upstairs after too.

Vila Vita Spa by Sisley Paris is a true sanctuary where guests can destress from the outside world in luxurious surroundings.

Photography supplied by Bela Vista Palace

5. Shopping for goodies

Mar Shopping and the Designer Outlet are the newest shopping centres in the Algarve and has enough to keep the who family entertained. Big brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti, Mango and Primark have large stores packed with all the new season styles. The food court is really versatile with the Chefs Experience, Portuguese, Asian and international chains serve good value dining options. There’s also a state of the art cinema complex where you can watch the latest hits. All movies are in their original language and at a fraction of the price of the UK. Grab your popcorn and enjoy. 

6. Dinner & Show

Valle Verde Casinos host regular dinner & show events featuring international artists with two options, show only with a drink included for €15 or dinner and show for a three-course meal with coffee and half a bottle of wine included. The shows are modern and often eclectic with dancers and performers taking to the stage at 10 pm in Portimao and 10.30 pm in Vilamoura. Visitors often like to try their luck at the slots before or after the show and make an evening of it.  

Reservations are required via the website.

The exterior of Loule market

7. Atmospheric local markets

From Loule to Lagos, there are plenty of local, fresh produce markets where you can while away a few hours and get a taste for the area – while some our outside, others are inside, which is great for a rainy day Algarve activity.

The busy fish market in Lagos is somewhat of an institution and also houses some non-food stalls with local artisan products on the upper floors.

In Portimao, the market is a fully functional, multipurpose facility and the Silves market is surrounded by small stores, restaurants and bars. Each market has a very different vibe and offers an insight into the area. Loule is a little more modern, but still authentic.

8. Go indoor karting

Head down to Albufeira Marina and get ready to burn some rubber. Hotwheels, Karting Albufeira is a great place to spend a rainy day! 200cc Karts fly around the 400M track giving drivers enough speed and distance to really get into the race.

Pricing is transparent at €15 for 10mins increasing by €5 for each extra 5 minutes. Go along and join in with others or take your friends or family along with you to create some memories. Parties and private events are catered for, so it’s always wise to book in advance.

9. Marvel at museums

Museums are always an excellent place to visit when you’re in a new place, and the Algarve is full of them. Visit the Algarve Regional Museum in Faro to see traditional furniture, crafts and agricultural tools.

The Museu de Portimão is down by the river’s edge and showcases the cities history with its fishing, particularly with Sardines. Lagos is a good option for a rainy day with the old slave market and the wax museum that takes you through the Age of Discoveries.

Silves Castle and Loule Castle are both worth a visit and have artefacts housed within the walls.

The walls of Silves Castle

10. Fun at bowling

Lanes and lanes of laughs await, slip on those colourful shoes and show off your skills on the bowling alley.

Currently, there are two bowling alleys, one at the Marina in Albufeira called Hotshot Bowling and Bowling Praia da Rocha. Grab some friends, test your aim and STRIKE. 

Hours of fun for all ages and both venues have other venues close by where you can enjoy a rainy day like escape rooms or indoor karting. There are also lots of cafes and bars around where you can get refreshments, and as the showers usually don’t last too long, you’ll probably be back on the beach in no time.