If the sunny shores of the Portuguese littoral are what you opted for as a winter destination this year, you might find that there are lots of activities and events to consider if by now sunbathing on the beach is no longer really a viable option.

The Algarve is a bit underrated as a cultural destination. This side of it is largely out shadowed by the seaside… erm, side of the Algarve, a popular and relatively accessible littoral destination. However, there is culture to speak of here and this is proven by the active social life of the local institutions.

There is an ongoing Gastronomic Week in Messines, which is going to last until December 6th. Local dishes will be displayed in this amazing celebration of the Portuguese cuisine. This is the 10th edition of the event.

At Conrad Algarve, you can taste the wines of Portugal with the expert guidance of renowned sommelier Antonio Lopes, who will teach you a thing or two about wines, their bouquet and history. The Wine Academy started on the 13th of November and is scheduled to last until the last day of 2015, December 31st.

And since Christmas is coming, have you ever imagined what the night Jesus was born was like two millennia ago? To help you imagine, you can go to Loule and attend the Bethlehem Village Experience, where the scene of the Nativity will be reenacted in all detail. The dates are 5-7 December 2015.

Also, the Almacil Christmas Market on December 6th will bring you closer to the spirit of Christmas. As for New Year’s Eve, you can spend it with friends in the plaza of Faro.

If you need a ride, you can get a Lagos car hire or book a Faro airport transfer for really low prices!