Malta or Algarve in January

crazycatlady1984

Hey guys,

Thinking of a wee 4 day (warm-ish) break in January and are some great flights to the Algarve and Malta; anybody got any thoughts on which would be best? Also experience of the weather?

I am not expecting it to be roasting; i just want a bit of warmth after what is sure to be a loooong Scottish winter. Also, i know places like the Canaries are best bet for winter sun, but we are saving up for a long-haul hol later in the year, so this really is cheap & cheerful and the flights The Algarve / Malta really are a steal.

Also not fancying a city break, so although it wont be HOT, that is the type of hol I'm after.

Any input welcome :)

Moto2

I reckon Portugal should be a bit warmer

Here's a couple of links, alter the year to get an average over a few

http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/LMML/2014/1/18/MonthlyCalendar.html?req_city=Valletta&req_state=&req_statename=Malta&reqdb.zip=00000&reqdb.magic=49&reqdb.wmo=16597

http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/LPFR/2013/1/18/MonthlyCalendar.html?req_city=Albufeira&req_statename=Portugal&reqdb.zip=00000&reqdb.magic=5&reqdb.wmo=08554

PompeyPete

Neither are winter sun destinations, so it's hope for the best, but be prepared for some rain and for it to be chiily from 1500 onwards.

We're going to Malta for 3 weeks in February, and expecting a mixed-bag.

crazycatlady1984

PompeyPete wrote: »

Neither are winter sun destinations, so it's hope for the best, but be prepared for some rain and for it to be chiily from 1500 onwards.

We're going to Malta for 3 weeks in February, and expecting a mixed-bag.

Thanks; yup, that's what we'll be doing, anything is better than 5 months of a relentless cold-to-the-bone Scottish winter .

Have you been to Malta before? We've been to the Algarve once, really liked it so happy to go back there unless Malta has some good recommendations?

I usually like to try somewhere new that we haven't been before (Malta) but on the other hand, as going to be such a short trip might be good to go back to Portugal where we know our way about (did quite a lot of exploring when were there before) xx

redmalc

We went to the algarve a number of years ago in January and it rained every day and was cold

rustyboy21

Last time we went to the Algarve was for my birthday in January a few years back.

Had a hire car there, borrowed my friends villa. It was bloody freezing and had the radiators on full blast all the time. When we got up early to fly back, we had a thin film of Ice on the car window!

maman

I was in Malta last month and while it does offer beach holidays I don't think January is a good time to go for that. I went for a city break style holiday (history, architecture, restaurants and bars) and it was brilliant for that. In October the weather was excellent but don't think you'd get that in January. You wouldn't be short of things to do and see but I don't think it's what you're looking for.

Gloomendoom

I've been to Algarve in December/January twice and both times the weather was fine with no rain at all. Fairly warm during the day, warm enough to swim in the sea, but decidedly chilly at night. Last time, I had to swap a hire car because the heater didn't work and we had the fire lit in our villa every evening.

I've only ever been to Malta in the summer, so can't comment on the winter weather there.

Grumpelstiltskin

I have never been to the Algarve but I have been to Malta in the winter months and the weather can be variable. I have been there when they was a terrible storm.


One thing I will say is if you do decide on Malta make sure you stay in either Valletta or Sliema not in the north of the island then at least you are closer to places to go if the weather isn't good.

littlereddevil

Portugal for me, a shorter flight and more interesting IMO.
We went for New Year once and it was lovely.

PompeyPete

We're staying in Malta at the db Seabank Resort in Mellieha for 3 weeks in February...

http://www.dbhotelsresorts.com/dbseabank/

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g230152-d267340-Reviews-Db_Seabank_Resort_Spa-Mellieha_Island_of_Malta.html

Don't normally do AI, but will be d-i-ying in somewhere in SE Asia later in the year.

Booked with Chevron Holidays.

Fully expecting a mix of weather, so won't be disappointed with a bit of rain and a bit of a chill.

Last time I went to Malta was as a young member of Her Majesty's Andrew in 1974. I expect things will have a changed a bit.:beer: