Portugal has a continental Mediterranean climate, with cooler weather in the north and hot summers in the south. Temperatures in the province of Algavre range from +12-18°C in winter and +25-35°C in summer. The average water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean stays at +18°C throughout the year.
Vilamoura is located in Portugal's warmest province, the dry and sunny Algarve, where the Atlantic Ocean reaches temperatures of +22-25°C in summer.
Compared to Vilamoura, the cities in the center and north of the country have "bracing" climates, with lower temperatures and more rainfall. On the south coast, thanks to the influence of the Mediterranean Sea and the wind from the desert, winters are short, windy and dry, while summers are hot and sparse with rain and bad weather.
Vilamoura's vegetation and animal life
The flora and fauna of Vilamoura are well represented in the Vilamoura Environmental National Ecological Park, which covers an area of 200 hectares. It contains all the specimens of local flora and fauna that are protected. Some areas of the park are wetlands, which are home to over 100 species of birds, mainly during migration. The park is recognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International.
Part of the park was used for agricultural purposes. Figs, almonds, carob trees, vegetables and cereals were grown here.
With time, the Vilamoura region shifted from agriculture to tourism, and the development of the resort in the 1970s led to changes in the hydrological system. Extensive stands of reeds, reeds, and bulrushes formed in the wetlands. Today about 20% of the park's area remains flooded, and there are two artificial lakes.
The animal world of Vilamoura is represented by otters Lutra lutra, turtles Emys orbicularis, many other mammals and reptiles, as well as the Mediterranean turtle Mauremys leprosa.
In the park's thickets, lagoons and farmland you can observe birds, including purple heron, carduelis chirps, green heron, white heron, songbird Cettia cetti cetti, starling Sturnus unicolor, gull Vanellus vanellus.
