The weather in the Algarve was gorgeous during the New Year.

I was in Praia da Rocha, Portimão. Beautiful uncrowded beach. On some days it was as high as 19 degrees. There were people sunbathing in bikini. A few young ones were swimming! There were a number of surfers (I think these had swimsuites?)

There are many places that close during winter but you'll find enough restaurants and bars for a very enjoyable stay.

The apartment I stayed in was very warm so no need for heating!

Sunny, warm, stress-free & uncrowded! The Algarve is an excellent place to forget it's winter

I agree entirely. Just to add that on December 31st (ie New Year's Eve) it's a big party everywhere and the larger resorts (eg Albufeira) will have just about everything open but it will be crowded. There are a lot of Portuguese and Spanish visitors.

The weather was exceptional this New Year just gone and lasted until mid-January. As I write it is grey and cold!