The Algarve

One hundred miles of coastline and 3,000 hours of sunshine, spread over 300 days of the year, guarantee more than just a golden tan.

Acclaimed by so many as the ultimate holiday destination, the Algarve is justifiably renowned for its outstanding climate, clean golden sands, gently shelving beaches, golf courses, watersports and warm hospitality. Coastal tourism has been well planned since it began two decades ago and it is still perfectly possible to find completely unspoiled villages and restaurants just a few kilometres inland.

Along the distinctive coastline you will discover beach bars, cafes and restaurants serving a mixture of both local and more general cuisine. It is well worth sampling some Portuguese wines and ports (both red and white) offered at very reasonable prices in restaurants and supermarkets.

As would be expected in such a fantastic climate, there is a profusion of brightly coloured wild flowers and a little way inland, for the energetic, a walk through the forests will reveal pine woods, cork, almond and citrus groves.

And so to the sporting minded. Many golfing aficionados would contend that the Algarve is the finest location in the world for their sport. There are tennis centres, riding centres, bowling clubs and opportunities exist for deep sea fishing and scuba diving. For children there are water parks, for nature lovers there are peaceful and relaxing walks, for the sporting minded there is almost everything and for families, the beaches and the climate will certainly appeal.

Beaches

Most people visit the Algarve for the fabulous golden beaches, which can compare with some of the best in the World. Visitors here are often spoilt for choice with a range of beaches from cosy coves to the expansive Praia da Rocha.

Most beaches have beach restaurants and shower and toilet facilities so there is no need to move from the beach all day. The beach restuarants are often open late into the evening for those who want a romantic meal looking out to sea.