The Algarve

Stretching across the entire south of Portugal is the Algarve- a region rich in history, full of sunshine, fresh fish, superb sports facilities including some of the world's best golf courses and amazing wine complete with golden sand beaches.

Each town in the Algarve has its own character and indeed tourist following. To the east you will find popular towns like Tavira where beach and town centre combine well to offer both a day and evening destination. Cafes, restaurants and boutique bars are scattered around the cobbled streets of the centre whilst the islands around Tavira offer some of the best beaches on the eastern stretch.

Whilst in the Algarve you may wish to hire a car- the highways are well designed to serve all the towns easily. An alternative is the train line which stretches most of the way along the coast- a slower but more traditional and cheaper option. There is also a good bus/coach network connecting all the towns. Taxis too are thick on the ground.

In the centre of the Algarve is Faro, an old historic town with a beautiful harbour. This is effectively the administrative capital of the Algarve. If you do stay in Faro then you are in for a treat- one of the longest unspoilt beaches in the Algarve awaits you and there aren't too many tourists around so you really get to tan like a local.

Further west you head into the main tourist developments and end up at the very trendy Lagos. Home to a rather large and shinny harbour and lots of well dressed tanned…basically super sexy individuals. Beaches are smaller so great for families and the town is small enough to explore on foot.

On the way golf is a must and almost most cities offer amazing golf courses.

At Europe's southern western most point is the truly unique Sagres where temperatures dip slightly but here is where you surf, surf, surf!!! Beaches are unspoilt, seafood cheap and surfers everywhere. The waves here are some of the best in Europe for surfing and the conditions are challenging but Sagres as a town is intimate and generally unspoilt.

So there you have the Algarve. Pack your sunglasses, swimming trunks and get ready to eat fantastic fresh seafood. Enjoy!