Villas in Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve boasts some of the best beaches in Portugal. Its combination of golden sands and hot weather attracts visitors year after year to this stunning stretch of coastline.

More than 100 miles of golden sand is on offer for sun-worshippers. Beaches are lapped by the fresh, clear Atlantic Ocean waves – which offer a very cooling dip when the sun gets too hot. The beaches west of Faro are a succession of small coves and sweeping bays, fringed with wonderful rock formations at their most impressive around Lagos.

Two large shopping centres and a retail park can be found in Guia and Faro, offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, cinemas and a ten pin bowling alley.

Lively markets are held weekly in many resorts and villages with colourful stalls laden with leather shoes, bags, handcrafted ceramics, copper and silver jewellery. Hand woven baskets and decorative tiles can also be found in the region. Local markets are a great way to buy fresh produce, from almonds and olives to oranges.

When you’ve had enough of sun, sand and surf, you can visit one of the Algarve’s many tourist attractions dotted throughout the region. Water parks are an extremely popular way to cool off in the sunshine. An aquatic centre also has live shows and performances by seals, dolphins and parrots.

Taking the train for an impromptu sightseeing tour is a terrific and inexpensive way to see the countryside. Starting at Lagos, heading inland and stopping at Faro, you’ll get a real taste of Portuguese living.

Outdoor sports and leisure activities are in abundance in the Algarve - thanks to its fantastic sunny climate and array of purpose-built facilities. Golfers are literally in paradise with a vast selection of beautiful, challenging and world-class courses to choose from. A wide variety of fishing and boat trips are available from most resorts. Watersports, tennis and fishing are also popular on this coastline – alongside swimming and snorkelling.

Inland, you’ll discover unspoilt rural countryside perfect for hiking, cycling and horse riding.

• Visit Zoo-Marine, the sea life centre theme park, to swim with dolphins or enjoy one of the fantastic aquatic shows.

• For more fun, head to one of four water parks along the coast – Slide and Splash in Lagoa has rides for all ages.

• Shop for pottery at Porches, a picture-postcard village near to Lagoa.

• Walk the ramparts of the 12th Century citadel in the ancient Moorish capital Silves.

• Head into the Monchique mountains and sample the crystal clear waters of an historical Roman spa.

• Take a boat trip to the rock sculptures and grottoes of Ponta da Piedade in the west, or the Vilamoura marina and sea caves to the east.

• Watch the sunset at ‘Fim do Mundo’ - Portugal’s own Land's End at Cape St Vincent.

• Shop until you drop at Forum Algarve shopping centre in Faro or Algarve Shopping in Guia.

• Visit one of many restaurants in Guia and sample the famous Portuguese dish chicken Piri-Piri or grilled sardines.