The Algarve is located on the southern tip of Portugal and is an idyllic spot to enjoy a relaxing sunshine holiday. There are lots of self catering options, from delightful apartments up to fancy villas for those who are part of a large group or simply wish to push the boat out. Having your own place, and a hire car, will leave you free to fully explore the region’s charms. The little seaside resort of Praia da Luz offers a very pleasant base to explore the Algarve and its main attractions include a lovely beach and the remains of historic Roman baths.

The prospect of a few rounds in the sun is one of the principal attractions of Portugal for many people and the Algarve provides a choice of many great courses. One of these is the Penina golf club, situated at Portimão, which is close to the Ria de Alvor estuary which is very picturesque and is a designated nature site.

Those who love the sea are spoiled by the choice of picturecard-perfect sandy beaches that dot the Algarve coast. Families with kids will find that their children will love exploring rock-pools, making sandcastles, and paddling or swimming in the warm water. However, as well as offering the opportunity to sunbath, swim, and snorkel, there are also plenty of more vigorous activities that tourists can try their hand at. Such thrill seekers should check out the Extreme Algarve operator, based in the town of Lagos, who offer the opportunity to get started in surfing, kitesurfing, and other adrenalin-inducing activities!

For those who are interested in taking in the history and culture of the Algarve, there’s plenty to marvel at. The town of Alvor is a gorgeous place with very narrow streets and old houses. You can head down towards the beach and enjoy lunch outdoors in a restaurant overlooking the harbour, all for very affordable prices. Then there’s a lovely church at the top of the town which is painted white and stands out brilliantly in the bright sunshine, with its very old Manueline doorway.

You should also schedule a visit to Fortaleza, a great fort just outside Sagres. It’s an enormous white fort overlooking the sea, with great thick walls and inside is a huge open area which you can walk right round. Within it, there’s a very nice old chapel and also a great circle on the ground, divided into 26 uneven segments. This was only discovered in the 1920s and no-one knows exactly what it was for. It looks like a sundial on the ground but sundials are divided into 13 segments and are never marked unevenly. This structure has been named ‘The Wind Rose’.