| The Algarve area of Portugal, which covers the | | | | are plenty of sandy beaches where you can lie back |
| southern-most part of the country, is an incredibly | | | | and recover! Lagos also suffered terribly in the 1755 |
| diverse region. Any holidaymaker can find an | | | | earthquake, with very little surviving apart from the |
| enjoyable way of filling their holiday hours. Add in a | | | | old town wall. |
| warm, sunny climate almost year round, and it's | | | | If you'd rather spend your time being entertained by |
| hardly surprising that the Algarve region is the major | | | | mother nature, then the Algarve can deliver. Close to |
| tourist area in Portugal. | | | | Faro is the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. This is |
| With all that sunshine, naturally many holidaymakers | | | | basically an extensive lagoon system which is home |
| come in search of beaches, and they're not | | | | to an enormous number of wetland birds, as well as |
| disappointed. With around 270km of coastline, | | | | forming a vital link in the migration chain. The park's |
| including everything from wide sandy beaches to | | | | visitor centre is excellent. |
| secluded inlets, there's something for everyone. Add | | | | You can also head further west, and watch the |
| to that a wide variety of accommodation with luxury | | | | coastline become more rugged. Cabo de São |
| resorts near bustling towns to quiet villages, and | | | | Vicente (Cape St Vincent) is Europe's most |
| there's no doubt everyone is catered for. | | | | southwesterly point. Barren and majestic, it's certainly |
| The easiest way to travel to the Algarve from | | | | an awe inspiring place to visit - but be prepared to |
| overseas is via airplane to Faro. This is the region's | | | | face the strong winds that often batter the Cape. |
| main town and commercial hub, but is still a pleasant | | | | The western coast of the Algarve is home to the |
| place to visit. Most of the town was destroyed in | | | | Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa |
| the 1755 earthquake, but even so, there are | | | | Vicentina. This narrow strip of park was created in |
| interesting buildings dotted around the town that are | | | | 1995 to amalgamate a number of smaller parks, in |
| worth visiting. There is also a small remnant of the | | | | the hope of protecting the ecosystem from rampant |
| old town, Cidade Velha, and a walking tour through | | | | development. The area is also home to many birds. |
| this area is fascinating. | | | | There are plenty of places to stay along the west |
| The towns of Tavira and Silves are also highlights of | | | | coast of the Algarve, as well as beaches, however |
| the Algarve region for those with an historic interest. | | | | the Atlantic is a little rougher on this side and in |
| Tavira encompasses everything from castle ruins, | | | | places can be quite dangerous. Keen surfers are |
| churches from a range of architectural periods and | | | | often to be found in this region. |
| elegant houses from various centuries. Silves was | | | | It's worth visiting the inland part of the Algarve as |
| once the Mooorish capital of the Algarve, and its main | | | | well. There are a number of mountain ranges, with |
| claim to fame is the magnificent red stone castle | | | | the Serra de Monchique being the most popular. |
| which overlooks the town today. | | | | And if all else fails - the Algarve is home to a large |
| For those who like more modern entertainment and | | | | number of golf courses, including 7 of Europe's top |
| a slightly faster pace, there is plenty of nightlife to be | | | | 100 courses. |
| found in either Lagos or Albuferira. Even better, there | | | | |