The Travel Source: The Algarve: Jewel in Portugal's crown

The Algarve is an area that spans the southernmost tip of Portugal and is home to many well-equipped resorts. Albufeira is perhaps the most popular resort offering you seven white, sandy beaches and a lively town that remains busy day and night. You'll find plenty of entertainments such as golf courses and water parks as well as a thriving nightlife. Areias de São João is the name of the main bar strip in Albufeira and is the perfect place for letting your hair down and sampling some of the Algarve's best nightlife. By day, head down to Albufeira's marina where you will find a wealth of cracking trips heading out along the Algarve coast, surveying Portugal's interesting coastlines and varied marine life.

For pure, unadulterated luxury head to the richest spot in the Algarve and Vilamoura. This place is idyllis if money is no object to you! The marina is bustling with hundreds of expensive vessels and the promenade is lined with a multitude of expensive and classy bars and restaurants. For a cheaper approach, you will also find that Vilamoura is the best place in Portugal for deep sea fishing. You can charter a boat for a reasonable rate and attempt to catch your own supper on seas that are far quieter than in peak Summer holiday months.

The most peaceful spot in all the Algarve must surely be Carvoeiro. This quaint town is the go to place for classical Portuguese architecture and ruins from the 15^th century. You will be delight by the myriad of windy streets and beautifully scenic views out into the sea. For something a little out of the ordinary head along the coast to the nature site of Algar Seco – a natural cliff-top wonder that boasts a series of complex rock formations and caves that have been sculpted by the aggressive waves and swell below.

Budget holidays to the Algarve are easy to come by right now. The area is currently out of season, not kicking in for a couple of months yet. The weather is still excellent, though with temperatures currently hovering around the mid-twenties providing you with a welcome contrast to the bluster and rains back home!