The miles of golden sandy beaches may have been what initially drew travelers to the region in the 1960´s but it is now the great diversity of attractions, events and year-round activities that keep people from all over the world come back again and again.
The Algarve is located in the very south of Portugal and despite having a coastline of just under 100 miles, the beaches, destinations and resorts of the region vary hugely, which means that there is something for everyone!
The central region of the Algarve is perhaps the most popular and most developed along the coast, being the home upmarket resorts of Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura. Here you can find pristine golf courses, luxury homes and award-winning marinas filled with boats and super yachts. If you are looking for a slightly lower-key break, then you can move along to areas such as Carvoeiro where the traditional Portuguese charm remains and you can still see fishing boats lined up on the beach (although they are more likely to be taking out visitors to see the unbelievable cliff formations and hidden caves and coves!).
The eastern Algarve has a slightly slower pace and you can be sure to find a space to lay your towel even in the height of summer at the beaches that make their way up to the Spanish border. The historic town of Tavira is steeped in history with the Roman Bridge across the River Gilão still standing strong and giving a firm nod to the illustrious past of this bustling town. Over in the east you should take the time to hop on board a boat to one of the islands off the coast for a truly Robinson Crusoe moment, you can catch these from the port in Olhão after you have had a nose around the red brick market to take home some freshly caught fish.
Over in the west you can discover the more rugged side of the Algarve. This is perhaps the least developed part of the Algarve and extends from the cosmopolitan small city of Lagos, all the way down to Sagres, the most south-westerly location in Europe. If you are a fan of surfing then this is where you should head too, and if surfing is something you are looking to get into then you can sign up at one of the numerous surf schools along the coast.
Take the time to explore the Algarve to find your perfect location.