Location

With nearly 200 Km of glorious coastline, unrivalled beaches and two-dozen prime golf courses, the Algarve is one of Europe's best-loved holiday destinations and increasingly, the place of choice for home seekers and property investors. Considered by many to have one of the most agreeable climates in the world, the Algarve enjoys long, dry summers from early-June and mid-September with an average of 12 hours sunshine per day. Thanks to the freshening influence of the Atlantic breezes, summer days are rarely stifling and uncomfortable. Winters are mild and often equate to a typical Northern European spring. Today, the Algarve is more accessible than ever, under 3 hours flying time from many of Europe's principal airports and, with excellent road and rail links.

An hour's drive from Faro international airport lies the ancient harbour town of Lagos, the region's principal town, a handsome, vivacious and cosmopolitan centre, rich in history, yet possessed of the full compliment of modern amenities. The harbour contains a sizeable marina, whilst a kilometre of palm tree lined sea-front promenade invites leisurely sunset strolls before dinner at one of the many excellent eating-houses nearby. The craggy headland of Ponte de Piedade, some 3 km west of the town, is a striking example of the ocean-gnarled cliffs, and amazing grottoes for which the Algarve is famed. This is the beginning of the Costa Vicentina, a hinterland populated by traditional fishing hamlets and enchanting country villages. This dramatic stretch of Algarvian coast reaching from Lagos to Europe's most southeasterly point at Cape St Vincent, and then turning northward up the breathtaking shoreline as far as Odeceixe. A realm where Nature reigns supreme, for many, this unspoiled corner of Europe represents the very best of the Algarve.

Along the Costa Vicentina lie about 40 glorious beaches, each has its own particular charm, some are secluded coves cowled by rock formations, others present wide expanses of golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see. Nearly all offer excellent water sports opportunities with outlets throughout the locality providing equipment hire, advice and tuition. On the south coast, outstanding beaches include those found at Lagos, Luz, Burgau and Salema.

The beaches of the west coast often receive the full invigorating force of the Atlantic waves and tend to be rugged, windswept and dramatic. One of the most underdeveloped coastal-zones in Europe, the region presents a wealthy natural heritage of flora and fauna inhabiting a rich variety of locations including cliffs, dunes, woodlands and river valleys. Virtually the whole of Costa Vicentina and a large portion of the interior is protected as a nature reserve, ideal for long country rambles either on foot or on horseback - there are several riding stables in the area. Here one can observe over 200 species of birds, including eagles as well as hundreds of plant varieties, several which are unknown outside the region. If you are lucky you may well glimpse an otter, fox or wild-cat.

The region's fresh seafood is simply exquisite. Here you can sample time honoured dishes such as "Cataplana de marisco" - fish and clams cooked with spiced sausage and fresh vegetables in a sealed copper pot. Shellfish is a speciality, harvested daily, in addition to many varieties of fish cooked on traditional open-air charcoal grills. Inland you will find seafood deliciously combined with land produce including pork, rabbit and other game dishes.

Of course, the Algarve is renowned as one of the world's golfing capitals with about 26 superb courses including some of the best championship layouts in Europe. All but about 5 of these courses lie within an easy hour's drive of Lagos whilst, practically on the doorstep, there are at least three exceptional courses, Parque da Floresta, set on a series of small hills; Boavista Golf, set on hilly uplands surrounded by natural forest and Palmeras, host to the annual Almond Blossom tournament every February. In addition the Algarve offers a wealth of fitness centres, health clubs and natural therapy centres, alongside the full range of land-based outdoor activities including tennis, bowls, mountain-biking, go-carting, micro-lite and glider flying.