The Algarve
A Southern Portuguese province, the Algarve has stood as one of the most popular holiday destinations for many years. Former fishing villages have now become modern resorts, a definite sign that tourism is the biggest business in this area. The coastline stretches for 161km from Cape St. Vincent to Vila Real de Santo Antonio, giving no shortage of beaches to be enjoyed by all that go there. Its popularity is certainly down to the huge supply of sea and sand, most of which is lined by hotels and apartments. Despite being the capital of the Algarve, Faro is not as popular with tourists as one might imagine. Its position means that there is a distance to the nearest beach and so traveling is required. That should not deter you from visiting this city however. It is modern and lively with a welcoming atmosphere that continues to reflect the essence of the Portugese fishing port it once was. As well as the usual range of shops, restaurants and nightlife, Faro is home to the Ria Formosa National Park.
If being close to the beach is something you want out of a holiday, then the close proximity of Lagos to the soft sands of Portugal might be more suited to you. It is one of the most popular destinations in the Algarve and offers an historic town to be explored, much of which is often covered by a huge flea market. The Mediterranean climate of the Algarve is certainly a contributing factor to the popularity of the area with the summers giving hours of warm sunshine at around 28 degrees Celsius and the mild winters generally staying at around 17 degrees Celsius. Faro Airport is used by most airlines offering cheap flights to the Algarve and is easily accessible to many of the resorts around the province. With the popularity of the Algarve ever-increasing, competition between airlines is tough and so flight prices are getting lower and cheaper.