With its mild climate, the Algarve in southern Portugal is a favourite holiday destination year round.  Along the coast you will find stunning sandy beaches, washed by the fresh Atlantic Ocean whilst inland, traces of its Moorish heritage remain amongst the pretty mountain villages and almond groves.  The region is also popular with sporting enthusiasts and if you are into golf, horse riding, surfing or tennis, you’re sure to find something to keep you occupied here.

1. The Ria Formosa lagoon is a large nature reserve stretching from Faro to Monte Rosa.  A number of sandy barrier islands mark the outer boundary and protect a huge tidal lagoon, renowned as an important breeding ground and resting point for a number of threatened and migratory birds.  Although arguably the best views you’ll get are from your aeroplane window as you land in Faro, the lagoon can also be reached by road or boat from Faro.  The beaches here are some of the best the Algarve has to offer and nature lovers will enjoy the many local walks.  There is a visitor centre at Quinta de Marim, just outside Olhão where you can learn more about the area and it’s wildlife.

2. A visit to Lagos is a popular excursion.  This historic town is home to Europe’s first slave market, the old Customs House, the church of Santo António and Forte Ponta da Bandeira.  But no trip here would be complete without taking one of the many boat excursions available from the harbour. The coastline here is characterised by a series of limestone caves, rocky coves and weathered grottoes, many of which are only accessible by boat such as the famous “Ponte da Piedade”.

3. The Rio Guadiana can be found in the eastern Algarve, forming the border with Spain.  With the exception of the summer boat trips, the river valley is little visited by holidaymakers and offers a unique excursion through otherwise hidden countryside.  The old road follows a picturesque route along the river, through the village of Foz de Odeleite, past the 'River Museum' at Guerreiros do Rio, the Roman villa at Montinho das Laranjeiras and up to the Moorish castle at Alcoutim. 

4. The Algarve has over 100 sandy beaches to choose from.  All carry the EU blue flag and, despite bordering the Atlantic Ocean, can be surprisingly warm due to the maritime shelf.  Some of the best can be found along the Ria FormosaNatural Park but why stop there?  Explore the coast with a hire car to find the beach which suits you best.

5. Caldas de Monchique is a pretty town within the Serra de Monchique, approximately 18km north of Portimäo.  Founded as a Spa in Roman times, visitors today can also sample the naturally warm spring waters in the recently renovated Termas de Monchique.  Nearby is the small town of Monchique with its 17th century Franciscan monastery and cobbled streets, overlooked by the mountainof Foia which offers unparalleled views to the coast.  And, if you are really looking to get away from it all, then head for the mountains of the surrounding Serra de Monchique.  The highest of the southern mountain ranges, the Serra offers an abundance of quiet picnic spots surrounded by lush vegetation, alongside rushing rivers and deserted villages. 

6. Silves has a long and interesting history and is a worthwhile addition to any itinerary.  As well as evidence of early Stone and Iron Age settlements, the city later became the medieval capital of the Moorish kings of the al-Gharb.  Once the home of lavish palaces and exotic gardens, most of the town’s ancient buildings were, unfortunately, destroyed in an earthquake in 1755. The remains of the Moorish castle can still be seen and its underground water reservoirs are still in use. Local artifacts can be found at the Museu Arqueológico. Other places of interest include the Ponte Romana over the RioArade and the 13th Century Cathedral, built on the site of a Mosque.

7. Sagres  is the most southerly community in Portugal and the most south-westerly in continental Europe but, despite a long history, visitors may be disappointed that little of the medieval town has survived to the present day. However, visitors cannot fail to be impressed by the ruins of the medieval “Fortaleza”. Perched high on the cliffs and overlooking the Bay of Sagres, the fort was established by the Infante Henrique (aka Prince Henry the Navigator) who settled here in 1419.  The Prince also established his famous School of Navigation to encourage discovery and trade but historians are unsure of its actual location although it is likely to be within the walls of the Fortaleza.

8. Tavira is a small, picturesque town in the eastern Algarve which sits astride the River Gilao.  This charming town is most famous for its churches and old buildings (including a castle and the church of Santa Maria do Castelo).  More modern attractions include the town’s Camera Obscura and a miniature train as well as a good selection of pavement cafes.

Make a day of it and catch one of the local ferries or aqua-taxis to the nearby Ilha de Tavira with its impressively long stretch of beach.  Although it can get busy in high season, a short stroll should find you a quiet spot and leave the crowds behind.

9. The largest of Portugal’s water parks can be found near Alcantarilha, in the central Algarve.  Aqualand has water attractions for all ages, including the breathtaking Kamikaze slide and the thrilling Banzai drop

10. The mild climate makes the Algarve a popular spot with golfers and there are numerous golf courses to choose from.  The months between October to May are the best to tee-off as it can get extremely hot during the summer months.