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The Algarve should be top of your holiday wishlist – and here’s why

Perpetual sunshine and beautiful beaches will ensure you'll simply love Portugal
Perpetual sunshine and beautiful beaches will ensure you'll simply love Portugal

With its friendly locals, sunny days and fabulous beaches, it’s great for all ages and there’s a huge choice of accommodation for all budgets.

Also there are cheap flights from virtually every UK airport so it’s an easy holiday to put together if you don’t want to use a travel agent.

Throughout 2016, the Algarve has an array of events and festivals that mean there’s always something to experience.

As a region renowned for its exquisite cuisine and fresh produce, the Algarve is a paradise for foodies.

Throughout the year, the towns and cities celebrate many of the region’s traditional dishes and the history that made them.

One of my favourites is the Caldeirada Festival in June where local restaurants showcase their own interpretations of the classic Algarvian seafood dish.

Of course the whole region is renowned for its exceptional sea food – Tavira’s Sea Gastronomy Festival (in April), Olhão’s Seafood Festival and Portimão’s Sardines Festival (both in August) are just some of the events that food lovers shouldn’t miss.

Apart from food festivals, cultural and historical events feature large. The city of Tavira still upholds the 18th Century tradition of hosting a procession through the town centre on the Sunday before Easter. It’s a unique sight, but then the whole Easter festival is lovely in this part of the world.

Taking place in August the four-day Medieval Festivals of Castro Marim and Silves are a riot of battle re-enactments, street theatre, jousting, banquets and medieval music.

So, if you fancy the Algarve, here’s my pick of good accommodation on offer in various price categories.

 

Tavira city (Radomir Rezny / Capture Light)
Tavira city (Radomir Rezny / Capture Light)

Albufeira Camping

Probably one of the most complete camping parks in Europe and one of its kind in Portugal.

It’s a mile away from the fishing village and international holiday centre of Albufeira, which has just about everything you can ask for in a seaside resort.

The campsite’s facilities include two swimming pools, solaria and various restaurants and cafes offering both regional and international cuisine. There are wooden bungalows and residential caravans.

Open all year. Costs £113 for a family of two adults and two children (aged four to 10) to camp for seven nights.

This price includes tent hire and electricity for all seven nights.

Visit campingalbufeira.pt/en

Give watersports a go in the Algarve!
Give watersports a go in the Algarve!

Clube Praia da Oura

This extensive three-star resort is located on the Praia da Oura Beach in Albufeira and features two outdoor swimming pools, tropical gardens and a bowling green. It offers direct access to the beach, less than 200 metres away. All apartments have a private ocean-view balcony, kitchenette, en suite bathroom and a living area with satellite TV.

A standard terrace room only for two adults sharing starts from £54 per night in June.

Visit muthuhotels.com

Holiday Inn, Algarve

Situated in a prime beach-front position in the centre of the resort of Armação de Pera, the four-star Holiday Inn Algarve offers a welcoming atmosphere and traditional cuisine combined with comfortable bedrooms. The hotel has superb views of the sea and surrounding area and has direct access to one of the most popular sandy beaches in the Algarve, from where the fishermen still sell their catch to the local market. The majority of the 185 rooms enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline. Located just 30 miles from Faro Airport.

Two adults sharing a standard room only starts from £71 per night in June for room only. Breakfast can be added for £12 each day.

Visit ihg.com

Morgado golf resort
Morgado golf resort

Morgado Golf & Country Club

Located between Portimão’s beaches and Monchique’s mountains, this hotel is part of the luxury golf resort, Morgado do Reguengo. Surrounded by two golf courses, Morgado Golf and Álamos Golf, this is a hotel built by golfers for golfers and no detail has been overlooked. From your rooms you have a view of the green and a few steps will take you to the resort’s golf club, which offers good catering options. A true golfing retreat, just tailor-made to make you feel at home. Located 50 minutes from Faro Airport.

Prices start from £62 per night, based on two sharing a double room.

Visit nauhotels.com

For more information about the Algarve, visit visitalgarve.pt


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