Portugal

Portugal is often seen as a more sophisticated alternative to the Spanish Costas. The great combination of culture and beaches offers a cosmopolitan feel to a beach holiday. One of the biggest growth areas for Portugal has been through the golf industry, the diversity and choice of golf courses has undoubtedly made Portugal a firm favourite for golf breaks. This in turn has attracted more families and couples to explore other regions.

One of the great things about Portugal is the way it has developed as a tourist destination whilst maintaining its tradition and charm, a key point to keeping the high numbers of visitors who return year after year.

Albufeira

Albufeira offers a resort of contrasts. There is the old town and its characteristic cobbled streets perched on the cliff top, hours can be spent perusing the shops or relaxing in a cafe or restaurant watching the world go by. There is also a beach for the sun baskers, the main section of which is accessible through a tunnel cut into the picturesque cliffs. At one end of the sandy beach you will find some fishing boats, a gently reminder of the town's history. A fantastic resort, the large number of repeat visitors every year proves this.

The Algarve

The Algarve has been a favourite destination of a number of people for a few years now. This is not by coincidence, it is a lovely destination. Unspoilt by the influx of holidaymakers the resorts have been able to maintain their Portuguese style and characteristics whilst catering for the tourists. One of the key attractions of the Algarve has to be the traditional cuisine; many of the resorts have been developed from small fishing communities with many of the fishermen still going out on a daily basis.

Trying some of the local delicacies is a must. The lovely sandy beaches provide an excellent place to relax in the sun and forget about the stresses and strains of home life. The people are friendly and the scenery is amazing. The Algarve offers a wide selection of flavours, sights and activities for everyone; you would be hard pushed to find something missing.

Alvor

Alvor is a traditional Portuguese fishing village which has developed into a small quaint resort; it remains unspoilt but offers everything needed for a relaxing holiday. The main sandy beach is located at Praia de Alvor and has been recognised for its standard of cleanliness and peaceful surroundings. Water sports are available for those who wish to do more than laze on the beach. There are numerous excellent fish restaurants serving local cuisine - all taking advantage of the daily catch.

Armacao de Pera

A charming fishing village the resort of Armacao de Pera has one of the longest beaches in the Algarve. A promenade lined with bars and restaurants provides an excellent place for a relaxing drink or meal during the day or in the evening. Praia de Rocha has developed into the thriving resort. The wide golden sandy beach is spacious and surrounded by amazing limestone cliffs. Promenade cafes and restaurants give a great view of the beach and sea from the top of these cliffs. There are many water sports on offer during the daytime as well as tennis, sailing and horse-riding. At night there are numerous busy restaurants, bars and nightclubs and a casino to keep you entertained until the early hours.

Vilamoura

Vilamoura has become the most stylish and chic resort in the Algarve. Its purpose- built Marina is surrounded by excellent bars and restaurants serving locally caught fish specials. The surrounding narrow streets are home to some expensive designer boutiques and cafes. The resort has also become popular with sports enthusiasts due to the three championship golf courses, tennis, fishing, sailing, and horse-riding. Apart from the restaurants and bars, the casino also attracts a large proportion of people during the evenings. This is an excellent resort to sample the lifestyle of the rich and possibly famous.

Funchal

Off the coast of the Algarve the tiny island of Madeira. The scenery is stunning, overwhelmed by the array of flowers and blooms which scent the air incredibly. The mountainsides are dramatic with plunging waterfalls. In addition there is an incredible amount of 16th Century architecture which gives a great insight to the history of the island.

Walking the streets you will meet locals selling locally grown flowers and local wines. A great choice for a relaxing holiday!

Lisbon

As with other Portuguese resorts, Lisbon offers an abundance of history and the perfect location from which to explore the mountains, coastal resorts as well as the capital city of Portugal. Just 30 minutes from the beach Lisbon provides a great combination for cosmopolitan and beach break. The resorts of Cascais, Estoril and Ofir offer golden sandy beaches for a relaxing day in the sun as well as a good selection of restaurants to enjoy the evening and local cuisine.