Algarve holidays are an attractive prospect for families, couples and groups of friends alike.

The Algarve holiday resorts in many cases sprung up from small fishing villages to encompass excellent facilities close to the miles of sandy beaches, punctuated with amazing rock formations that stretch along the south coast of Portugal.

The historic town of Faro is popular with day trippers and is the location of the main Airport in the Algarve. A number of local and regional UK Airports offer flights to Faro.

The main Algarve holiday resorts are centred around the lively town of Albufeira, perfect for enjoying the sun by day and partying by night. Just west of here you’ll find Portimao, it’s a cosmopolitan town with a rich, cultural heritage and being backed by pine covered hills and fields of wild flowers means it’s very easy on the eye too.

Vilamoura is a purpose built Algarve resort that has its own attractive marina lined with shops, bars and cafes. It has a slightly more upmarket vibe about it and a casino that attracts tourists form all over the Algarve region; it also has excellent sports facilities, particularly for golfers.

The warm sands and turquoise waters of Praia da Rocha lie close by and are a firm favourite with families due to the excellent restaurants and safe beaches.

Did you know? The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa to the east of the Algarve is the only place in Europe that you’ll see the Mediterranean Chameleon in its natural habitat. That is unless it’s disguised itself correctly and you won’t be able to see it at all!