Gorgeous beaches, warm water and glorious sunshine year-round: the dream holiday.

Situated on the extreme South of Portugal, this part of the territory was the last to be conquered from the Moors by the Portuguese king in 1292.

Traces of the Moorish presence are still seen in its unique architecture - terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses.

However, the distance that was difficult to cover back in the 13th century. is no longer an obstacle thanks to the modern Lisbon-Albufeira-Castro Marim road (1P1) or Faro international airport. So why not visit this charming region, with its idyllic temperatures (average temperature in winter of ICC and 24oC in summer, rarely going below 12'C during winter and reaching as high as WC or WC injury and August) which are ideal for playing golf and other sports.

In the northern part of the Algarve, the hills of Espinhaco de Cao, Monchique and Caldeirao shelter the coast from strong winds. This brightly-coloured region, with its fig trees, orange groves and almond-trees in blossom, is also the most verdant and fertile.

The southern coastline consists of a long stretch of fabulous sandy beaches, broken up by extraordinary rugged cliffs and fantastic grottoes.

Apart from the wealth of available water sports facilities (the marinas of Vilamoura and Lagos deserve special mention, amongst the various ports and harbours), there are other alternatives, such as tennis courts, famous golf courses, luxury hotels or quaint holiday resorts and an exciting nightlife.