The Algarve is located right at the southern tip of Portugal and is well known for its amazing coast line which offers tourists just about every type of activity imaginable: There's the obvious watersports and swimming, but there's also game fishing, safaris and even the ability to watch for some of the many dolphins that live just off shore in the sky-blue Mediterranean waters.

Of course, it's virtually impossible to paint all of the Algarve with a single brush as the beaches and areas of the Algarve are as different and varied as the many people that come to visit them. You can find just about every sort of resort dotted along the southern coast from packed tourist beaches at bustling resorts and market towns, to much more secluded peaceful coves and bays set to the backdrop of small villages and beautiful scenery.

Algarve holidays are great all year round - the summers are hot but not oppressive and the winters are still warm enough to enjoy full use of both the sea and the resort facilities. There's not a single point in the year when Algarve holidays aren't a great choice for a quick, sunny getaway, although a visit between October-May may offer the best opportunities if you want to take your time and avoid the large summer crowds.

When you combine the weather and the beaches with the beautiful culture and exquisite dining experiences that the Algarve has to offer, it's easy to see exactly why Algarve holidays are popular with such a huge range of people. Thanks to its location in southern Portugal, you don't even have to spend hours and hours on a flight or boat just to get there - everything from the gold sandy beaches to the beautiful Portuguese architecture is only a few short hours away.