a cheap holiday in the Algarve is within the reach of most of us. Strong competition amongst travel and tour operators such as Thomsons, Airtours, First Choice and others have made this destination both affordable and good value.

This well established, though still up and coming, area, is located on the south end of Portugal right on the west tip of Europe, the fabulous scenery includes golden beaches and typical Mediterranean vistas.

Discover the multitude golden sandy beaches such as those of Praia do Zavial and Praia da Ingrina in the heart of Costa Vicentina, with crystal clear water that offers a variety of water sports and wonderful year round weather(with temperatures ranging from 16C - 30C in the summer), good cuisine, fine Portuguese wines that are reasonably priced and historical landmarks.

Golfing is one of the major attractions in Portugal, particularly the Algarve area, competing with the Spanish Costa's to be Europe's premier golfing destination. If you enjoy golf but despair at the UK climate then why not experience one of the twenty-five top golf courses including the Palares Golf Resort in Lagos or the oldest course in the Algarve, the Vilamoura golf Resort.

The most popular holiday tourist locations in the Algarve without doubt are: Albuferia, Pria Da Rocha, Lagos and Vilamoura.

Praia Da Rocha - is one of the Algarve's oldest holiday resorts, with some of the most dramatic rock formations on this part of the coast, that has a tree lined promenade that house lively bars, restaurants and boutiques, makes it a favourite hot spot in the Algarve. Transfer time from Faro Airport is Approximately 2 Hours, places of interest include the Fortress of Santa Catarina de Ribamar and the Ochre cliffs and rocks sculpted into fantastical shapes.

Albuferia - has lovely sandy beaches, a wide variety of bars and restaurants; waterspouts are available at Praia d' Oura. It has excellent nightlife activities, transfer time from Faro Airport is Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. A good selection of fantastic beaches extend east and west from the town. Praia de Balaia, Praia de Castelo, Praia de Falsia, Praia de Gal, de Olhos d'Agua, Praia de Maria Luisa, and Praia de So Rafael, being the best ones.

Lagos - Excellent Beaches, pedestrianised cobbled street, lively night life, excellent restaurants and bars, beautiful scenery and historical landmarks to visit, transfer time from Faro Airport is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Though now an important tourist town there are still many architectural signs of its ancient past, the most famous being a building dating originally back to around 1445 which is recorded as being Europe's first building used as a slave market.

Vilamoura - One of the most popular Algarve holiday resorts, with a sophisticated marina and shopping complex a wide expansive beach and championship golf courses. Lively nightlife, beautiful landscape, wide variety of bars and restaurants serving local produce, there is also plenty of sports and leisure facilities. Approximate transfer time from Faro airport 30 minutes. Note: Vilamoura is the name given to an area rather than to any actual town. It is actually one of the largest single tourist resorts in Europe and covers over 2.000 hectares of land.