The Algarve (Portugal)

The Algarve is a natural choice for the discerning holiday maker and arguably the World's best destination for self-catering holidays.

Lagos

The Medieval historic town sits on a hillside overlooking the harbour, wide bay, and new marina. Its picturesque and lively cobbled streets and its many beautiful beaches and coves make Lagos one of the most delightful towns on the Algarve coast.

For two centuries Lagos was the region's capital and home port for many of the explorers who charted the routes to India. The ancient city walls and the old sea fort which stands over the fishermen's beach, the museum and the Baroque chapel of Santo Antonio are just a few of the monuments which express the past.

During the day most people head for one of the many superb beaches. For endless sand and watersports, there is the 6km stretch of Meia Praia beach, or for scenic beauty there is the unspoilt coastline and many sandy coves that surrounds the town. Palmares is the most scenic Golf Course in the Algarve and is set on the beach at the east end of the bay.

Lagos seems to naturally attract a more sophisticated crowd to the maze of cobbled streets lined with pavement cafes and the wide choice of restaurants that beckon the palate as the sun sets. The nightlife can be as lively or as relaxed as you please. All this makes Lagos a centre for holidays full of sunshine, local charm and......much more.

Praia da Luz

Just 6 kms along the coast west from Lagos and about 6 minutes by road is the small and delightful village of Praia da Luz - much loved by the English. The village overlooks a pretty and sheltered bay and its tree-lined cobbled streets have a good selection of shops, restaurants and beach bars. There is a professionally run Watersports School on the beach as well as a Scuba Diving Centre.

Burgau - Salema

Further along the coast there are the sleepy villages where life slows down to strolling pace, and the beautiful coved beaches of Burgau, Salema and many more.

Burgau

Burgau has retained the charm of the traditional fishing village and is relatively unspoilt by tourism. Its steep narrow cobbled lanes are lined with fishermen's cottages and tumble down to the working fishing fleet parked on the slipway and the beautiful sandy beach. The village boasts a handful of restaurants and bars. Just outside the village is the Burgau Sports Centre with extensive sporting facilities.

Salema

Salema is hidden away at the end of a narrow river valley 17kms west of Lagos. There is a lovely golden beach with good local facilities including restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and various shops and stalls. Parque de Floresta Golf Course is only 5 minutes drive from the village with one of the newest 18 hole championship courses on the Algarve as well as a superb leisure complex for the whole family. For horse riding there are stables at Almadena just a short drive away.

There is much to see in the Algarve but it is particularly worth a visit to Sagres and Cape St. Vincent for the breathtaking coast at the most Western point of Europe, Silves for its castle and fine buildings and Monchique for its Spa and its mountain living.