Algarve

Holidays by Destination Europe Portugal Algarve 

For much of its history the Algarve functioned more as a strategic link between Europe and north Africa than as a region in its own right. Indeed, the area only became part of Portugal in the 13th century, when it was won from the Moors. Even now the area bears a certain resemblance to north Africa, not least because of the bright light and often stark, dry landscape. The associated heat and low rainfall combined with European standards of resort have made it highly popular with north Europeans.

Tourism is the mainstay of the region's economy. However, there is less high rise concrete than at some alternatives, and less inspiring resorts such as Albufeira, are aiming to clean up their act with new and better quality properties, pavements, and pedestrianisation.

Meanwhile, some parts, like Quinta do Lago and Vale de Lobo, sell on a kind of Home Counties snob appeal. The authorities are aiming to cash in on that image. Further smart development is planned with the current tally of golf courses due to rise to 40, all the new ones to come with four and five-star hotels, plus smart villas and low rise accommodation.

New buildings must now be at least 500 metres from the beach. This will reinforce the current pattern of development inland, or along cliff tops where there is poor sea access. The effect in many areas is a sea of white suburbia, an impression reinforced by the growing range of equipment offered, satellite TV now standard in better accommodation (a good way of persuading children out of the sun), dishwashers and washing machines common.

As parking near a beach can be a real problem in high season, and much accommodation is too far for children to walk (and in the cases of coves often including a steep hike up and down), many families spend most of the holiday simply relaxing around the pool.

If this is all you want, a little further inland you will get almost twice the accommodation for your money, plus more outdoor space. Monchique is a particularly attractive option, much of it with distant views of the sea. However, if with young children beware the drops found by some hillside houses.