For holidaymakers who don't want to have to leave Europe to enjoy a pleasant beach getaway, consider Portugal's Algarve region. Known for its cool, clean waters and safe beaches, the Algarve has a little something to offer to every tourist. With mountains not far away, nightclubs catering to all ages, and resorts geared towards European families and young people alike, the Algarve shouldn't be overlooked as one of the world's premiere holiday destination.

A Relaxing Holiday Any Time of Year

Even well into the winter months, the temperature in the Algarve rarely drops below 15 degrees Celsius. In the summer, the hottest it gets is 31 degrees Celsius – a fair bit cooler than more exotic beach vacations in places such as Thailand or Australia, while still being plenty warm.

On the water, windsurfing and surfing are very popular, and plenty of surf schools and surfboards for hire can be found along the coast. In particular, the west coast is well-known as a prime Atlantic Ocean surfing destination. Other watersports include jet skiing, inflatable rafts, and scuba diving. For more relaxing tour around the coast, hire a sailboat or a yacht from a marina in Portimao or Lagos.

Besides the beaches, of which there are plenty, the Algarve is also rife with golf courses, waterparks, zoos, horseback riding, biking, hiking, and virtually anything else a holidaymaker could think to do.

Culture and History

When you and your family have had enough of the sun and the sand, head to Lagos to explore its Moorish castle and other fascinating historical sites of interest. Lagos, after all, has more than 2,000 years of history. The name itself has a Celtic origin, yet Lagos was settled by the Carthaginians while they fought the Romans during the Punic Wars. The Romans later occupied Lagos, and Roman ruins can still be found in and around Lagos today. During the Middle Ages, Lagos was conquered by the Visigoths; the Moors arrived a few hundred years later. It was during the Moorish era that Lagos became a key trading point in southern Europe, and the fortifications built by the Moors can still be toured today.

Historical and cultural sites of note in Lagos include the eclectic Museu Regional, where everything from dinosaur teeth to important documents in Portuguese history are on display; the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, a fortification on the waterfront; and Igreja de Santo Antonio, a beautiful old eighteenth century church.

Summary

The Algarve provides an exotic beach getaway without having to leave Europe. With European culture and amenities combined with paradisaical beaches and mountain vistas, it's no wonder that the Algarve has become the home to many thousands of British expatriates. The beaches, watersports, and other amusements will delight the young and young-at-heart; the history, culture, and phenomenal cuisine will delight the Algarve's more sophisticated visitors.