THE ALGARVE

Land of sun and sea, the Algarve proves time after time that it possesses the perfect natural and climatic conditions to confirm itself as an excellent holiday destination in which to hold a wide range of entertainment events. From music and film festivals, to gastronomy and handicrafts, and not forgetting sport, the Algarve offers a calendar packed with great events throughout the year, which acts as a strong complement to the "Sun and Sand" product, and allows the region's tourist attractions to diversify and thus fight the seasonality that is still felt in this region. This is a paradise for open air sports, which take advantage of the perfect climatic conditions enjoyed by the region all year. The Portuguese Algarve Open, Portugal's major golfing event in the official calendar of the European Tour, also takes place during April.

	NAME	LOCATION	RATING
	Vila Gale Cerro Alagoa This stylish and newly re-furbished hotel has an international atmosphere and excellent facilities.	Albufeira	4 Star
	Hotel Dom Joao II Village Resort This hotel sits directly on one of the best beaches in the Algarve and boasts stunning coastal views.	Alvor	4 Star
	Pestana Delfim Hotel Set on a hillside with sweeping views over the Algarve coastline across to Lagos Bay.	Alvor	4 Star
	Hotel Tivoli Almansor The Tivoli Almansor provides luxury and relaxation in a dramatic location.	Carvoeiro	4 Star+
	Do Golfe Apartments The small and friendly Apartmento Do Golfe is ideal for couples or groups looking for a relaxing holiday.	Vilamoura	3 Star
	Hotel Dom Pedro Golf The Dom Pedro Golf is noted for its extensive range of sports and entertainment facilities.	Vilamoura	4 Star
	Hotel Dom Pedro Marina The Dom Pedro Marina enjoys a wonderful, central position and is an elegant hotel.	Vilamoura	4 Star
	Apartments Mourabel The Mourabel Apartments are part of three complexes separated by a road.	Vilamoura	3 Star
	Oasis Village Forming part of the Parque Mourabel complex, where Oasis Village guests can enjoy full use of facilities.	Vilamoura	3 Star
	Apartments Old Village This imaginatively designed complex lies amidst a golf course about 1.5 kilometres from the centre of Vilamoura.	Vilamoura	3 Star+
	Tivoli Marinotel The Tivoli Marinotel is superbly situated between the marina and the Atlantic Ocean in spacious, well-kept gardens.	Vilamoura	5 Star
	Hotel Vila Gale Marina The Hotel Vila Gale Marina is in a great location near the beach and marina of Vilamoura.	Vilamoura	4 Star
	Vilamoura Beach Club The Vilamoura Beach Club is situated by the beach at Vilamoura, offering superb views.	Vilamoura	4 Star

GOLF OPTIONS

Salgados Golf
Imagine a Scottish links course in Florida and you're not too far away from this relative newcomer to the Algarve circuit. Good for weekend golfers who don't mind negotiating water hazards.

Vale de Milho Golf Club (Carvoeiro.)
This 9-hole par 3 is ideal for holiday golfers (no woods needed!) but will also provide a good opportunity for better players to sharpen up their short game. It's one of the cheaper course in the Algarve too.

Carvoeiro Pestana Club (Carvoeio.)
This comprises two 18-hole courses, Gramacho and the highly rated Pinta which only serious golfers should attempt. A handicap certificate is required for both however. There is also a Lawn Green Bowling Club based here.

Vilamoura Old Course
The best and most prestigious course in Vilamoura, designed in 1969 by Frank Pennink with tight fairways and plenty of character. 

Millennium Course
This two-year old course, set in beautifully landscaped woodlands is already being hailed as a classic in the making.

PinhalT
his lovely course is distinguished by the umbrella-palm (pinhal) trees, which line its fairways. You need to know what you're doing here even though Pinhal is more forgiving than the Millennium and the Old Course. 

Vilamoura Laguna
Laguna by name and lagoon-like by nature, this is a good choice for proficient higher-handicap golfers who are not phased by water hazards and tight bunkers.

Vila Sol
A previous host to the Portuguese Open, the greens here are among the best in Europe.

Top Tip A handicap certificate is needed for most of the courses listed here. Only good golfers, preferably with a healthy bank balance, should attempt the Old Course or the Millennium course (handicap, men 24, ladies 28). Book as far ahead as you can.