Ten reasons to visit the Algarve

1. The Algarve has more than 100 beaches including many of the best in the world. There are 200 kilometres of coastline waiting to be explored and no shortage of locals and regular visitors happy to point you in the direction of their favourite beaches or caves and cliffs.

2. For those wanting to avoid the sand, there are more than 40 courses to play, many internationally acclaimed but others suited to those with more modest expectations and ability.

3. Year-round sunshine with mild winters and hot summers. It averages more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year with low annual average rainfall.

4. An abundance of spectacular cliffs and rock formations. Lagos with its ochre cliffs is a must see, preferably by boat to get into the caves and look up through the blow hole.

5. Walking in sunshine. The Hanging

Valleys Trail has been named best hiking destination in Europe by European Best Destinations and as a normal day-tourist it is fine to walk parts of it, taking in the most amazing views.

6. Spas and thermal baths. The region has many resorts and hotels offering pampering after a hard day relaxing. Caldas de Monchique, 250 metres above sea level in the beautiful valley of the Serra de Monchique, boasts ‘sacred waters’ from their thermal springs

7. Seafood fresh off the boat. From high end restaurants to simple tavernas in the ports and villages, this fishing region has some of the best gastronomic paradises for those who enjoy fish and shellfish.

8. Wildlife and wetlands. Ria Formosa is the most important wildlife sanctuary in the Algarve and Vila Real de Santo Antonio marshlands – the river Guadiana wetland zone – are two protected areas waiting to be discovered on foot or by boat.

9. Nightlife and dining. From Faro, the gateway to the region, to the bustling Portimao and Albufeira, there is no shortage of places to people watch while wining and dining.

10. And so much Moor! Silves, was the capital of the ancient Arab kingdom of Algarve and its most important city. It is rich in history and architecture dating back beyond the time of the Moors, to Roman times. Explore the area’s largest castle and stunning cathedral.