If you’re looking for sandy beaches and year-long sunshine, it’s no wonder that the Algarve is one of Europe’s favourite holiday destinations. The Algarve is on the southernmost tip of Portugal and is ideal for a cheap family holiday.

Originally, the Algarve was called ‘Al-Gharb’, which means ‘the west’ and was so named by the occupying Moors. The Al-Gharb was renamed to the Algarve in the 12th century when the Moors left.

The two main towns in the Algarve are Faro and Portimao, with the regional airport being at Faro. The area is quite hilly, with vast beaches and a 170 square kilometre nature reserve, home to hundreds of different breeds of birds. It is popular with tourists because of the sunny climate, sandy beaches, safety and relatively cheap costs.

It is also popular for its many golf courses and spas, one of the most popular spa towns being Caldas de Monchique.

Many tourists own their own holiday home in the Algarve, including the British, Dutch, Germans and Irish. There are many holiday villas available for hire as well as beautiful hotels, ranging from high rise resorts to more traditional guesthouses.

Typical temperatures range from 15 - 30 degrees from spring to late autumn and rarely drop to below zero even in the winter months.

There are two large markets that are great for tourists, one is on Wednesdays and called Quarteira, and the other on Saturdays, called Loule.

The Algarve is ideal for a relaxing beach break, great for a cheap family holiday and the flights aren’t too long either.