Things To Do in The Algarve

Holidays to Portimao bring great seafood and shopping to the table, and put one of Portugal's best beaches just around the corner.

Holidays to Praia da Rocha are perfect if you want a top-notch beach scene. The town combines miles of yellow sands with a great selection of watersports, and seafront restaurants and bars. Fly to Portugal from Dublin, Cork or Shannon and soak up the beach energy.

Holidays to Quarteira deliver big in the beach department, and the traditional restaurant scene has plenty going for it, too.

Holidays to Tavira line up some of the most impressive beaches in Portugal, and heaps of Algarvian charm. How they've managed to stay under the radar is something of a mystery.

Holidays to Vilamoura are ideal for family fun and for sports fans, and come with a dash of history thrown in. Romans enjoyed this resort, which has now been thoroughly revitalised to make the most of its considerable assets. Golf is a speciality, with fine Algarve cuisine and two very good sandy beaches. Plus, you can fly there direct from Dublin or Cork.

Flying direct from Dublin and Cork, holidays to Praia da Oura offer a quiet seaside resort just up the road from bustling Albufeira. Seafood eateries and laidback bars line up along the beachfront, and if you want some nightlife, the lively Strip is a short walk away.

Holidays to Praia do Vau offer peace and quiet, with a sandy beach and not a great deal else to spoil the serenity. There are sprightlier towns nearby, and other areas in the Algarve are also easy to get to.

Flying direct from Dublin and Cork, holidays to Praia da Gale are largely based around the beach. The five-kilometre sandy stretch is the main appeal for most visitors, and you'll also find a good selection of local restaurants and bars.

Holidays to Sao Rafael bring you to a tranquil resort within breathing distance of one of Portugal's finest Blue Flag beaches. This is a small Algarve village built in traditional style, with whitewashed villas and red terracotta tiled roofs, It's very low-key, with a few restaurants, some beachfront bars and a supermarket. You can fly to the Algarve direct from Dublin or Cork.

Holidays to Monte Gordo line up one of the best beaches in the Algarve, plus a hamper of nature reserves and walking trails.

Holidays to Balaia take you to the Algarve's finest sands – and add in some great golfing and easy access to the sights and nightlife of Albufeira.

Flying direct from Dublin and Cork, holidays to Porches offer up great beaches, vineyards and orange groves, and authentic Algarvian cuisine. Swim in the sea by day and then spend the evening in one of the village's wine cellars.

Fly direct from Dublin and Cork airport for holidays in Olhos de Agua. Resting along the Algarve coast, this sleepy fishing village is perfect for laidback holidays. Enjoy idyllic beach days, and relaxing evenings in the local restaurants and bistros.

Holidays to Ferragudo take you to a pretty Algarve village with a duo of beaches, authentic restaurants and laidback nights out.

Holidays to Praia Dos Salgados will give you sand dunes, wetlands and a top golf course. Just hop on a plane direct from Dublin or Cork and retreat to one of the Algarve's best beaches. For a change of pace, you can drive from Praia Dos Salgados to lively Albufeira in 20 minutes.

Holidays to Salema will give you a glimpse of the traditional life and character of a Portuguese fishing village. Narrow cobbled streets lead down to a Blue Flag beach that boasts its own dinosaur footprints. There's also a golf course near Salema where you can take part in one of Portugal's favourite sports.