In Southwestern Europe, one will find the Iberian Peninsula. Farthest to the west is the country of Portugal on the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and neighbouring Spain on all other sides.

At the country’s southern tip is the Algarve Region. Covering an area of 4,997 square kilometres this region has a rugged geography and includes a few islands and islets. The Ria Formosa lagoon is a local nature reserve where hundreds of bird species migrate. Exploring the mysterious limestone caves and grottoes by speed boat can be an exciting daylight activity.

The Algarve Region derives most of its economy during the summer months from tourists and the numerous enterprises related to their visits. The many possible activities make this one of Europe’s biggest attractions and the most talked about tourist trap in Portugal.

When the holiday season is at its high point the population of the Algarve triples to almost 1.5 million as inhabitants that only live there in the warmer months flood the area. Every year foreign tourists from around the world take advantage of this region’s vibrant hospitality with an average 7 million individuals passing through the region. When one includes the people visiting from other parts of Spain the number of men and women passing through the Algarve Region reaches approximately 10 million each season.

The region is also world-famous for its arts and crafts especially the artisanal pottery and ceramic tiles. Many outlets selling these goods dot the region and impress tourists by being painted by hand.

Another native of the Algarve Region is the Portuguese Water Dog as they are the fisherman’s constant friend. Portuguese sailors were known to take these dogs with them on their adventures.

One’s Golf Holidays in The Algarve may begin by first arriving in the city of Faro. This airport will be able to satisfy most of one’s needs while on vacation. Located within an hour of most of the area’s sparkling destinations the Algarve airport services flights to many destinations all over Europe and the Algarve Region.

Vilamoura is an enormous tourist complex. As one of the biggest in Europe, it covers over 2,000 hectares of land and makes up one of the points in the Golden Triangle of the Algarve. These prosperous areas also include Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo.

The harbour town of Vilamoura was transformed into an all-inclusive golfing resort. Many hotels located overlooking the marina offer transportation to the golf course. This beautiful destination holds some of Europe’s finest and most renowned golfer’s paradises.

To the east lies the Portuguese city of Tavira. Golf Holidays in the Algarve close to Tavira have become popular recently thanks to new developments that have transformed the architecture of this small village.

One may be stunned by the cost of taking a golf vacation to the Algarve especially if one walks into a club in the Golden Triangle during the high season to inquire. Purchasing a package before one leaves for the Algarve that includes golfing is much smarter. There are many types of courses both traditional and modern to choose from in the Algarve Region where ancient Roman ruins mingle with quaint fisherman towns, resort workers, and holiday golfers.

The Algarve Region is home to many other attractive options if one is not a golfer. This can include an active nightlife with many bars and clubs. One could also soak up the sun and surf relaxing on the many fashionable beaches of the Region.