This is the second time running that the Algarve golf region gets the top spot, ahead of Turkey and Murcia, getting forty-three percent of the votes. On the whole the Algarve was also the one to get the most awards – six in total.

This means that the Algarve also got the top awards in categories such as Best Golf Course in Portugal and Best Hotel/Resort in Portugal – the awards went to Oceanico Old Course in Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo respectively.

The award-winning Oceanico Old Course – located in the heart of Vilamoura – is one of the oldest courses in the region and is well-known all around the world. The Oceanico Golf CEO was thrilled with the news of winning the award and commented that it is testament to the hard work of the entire team that works there. It would indeed appear that many golfers continue to grace its perfectly maintained classic layout, despite the very strong competition from newer courses.

The president of the Algarve Tourism Board also commented on the new awards saying that the Algarve golf has around forty golf courses and that more than one million rounds are played on these coruses each year. That’s not a coincidence, the courses having garnered many international awards during the years and these latest ones only add to the reputation of the region.

Today’s Golfer has only been giving out the Travel Awards for two years, however the magazine reaches more than two-hundred thousand British golfers each month in total, and that is the most important tourist market for the Algarve, not necessarily the golfers – although they are important – but the UK market in general.

Many holidaymakers return to Albufeira city Portugal when they’re looking for a specific type of atmosphere which mixes great climate, lovely beaches and a plethora of eating establishments.

There are some who call Albufeira the St. Tropez of Portugal, while one must maintain the proportions in mind when making such a comparison, one also has to acknowledge that there are some similarities between the two. Our Albufeira city guide won’t talk about all of them however we will focus on a general outlook of the city.

The ex-fishing village is situated in the central part of the Algarve region, at about a thirty minute drive from Faro Airport, thankfully there are many Albufeira transfers from Faro Airport available for those interested in getting there quickly and in safe comfort.

Albufeira city

For those who have visited a bit of North Africa, coming here will offer a very interesting experience seeing as how Albufeira looks quite a bit like a village from that region. The city is home to one of the greatest beach-side tourist developments in the entire country, not only the region, however you don’t have to stay here if you don’t want to, the nearby locations of Quarteira and Almancilalso offer some great accommodation options.

On the other hand you could have a wonderful vacation and never leave the town or its surroundings, in such a case considering some Albufeira car hire services might prove to be a great idea, especially if you’re planning on cooking your own meals and if you wish to have the same flexibility of movement that you have at home.

Being the largest resort in the Algarve, Albufeira didn’t get that reputation for nothing, the wide variety of attractions, sights and activities that the place offers is appealing to a wide range of travellers, of all ages.

The city is split into two entities, the ‘old’ and the ‘new’, the first offering history and tranquillity while the other a constantly humming nightlife. Add to this some of the finest beaches on the continent, and couple it with the great weather, plus the local culture, one can understand why the atmosphere here is much sought after by travellers and holidaymakers of different ages and backgrounds.

Of course, considering the resort’s size and the plethora of offerings it has, one cannot think that it does not cater to those who love to shop while they’re on vacation. For those looking for some ‘retail therapy’ after a few days of lounging on the beach, rest assured that Albufeira’s main shopping street of Rua 5 de Outubro has pretty much anything that you may want or need, from a new outfit that you can wear on a night out in Albufeira to presents for your family and friends back home.

The resort doesn’t only offer great beaches, and wonderful eateries, golfing enthusiasts will also have a chance to play a solid number of holes at the Pine Cliffs or again, can take a ride to one of the top notch courses around Quarteira, like the Vila Sol and Vilamoura Old Course.

Albufeira guide – Albufeira beach Art

As far as the more traditional idea of an attraction goes, Albufeira has a few interesting places that will be ideal for a large percentage of visitors. For instance those who are traveling with their children will surely have to visit the Zoo Marine and the variety of water parks which can be found in and around the city.

More adventurous adults may want to visit Monchique and Foia, which are the highest points in the region, the views from here amaze every time, without fail. While on this trip make sure to check out a few local specialties, such as Medronho – a traditional alcoholic beverage – and Honey Cake, both of which are worth trying.

This has been just a quick look at what Albufeira has to offer its visitors, rest assured that once you’re there, you will surely find many more things to see and do.

The Algarve region of Portugal is considered by many to be the perfect holiday destination thanks to its great mix of characteristics. The Algarve has absolutely wonderful weather, modern amenities which make for a truly luxurious holiday experience, it is very family-oriented but it also offers a vibrant nightlife, great opportunities for practicing sports and other outdoor activities and last but not least, great food.

The Algarve packs a lot of fun for young and old alike

Algarve Beach

The way in which this happens is thanks to the size of the region itself, a bit over two thousand square miles, and directly linked to this the number of various resorts, villages and cities that dot its coastline and landscape.

As mentioned earlier, the reason why the Algarve is such a popular tourist destination is due to a combination of factors, main among these factors being the weather, however its location in Europe helps as well since it is reachable from most any spot in Europe in more or less three hours by plane.

Also, once you get there, regardless which airport in the region you touch down at, you are only a couple of minutes away from your accommodations by car, and whether you choose to rent a car while there or to employ some airport transfer services, they will all prove to be very good value for money.

The truth of the matter is that many people visit the Algarve because it offers such a wide variety of attractions, starting with the great weather – over three thousand hours of sunshine per year – continuing with the almost two hundred kilometers of great, clean beaches – which themselves can be categorized further – and of course you have to add to these the unique culture and history of the region, the great food and last but not least, the amazing golfing opportunities the region offers.

While the Algarve is a warm and sunny place for most of its visitors, for a serious percentage of those it is one of the premiere spots on the globe for their sport of choice, golf.

There are over thirty world-class golf courses that can be found in the region, most of them not more than a quarter of an hour’s drive from a main resort or city. In fact golfing is so huge in the region that you can employ special golf transfer services to take you to and from specific golf courses throughout the day, not to mention the services which allow you to rent golf clubs for your stay. And make no mistake about it, any golf enthusiast you will need these types of Algarve transfer services because there are so many courses to try out, you will not be satisfied with just the few that are in close proximity to your accommodation.

The great thing about the Algarve is that it is not just about one or two things, it’s not just about the golf, or the sunny weather, or the great beaches, it is about all those things together and much more that makes it such a popular holiday destination with people of all ages and interests.

Algarve Related Link List

Algarve Transfer from Faro Airport

Low rates for Faro Airport Transfers to anywhere in the Algarve, Portugal and Andalucia, Spain.

Algarve Car Hire, Portugal and Madeira

Low rates and quality services for Algarve car rental services.

Portugal car hire

Best car hire prices on the internet for the Faro, Lisbon and Porto areas.

The Algarve – Travel Guide VideoClip