Taking a boat is the perfect way to see this spectacular coastline. There are many kinds of boat trips on offer - for dolphin watching, deep sea fishing, sightseeing and champagne breakfast trips. The amazing scenery including grottoes, arches and caves have intriguing names such as Love Grotto, Cathedral, Elephant and Ghost.

Opt for a full or half day cruise in a lovely, large catamaran or yacht, boats and discover Algarve's picturesque coastline taking in beautiful beaches, fishermen's villages, seaside towns, impressive rock formations and some of Europe's largest caves.

Whichever villa you choose in the Algarve, you are not far from a championship golf course. Autumn and spring are the key seasons for golf here.

Vilamoura is world famous for golf with five 18-hole championship golf courses, mainly north of the town, including Oceanico Victoria, host of the Portugal Masters since 2007 (you will need to show your handicap certificates if you want to play).

Almancil is a brilliant holiday location for golfers, with 5 championship courses on your doorstep. There are 2 world class courses at Vale do Lobo. The scenic Ocean course was designed by British golfer Henry Cotton over fifty years ago.

Although courses are fairly relaxed on the sartorial front, you will be expected to wear golf shoes and a shirt with a collar on.

Are you looking for some adrenaline? You will be sure to find a fun water park in the Algarve, so whether you’re with friends or family, there is something everybody. For adults you’ll find a range of thrilling rides, tall slides with multiple twists, outdoor attractions and much more. Not forgetting the tiny tots and younger children there is a mixture of water slides, mushroom showers and animal shows.

If that's not enough, you can relax on one of the many gardens and relaxed areas on sun loungers. For pure relaxation why not lay back on a inflatable donut and follow along the lazy river whilst soaking up that Portuguese sun. The popular waterparks are Zoomarine, Aquashow Park, Slide & Splash, Aqualand and Krazy World.  

Algarve with the long stretches of golden sand and clear waters, makes it the perfect holiday destination for watersports. There are endless choices including sea fishing, snorkeling, waterskiing, parascending and jet-skiing. Consistent all year Atlantic swells make many beaches in the Algarve ideal for surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, wakeboarding, bodyboarding, and paddle surfing. If diving is your thing, you don’t need a second mortgage to take a short course at one of the local dive centers.

This is one of the best and most surprising beaches in the area. Hidden from sight until you walk along the cliff top path, this sandy beach stretches away from the attractive honeycomb cliffs. At the western end an opening through the cliff reveals an interesting secret cove.

Relatively quiet because of the lack of surrounding development, the beach is a walk down steps. It is however well provided for with lifeguards, car parking, a beach bar/restaurant, windsurfing hire and boat trips during peak season.

Coelha is a pretty cove beach with dark green waters and is superb for snorkeling. Its width offers a lot of space for picnics and in between the rocks is good for fishing and exploring. This beach offers peace and quite with the perfect opportunity to lay back relax and enjoy that Portuguese sun.

This small sandy cove lies beneath Benagil village, perched on the cliff tops, with colourful fishing boats and rugged landscape making for great views. The beach opens out into a sandy stretch to the east and fishing or boating trips can be arranged. You'll find a bar and restaurant up a few steps to the village.

This unique beach is reached by a long drive through pinewoods followed by descending steps cut into the naturally sculpted red and cream cliffs. The beach is lined with Caribbean-style thatched wooden sun umbrellas and is recommended for swimming. Why not stroll along this beautiful beach and enjoy the surrounding views?

Known locally as 'Smugglers Beach', Carvalho beach is a natural jewel on the Algarve coastline. Access is through one of the two natural tunnels in the cliff and down some steps. This is definitely a beach for adventurers. Caves are carved out of the cliff walls above the beach which can be explored by climbing steps and going through a passageway. You'll find a small island which is only a short swim off shore.

This beautiful beach has expansive sand. Sit on the sand or hire an umbrella and sun loungers. The crystal clear blue sea invites you to take a refreshing dip and enjoy water sports such as parasailing and water-sled rides.

One of the finest cove beaches in the Algarve, Castelo is isolated and surrounded by breathtaking rock formations. There is a good cafe which overlooks the beach out to sea and sunbeds and parasols are available for hire. The water becomes deep quickly but lifeguards do man the beach in high season.

Curved across Lagos Bay, this sandy beach stretches 3 kilometres long with soft golden sands and shallow crystal-clear waters. For those of you who are adventurous there are plenty of water sports available. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes framing this beautiful expanse of sand, so you’ll be sure to get a bite to eat with some chilled drinks.

In the shape of a shell you’ll find shallow clear waters making it a great spot for snorkeling. With the Blue Flag beach status this beach is great for families with younger children and those looking to while away soaking that Portuguese sun. There are plenty of sunbeds and parasols for hire.   

This sweeping bay in Lagos benefits from soft sand, fresh shallow waters and plenty of sun loungers and parasols for hire.

Alongside the beach and separated by sand dunes is a small lake. There is a small bar and keen walkers can walk along to Vale do Lobo or Quarteira, depending on the tide.

The popular Praia D'Oura strip runs all the way down to the golden sandy beach from which Praia D'Oura derives its name. There are plenty of water sports available plus a choice of beach side cafes and restaurants for a spot of lunch, dinner or simply chilled drinks with snacks. The beach is surrounded by tall colourful cliffs and crystal clear blue waters.

With the open sea in front of your eyes and a golden bright swathe of sand that is backed by red color of the cliffs, is the perfect beach for relaxing and soaking up that Portuguese sun. Cool off with a chilled drink from many of the cafes and restaurants.

Bordered by golden cliffs, Galé Beach is home to various rock formations that provide a scenic backdrop. For those interested in sports there are sunbeds, jet ski and water skiing facilities as well as parasols and pedalos available for hire. In addition there are a range of restaurants and bars in the nearby village.

4 miles to the west of Lagos, Praia da Luz is a thriving family resort. The long wide sandy beach flanked by dark headland cliffs is well known for its fishing, snorkeling, windsurfing, paddle boating and sailing school open June to September.

This beach is easily accessed and has good facilities and activities plus a diverse landscape. Beach bars and restaurants are plentiful with windsurfers and sailing boats available for the energetic. The beach is long relaxing stretch of sand that meets gold and scarlet coloured cliffs sheltering a small cove called Tres Irmaos.

At the Armacao de Pera resort cliffs give way to a sandy beach that stretches for miles to the east. The first stretch of beach is excellently provided for with car parking along the front, lifeguards and flags, bars, fish restaurants, sun umbrellas for hire and water sports.

A wide sandy beach that stretches away from the village of Ferragudo. As you follow the beach south the view changes spectacularly from riverbank to open sea as the estuary of the River Arade opens up. Windsurfers, sailing boats and water skis can be hired from the water sports school or take advantage of the estuary for a spot of fishing.

Sao Rafael offers the perfect choice for those wanting a fabulous beach holiday. Its beautiful sandy beach is set in a pretty bay, flanked by tall ochre coloured limestone cliffs. Parasols and sunbeds are available to hire and there is a lively beach bar and restaurant where you can enjoy a chilled drink or a meal as a break from the sun!

Praia de Vilamoura is the stretch of sandy beach located adjacent to the marina in the heart of this very popular resort. Very central this beach is within easy walk to the marina with its shops, bars and restaurants. Watersports are available during the summer months and whilst parking is available it does get busy.

The endless stretch of golden sands that form the Praia do Ancão is backed by pristine sand dunes along much of its length. There are however also plenty of facilities as this is a Blue Flag status beach, there are sun loungers and parasols which are available for hire and a number of restaurants for a light lunch or a chilled drink.

Lots to enjoy on this long stretch of sandy beach. Watersports are available during the summer months or unwind at the variety of restaurants and beach bars with musical entertainment.

Praia dos Caneiros is a popular beach which nestles between honey-coloured cliffs and is overlooked by the Ponta do Altar lighthouse. If visited in the winter it offers seclusion and great scenery. Low tide opens up a smaller beach beside the lighthouse – excellent to explore and keep the kids busy.

A sandy beach in a fantastic setting backed by red cliffs. You can hire sun loungers and umbrellas, enjoy a variety of water sports and taste the local dishes at a restaurant right on the beach with views of the sea and beyond.

Olhos de Agua or 'Freshwater Beach' is a great family beach with good sand and swimming. The fishing village nearby has pretty houses, bars and restaurants, boat and fishing trips, good car parking and lifeguards on site in season. To the west are a number of secluded coves to explore each with its own caves and attractive cliffs.

This is an ideal place for surfers, windsurfers and spectators who like to watch their energetic feats. Conditions are perfect and there is a large tidal lake. A long stroll is recommended along the sandy stretch of beach which is backed by dunes and fringed with pine trees. Visitors have a choice of bars and restaurants and there is a water sports centre, lifeguards and good car parking facilities.

In true Caribbean style this sandy beach is lined with pinewoods and permanent wooden thatched sunshades. Visitors can enjoy feeling the waves break around their feet as they stroll the length of this extensive strand.

Water sports, lifeguards, bar/restaurants and car parking are available.