By Jo Alelsto

Jardim Palacio Estoi photo by Osvaldo Gago/Wikimedia

Given the abundant list of relaxation and vacation packages available in the market, The Algarve has plenty to choose from. For instance you can have a soothing massage in a spa vacation, catch a cruise that visits the Algarve port, visit a relaxing beach destination, or you can find exciting fun with family and friends.

Vila Real Main Square photo by Marc Ryckaert/Wikimedia

Portugal is a good choice with its gorgeous sandy coastlines filled with family entertainment. If you want just sit at one of the numerous cafés lining the beach sip a coffee and fit in like a local. The best place to stay is in the Algarve. Located in the southern most region of mainland Portugal. The Algarve has a tourist friendly Mediterranean climate, long azure blue coastlines, vivid sunsets, gorgeous golf ranges, and so much more. With that in mind, a visit to this provocative land can be a truly unique experience.

The place is famous for its whitewashed holiday homes and narrow streets that are beautifully cobbled. Relatively small in size, having a less than half million people, the place nearly doubles its population during peak seasons, especially during the summer.

Praia de Armacao de Pera/Wikimedia

Known as one of the most affordable destinations for villa holiday rentals, the warm sunny climate makes it an ideal location to spend your holiday any time of year. Algarve has the most stunning golden coloured beaches stretching over rugged limestone cliffs lining its coasts. If you are looking for scenery beyond compare, it’s the perfect place for sunbathing and swimming. You will find the beaches and pools have idyllic views of the coastline allowing you to swim and enjoy this picturesque combination. These are just few, among the many reasons why more people are moving in and making this area their home.

Furthermore, the beaches of Algarve also offer sailing on a traditional Algarvian boat called the 'Bom Dia'. While out on the boats you can explore caves and caverns including a barbeque with your friends and family, or perhaps some fishing. The trip takes approximately five hours.

Golf breaks in Algarve will give you the chance to enjoy superb greens. Combining the sun, sea beach and golf, this will give you a small taste of Portugal’s way of life. Not only that, the personality of the buildings and homes are one of a kind. There is something to be said about Whitewashed historical Spanish structures…..Ambiance!

Tavira Igreja Santiago photo by Vassil/Wikimedia

Gastronomy delights are what you will find wherever you go here. The Algarve is known for phenomenal seafood dishes. Bouillabaisse, herbed fish , and an Algarve specialty Cataplanas (a wine-sauteed mix of clams, ham, sausage, onion, tomatoes, chilli, garlic and spices) are but a few to name. If you prefer meats, chicken, beef and pork dishes are popular, especially in stews. Meals are made from the freshest ingredients that bring out the best in Mediterranean flavors.

There are a number of options for renting luxury villas. Villas in Algarve are designed to suit your all your vacation needs focusing on you’re your needs. The comfort of your own home can be found in staying in one of the many villas: fully furnished facilities, complete with all the features and amenities you need from A to Z, bath and bedrooms, luxury pools, fully equipped kitchens, maid services and barbecues. Privacy is a big plus for staying in a villa, luxurious peace. Take a look on the internet to find a luxury villa that best suits your needs. Here are a few links for you to check out:
http://www.villaretreats.com
www.algarve-villarentals.com/

Through the years, people from Germany, Italy and the UK have decided to make Algarve their home after visiting. Once you experience the laid back life of the region you too will be thinking about picking up the paper to check out prices of homes.

Apart from the sporting facilities such as tennis courts, archery, bowling, and sailing, you can also enjoy the company of other foreigners who are on vacation too. Hang out on the beach, play sports, or have a barbecue in the late afternoon, with your newfound friends. There are surprises in store when you explore the Algarve.

Jo is a writer for ‘Villa Retreats’ (http://www.villaretreats.com), a firm that provides vacation villa rentals in Europe and the USA. If you are planning to take a holiday break in Algarve then try and check out some magnificent and elegant yet reasonably priced private villas in Algarve, where you could make your stay there really an exceptional experience.