As soon as the New Year begins we start planning where the 2013 holiday days will be spent! So, we've paired up with travel experts Thomas Cook to bring you our Top Tips for one popular holiday destination every week. This week it’s The Algarve in the spotlight…

Falesia beach

The Algarve is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal and is popular with tourists due to its year-long glorious weather and stunning coastline with beaches to choose from dotted along the way. These beaches vary from secluded coves with amazing cliffs to vast stretches of golden sand. One of these worth visiting is the beautiful Falesia beach. This white sandy beach is ideal for walking for miles and miles to Vilamoura with the cliffs at one side and the sea at the other. The views from the beach are spectacular but for even more breath taking views climb to the top of the cliffs to view from the best spot.

Old Town Albufeira

Spend a morning shopping in the quaint old town of Albufeira.  Stop for a coffee in the square and watch the world go by while you relax. Wander through the pretty, narrow streets, check out the many street stalls and head down to the seafront to stretch the legs. The old town has lots of lovely restaurants to choose from so stay for your dinner and enjoy the street musicians that entertain those sitting out.

Alvor Boardwalk

The Alvor boardwalk provides a beautiful walkway where you can enjoy the fantastic local flora and fauna. On the way back stroll past the fishermen’s huts, take a break and stop for a drink at the harbour. 

Cocktails

Moursico Cocktail bar also located in Alvor is renowned for their signature cocktail list.  This trendy little cocktail bar not only has the best cocktails on offer but also offers good value, a great atmosphere and friendly staff! Situated on the main street on the way down to the harbour, it’s worth wandering into some evening for a pre-dinner drink or two!

Villamoura Marina

Check out the huge yachts parked up at the Villamoura marina, hit the shops for a bit of retail therapy and enjoy the lovely setting over dinner or lunch at one of the many waterside restaurants that cater for every taste.

Ponta Da Piedade

The Ponta Da Piedade is another beautiful attraction to visit located just outside Lagos.  The walk down and around the cliffs is lovely with beautiful views and scenery to enjoy.  Alternatively you could hire a small boat and cruise around the location while taking in the rays.

Holistic Riding Centre

For something a little bit more active, why not book in for a spot of horse riding? At the holistic riding centre you are given an insight into how to work with horses as well as riding through breath taking trails around Monte Velho – a lovely relaxing experience – it’s the perfect day trip.

Destination Focus – Costa de la Luz

The beautiful Spanish coastline known as Costa de la Luz or “Coast of Light” takes just over one hour to reach from Faro airport.  The name “Costa de la Luz” comes from the sun reflecting on the sea along the beautiful coastline like a mirror and is new to Thomas Cook for 2013. Long sandy beaches are lined by pine groves and stretch out from the Algarve. This charming Spanish area preserves much of its appeal and the nightlife boasts an authentically Spanish feel. Voted in the top 10 wine destinations as part of Tripsadvisors traveller choice awards 2012, over 60 bodegas in the Costa de la Luz produce some form of sherry! For something a little bit different the costa de la Luz is perfect.

Where to stay?

One of the reasons why the Algarve is so popular with visitors is due to the very high standard of accommodation and resorts located all along the coastline. Thomas Cook have a number of 4 star properties available to choose from with some properties geared towards couples while others are family friendly and offer a huge array of facilities available.  The Hotel Falesia is an adult only property popular with singles and couples and available from €605pp with Thomas Cook Ireland. There are plenty of All Inclusive offers also available in the Algarve including the 4* Clube Humbria near Albufeira.

 

To book your holiday to The Algarve with Thomas Cook click here.