Information about the Algarve The British are drawn to Portugal's Algarve Coast by some of the best beaches in Europe, fantastic sporting facilities, superb eating out in all standards of restaurants, and last, but certainly not least, the wonderful Algarve climate that gives over 3000 hours of sunshine each year. Some of the finest golf courses in Europe are here in the Algarve, and they attract many golfers each year from all over the world. Deep sea fishing, tennis, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, athletics and scuba diving are facilities to be found everywhere. Portugal, and the Algarve are also steeped in history. The ancient capital of Silves dated back to the Moors, and along the coast is the famous Naval center of Lagos.
	The Algarve is Portugal's southern-most province with its superb year round climate, mile upon mile of uncrowded golden sandy beaches and undemanding way of life is, without a doubt, one of the best family holiday areas in the world. Together with sophisticated resorts that offer a wide range of facilities by day and really come alive at night, you can still find many unspoilt inland country towns and villages totally unaffected by the passing of time and the scourges of modern civilization. It is also where the moorish heritage of the Algarve is more patent from the Arab sounding names of places to the white washed cottages and the mosque like churches decorated with distinctive ceramic tiles. What to see For the keen sightseer the Algarve offers an array of places of historical interest, like Silves and its ancient moorish castle, the roman remains at Vilamoura or the abandoned palace at Estoi to mention just a few. Alternatively just enjoy the scenery on the drive up to the Monchique mountains with its forests of fragrant eucalyptus and umbrella pine trees, or walk through the market town of Loulé with its wide choice of shops and the food market where the wide selection of fish, meat and fresh local produce is an attraction in itself. What to do The Algarve is justifiably well known for its many sporting facilities. Seventeen championship golf courses, tennis courts, horse riding, along with the enormous variety and wide availability of water sports, ensure that the most fitness conscious of individuals are never short of something to do; and for children and parents alike a visit to one of the waterslide parks dotted along the EN125 will, without a doubt, make an unforgettable day out. Evening entertainment is largely based on eating out and generally, along with good value, restaurants offer a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where children are most welcome. For the occasional night out try the wide selection of bars and discotheques in Albufeira for example, but, if looking for a real cosmopolitan variety show the Casino at Vilamoura comes highly recommended.