Portugal is Britain 's oldest ally with an allegiance dating back to the fourteenth century and a mutual taste for the fine, rich wine of Oporto.
Today the British are drawn to the Algarve coast by some of the best beaches and finest golf courses in Europe, an excellent standard of accommodation and sunny lunchtime grills of the freshest fish, accompanied by chilled vinho verde.
Scattered along the cost you'll discover the proverbial "once sleepy fishing villages" most of which have developed into bustling holiday resorts. Yet despite the Algarve's popularity, the Portuguese have successfully retained much of their traditional character and even in the most popular resorts the beaches are strewn with brightly coloured fishing boats and the fishermen still work on their nets, not in the least bothered by the surrounding sun-worshippers.
From wherever you stay, a drive inland rewards you with a completely different view. Genuinely unspoilt towns and villages where a rustic restaurant may serve you the most delicious meal for next to nothing the secret ingredient is the very freshness of the produce. The Algarve is Portugal's garden growing everything from almonds to potatoes, as well as the bountiful harvest from the sea.
The Algarve is a perfect choice for most sportsmen. On dry land there are, of course, the famous golf clubs as well as fine tennis clubs, some with famous players to help you hone your serve. Most resorts offer water sports and the adventurous can take a deep-sea fishing trip. The clean, tide-scoured beaches are backed by striking sandstone cliffs which line the coast.