Heading for some winter sun

WITH the winter chill predicted to last four months in the U.K. Brits will be heading abroad for some winter sun in their droves. Research conducted by beach holiday specialist On the Beach has revealed Spain as the most popular winter sun destination this year, with the Canary Islands and resorts across the mainland attracting more Brits than any other destination in Europe, with Turkey firmly back in the Top 5 winter sun destinations.

Top 10 most popular winter sun destinations:

1.   Canary Islands
2.   Mainland Spain
3.   Balearic Islands
4.   Turkey
5.   Algarve (Portugal)
6.   Greece
7.   Malta
8.   Morocco
9.   Egypt
10. Cyprus

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Sand Sculpture Festival in the Algarve

FIESA – the International Sand Sculptures Festival is the only event of its kind in the Iberian peninsula in Pera, #Algarve and, given its dimensions, is the largest in the world. The festival which runs from March 1 to November 10 is dedicated to a different theme each year, and occupies an area of 15,000 square metres, showcasing the work of the skilful hands of artists of various nationalities that shape over 35,000 tonnes of sand during a one-month period. 

During the day it, the sculptures can be admired in all their infinite details, and at night there is a varied programme of live music, theatre, dance and circus arts. FIESA also includes a playful and pedagogical dimension, with an area reserved for all those who would like to express their creativity by building sand sculptures.

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Most popular activites in Portugal

THE most popular activities in 2017 were the boat trips, with the trips to Benagil caves being the favourite choice. Located between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra, Benagil’s beautiful sea cave is listed in the world’s “Top 10 Coolest Caves” according to the American online newspaper The Huffington Post. Benagil’s cave is actually one of many caves along Lagoa’s coastline but is certainly the most stunning, attracting thousands of visitors. Algarve Fun also provides boat visits to Benagil and other caves from 20 euros per person.

Also kayaking and snorkeling activities have grown in popularity in 2017 with a younger, active and sporty demographic of tourist being attracted to the Algarve for its challenging activities that combine sports and the sea. On Algarve Fun’s website you’ll find kayaking and other activities available along all the Algarve coast. 

Since the company's foundation in 2014, the most popular attractions in Algarve still are the water/theme parks, boat tours and increasingly so watersports. Albufeira is still the busiest city for tourism but the west coast and Lagos is also growing in popularity especially for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking and other adventurous activities.


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Portugal: Europe's fastest growing destination

PORTUGESE tourism achieved one of the best European performances in 2017. The World Tourism Organization revealed that #Portugal is Europe’s fastest-growing #destination. During 2017 Portugal received in total more than 2300 prizes and distinctions!

In fact, it was such a good year that Portugal was the country receiving the most awards - 37 to be precise - at the World Travel Awards, the most prestigious of tourism awards. Including the “Europe’s Leading Tourism Destination” but also Europe’s Leading Cruise Port (Lisbon), Europe’s Leading Island Destination (Madeira Islands) and Europe’s Leading Beach Destination (Algarve). Turismo de Portugal was also considered “Europe’s Leading Tourist Board”. These 37 Oscars of Tourism, reinforce the position of Portugal as the third most peaceful country in the world and the 14th most competitive country.

In 2017 visitor numbers should exceed 21 million coming from over 134 different nationalities in 2017.

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Driving towards another record year for Golf in the Algarve

WITH a staggering 43 nine or 18-hole layouts that can be played all-year-round, it’s no wonder the #Algarve draws hundreds of thousands of golfers to its fairways each year.  The Algarve is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, and more than half of its courses decorate the 150-mile coastline, which also boasts spectacular beaches, picturesque rocky coves, quaint fishing villages and a rich cultural heritage.

The Algarve continues to exceed #golf visitor records after a flying start to 2017, while it has also retained its place as the best value #holiday destination for UK tourists.

The region is widely-regarded as Europe’s number one golf destination with 43 fabulous courses and hit an all-time high for golf visitors numbers in 2016 with almost 1.3m rounds throughout the year – an increase of more than 10 per cent on its previous record in 2015.

But the surge has continued into 2017 and the sights are now set on another new record after nearly 328,000 rounds were played in the first quarter of the year – another six per cent rise on last year’s figures.

Aside from the quality of the golf courses, the hospitality and the fabulous climate, golfers also know they can expect exceptional value for money as, according to the recent Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer, the Algarve is the best value holiday destination throughout the eurozone once again for 2017.

The Algarve was one of 14 beach resorts in the eurozone surveyed by the Post Office for price checks on meals, drinks and other holiday essentials, coming out on top of the pile for British holidaymakers on a budget.

Visitors know that prices for meals and drinks – one of the biggest costs for tourists – do not come any cheaper than along the stunning Algarve coastline, which can make a huge difference to holiday costs.

Maria Manuel Delgado e Silva, ATA golf product manager, said: “Last year was a hugely successful year for everyone associated with our golf tourism industry but it’s fantastic to see this continue into 2017.

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Tee off for gold in Algarve

#ALGARVE #golf is marking its 50th year with the introduction of ‘Golden Tees’. 

From June, all of the region’s top courses will feature commemorative golden tee markers to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of its first course – Penina – in 1966.

Each visiting golfer will be invited to play their part in marking the milestone by playing from the new golden tees and will then get the chance to register their details on a website for an opportunity to win 50 green fees. Fifty green fees will be given away as prizes to be used on courses throughout 2017.

President of the Algarve Tourism Association, Carlos Luis, said: ‘We are honoured to be able to mark the 50th anniversary of golf in the Algarve this year and hope golfers will be part of the celebrations with us. It’s just another perfect reason for golfers to visit us in 2016 as the Algarve golf industry continues to provide the very best in hospitality, accommodation, and golf venues with great value and diversity. It should be a golden year for the Algarve.’

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Picture Credit: Portugal - Vale de Lobo golf</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com

Festive Algarve

#PORTUGAL’S Algarve region has more to offer holidaymakers than golden sand beaches and sunshine.

As a region renowned for its exquisite #cuisine and fresh produce, the #Algarve is great for food lovers. Throughout the year, towns and villages celebrate many of the region’s traditional dishes and the history behind them. During the Caldeirada festival in June, restaurants showcase their interpretations of the classic Algarvian seafood dish. Olhão’s seafood festival and Portimão’s sardines fest – both in August – are some of the events that food lovers shouldn’t miss.

July’s Art Doce festival in Lagos runs over three days and celebrates the region’s marzipan and other artisan desserts.

In August, the annual medieval festival in Silves attracts large crowds. Over four days, there are battle re-enactments, street theatres, jousting tournaments, banquets, and medieval music.

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Picture Credit: Vila Real de Sto. Antonio (Portugal) via photopin.com

Report names cheapest resorts for summer

UK HOLIDAYMAKERS are likely to find #resorts more expensive this summer compared to last year as sterling has fallen from its seven-year high, but the Post Office claims the pound will still stretch further in many destinations than it did five years ago. 

Sunny Beach in Bulgaria is the cheapest holiday destination in #Europe for the third year running, according to Post Office Travel Money's annual Holiday Costs Barometer.

Despite a 9.3% year-on-year rise in prices, a basket of essential items still costs only £41.55, it said. Next come the Algarve, Cyprus, and the Costa del Sol, where the same goods cost £52.65.

‘However, with packages to Spain selling like hot cakes after falling demand for Turkey,’ says the report, ‘there has been speculation that prices may rise.  If that happens, savvy travellers could head north for the sandy shores of Asturias, where package and resort prices are low.’

In sixth place Costa Blanca, prices have fallen 6% year-on-year, it said, bringing the cost of a basket of essential items down to £62.29. In Greece, the lowest prices are in Crete, Zante, and Kefalonia. In British favourite Corfu, prices are up by more than 14%.

Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money said: ‘The pound may be worth less in Europe than a year ago, but our research suggests UK tourists who choose destinations carefully could find resort prices lower than expected. However, sterling could be affected – positively or negatively – by the EU referendum vote.

‘For those still at the planning stage, it will be wise to compare prices for tourist staples in resorts you are considering before booking.  This could make all the difference to how far the holiday budget will stretch.’

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UK tourists warm to Portugal's lesser-known regions

WITH UK visitor numbers up 7.1% year-on-year up to August 2015, more Britons are holidaying in #Portugal. The fastest growth is coming from the least established destinations and regions, according to Turismo de Portugal president, Joao Cotrim de Figueiredo. 

‘The UK is our most important market,’ he says, ‘and has been very dependent on the sun and beach sector, but this is moving. For a long time 75% of stays were in the Algarve and Madeira, but this is changing.’

The Azores saw 40% growth from the UK this year, following the launch of Ryanair flights in April, and the Alentejo rose 26%.

‘Both of these have a lot to offer specific segments,’ said Mr Figueiredo. ‘The #Azores appeal to travellers over 50 who are in love with nature, and the #Alentejo to younger, more alternative visitors who enjoy the new age, spiritual side of travel and who are quite affluent.’

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/67525885@N00/2178211833">Camara de Lobos, Madeira</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">(license)

They’re winners!

Best festival … Camp Bestival – Best day out … Warwick Castle 

FAMILY TRAVELLER magazine and familytraveller.com have announced the winners of its inaugural awards, recognizing what their judges – and votes registered by consumers – rate as the best in the #familytravel and #holiday business.

The winners include:

Best …

• UK Day Out for Families: Warwick Castle 
• Festival: Camp Bestival 
• Ferry Operator: Brittany Ferries
• Cruise Line: P&O Cruises 
• Airline: Virgin Atlantic 
• Eco Holiday: Reef and Rainforest Tours 
• Educational Holiday: Wilderness Safaris 
• Ski Operator: Peak Retreats 
• Tour Operator: Family Adventure Company 
• UK Accommodation for Families: Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Cornwall 
• Short-Haul Accommodation for Families: Martinhal, Algarve 
• Long-Haul Accommodation for Families: Soneva Fushi, Maldives 
• European City Break for Families: Rome 
• City Break for Families – Outside of Europe: New York City 
• Destination for Families – Domestic: Scilly Isles 
• Destination for Families – Short Haul: Ibiza 
• Destination for Families – Long Haul: Mauritius

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50616401@N07/4690524425">Main Field, Camp Bestival 2008</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

Home in on the Algarve

OPENING in July next year at the Pine Cliffs Resort in the Algarve, #Portugal, will be 76 two- and three-bedroom luxury apartments for purchase and holiday lets.

Overlooking #Albufeira, the development features an Italian restaurant, a spa, a boutique shopping mall, and secure underground parking. Guests staying in the apartments will have access to Pine Cliffs Resort’s leisure and sports facilities, including the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy, a nine-hole clifftop golf course, swimming pools, gym, and restaurants and bars.

Managed by Starwood Hotels’ Luxury Collection brand, Pine Cliffs has a wide range of accommodation and investment opportunities, including freehold properties and holiday ownership options.

www.pinecliffsoceansuites.com/en

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/77857196@N00/6369603051">Tavira</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)

Golf boom on the Algarve

#THEALGARVE has revealed record #golf participation levels for the first and second quarters of 2015, with more than half-a-million rounds played along its coastline. The destination's allure was particularly illustrated in the second quarter, which accounted for 70 percent of the total increase in rounds played in the first half of the year.   

Almost 35,000 more rounds were played than in the same period in 2014 – equivalent to an additional 190 rounds per day – with visiting golfers benefiting from the mild climate, strong European flight connections, and value for money, particularly with sterling against the euro.

The region looks forward to hosting Europe's disabled golf elite in the second European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) Algarve Open 2015 in November.

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Picture Credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/40611389@N00/2486445385">View from the Club House</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license)

Hand-picked Algarve

BRIAN and Urszula Parry fell in love with the #Algarve when they first had holidays there many years ago, so much so that they invested in the region by building six two-bedroom rental apartments in Lagos. Unlike many holiday romances, theirs has endured and, with it, their business – Star Villa Holidays – has grown: they now have more than 50 villas and apartments for rent Praia da Luz and Lagos in the Western Algarve.

Their 23-year-old son Jonathan is the inspiration for their latest property, the AltaVista Adventure Lodge in Luz , which they recommend for surfers, kitesurfers, paddle boarders, mountain bikers, and divers … and, perhaps, for those who might want to just laze around by the pool.

The company’s portfolio ranges from hand-picked ocean-front properties to houses and apartments in rural settings, and they’re offering a deal for #latebookings in July: book seven or more nights and get one night free.

www.starvilla.com

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Picture Credit: www.starvilla.com

Accolade for Algarve golf course

ONE of the Algarve's most popular golfing venues, Quinta do Lago's #Laranjal, has been hailed by Germany’s Golf magazine, as its favourite course in southern Portugal.

The par-72 layout – which was opened in 2008 – was rated the best of a selection of first-class venues played by the magazine’s reviewing panel.

Built on an old orange grove, the course features fast, giant-sized greens, water features, and Augusta-style bunkers.

In its review, Golf says: ‘Laranjal is one of the most beautiful and best places – the place is a secret in the autumn waiting to be discovered … The accurately-cut fairways meander around the former orange tree plantation, the greens are mega-fast while the bunkers dazzle with their powder-fine white sand. It is in sensational overall condition; wide fairways and little rough guarantee pure fun.’ 

Quinta do Lago's North Course, which was opened last autumn, also won glowing praise from #Golf. ‘The condition of the course is sensational even at this early stage. The fairways are like carpets and it has strategically-placed bunkers and fast greens with several plateaus. Everything is spic and span. This place provides the standard for all other projects and underlines, once more, the supremacy of the #Algarve as a top golf destination in Europe.’

www.quintadolago.com

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Fishy business in the Algarve

THE #Algarve has lined up events to tickle the taste buds this year.

Fresh and local is key when it comes to the Algarve's sea food. Tavira’s sea food festival sees the town’s restaurants – plus guest chefs – offering special menus. 

Later in the summer, the sea food festival in Olhão (August 10-15) is one of the biggest #gastronomy events in the region, with cooking demonstrations and live music every night.

Also in August, Portimão celebrates the sardine. There will be cooking demonstrations, the best of Portuguese wines, entertainment, craft stalls, and a daily parade through the town. 

www.visitalgarve.pt




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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/115908585@N06/12254627166">Porches private beach</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license),  http://www.flickr.com/photos/91241612@N00/3483608311">Albufeira</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

Golf boom for the Algarve

THE ALGARVE, one of Europe's leading golf destinations, is gearing up for a busy 2015 after reporting an increase of more than 50,000 rounds played on its courses last year.

A spokesperson for the Associação Turismo do Algarve said: ‘We are delighted that so many more visitors enjoyed golf in the Algarve last year and had the opportunity to experience our distinct offering. We continue to work hard with our golf tourism industry to deliver exceptional levels of service to our guests, and to send them home with wonderful memories.’


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Picture Credit: "Golfe22". Licenced under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

More choice at James Villas

JAMES VILLA HOLIDAYS has added new Holiday Resorts to its collection in popular destinations such as Orlando, Turkey, Algarve, and Tenerife.

The company now has 55 Holiday Resorts, which are purpose-built, village-style centres featuring private villas with pools and onsite amenities such as kids' clubs and playgrounds, golf courses, spas, restaurants, bars, mini-markets, and fitness centres.

Mark Bloxham, managing director says: ‘Holiday Resorts are ideal for anyone looking for a villa holiday with onsite activities. Our bookings show as that more and more of our customers are looking to stay in a place like this, we felt it was time to add more to our collection.’

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Tee off for success

PORTUGAL’S Quinta Do Lago has enhanced its position at the forefront of the world's premier golf destinations after its success at the first World Golf Awards. 

Its re-developed north course was named Europe's Best New Golf Course, and its highly-regarded south course received the coveted honour of Best Golf Course in Portugal.

www.quintadolago.com

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Picture Credit: 'Quinta do Lago - bunker by the sea' by muffinn from Worcester, UK via Wikimedia Commons

Autumn in the Algarve …

Diving: The Ocean Revival Project is unique – four warships were deliberately sunk to create the world's largest single artificial reef structure. Teeming with marine life, it's a new world waiting to be explored.

Cycling: The south coast is one of the jewels in the Algarve's crown – and you can cycle the entire 150-mile length of it on the Ecovia cycle path.

Surfing: The Algarve coastline has surfing conditions to suit people of all abilities, and there are many surfing holiday packages and surf schools available.

Golf: Voted Europe's best destination by professional golf tour operators, the Algarve has a variety of courses, including award-winning resorts and championship courses.

Walking: Winding through the Algarve mountains, the Via Algarviana stretches almost 200 miles from Alcoutim to Cabo de São Vicente, with sites of natural and scientific interest along the way.

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Picture Credit: From Top -  'Portugal 2013 - Algarve - 19' by Kyle Taylor (London) via Wikimedia Commons; 'Algarve - walking sign' by muffinn (Worcester) via Wikimedia Commons

Accolade for world-class Algarve restaurant

The twice-Michelin starred Restaurant Vila Joya in the Algarve, Portugal, has once again won a prestigious place among The World's 50 Best Restaurants. The restaurant, headed by world-renowned Chef Dieter Koschina, is considered to be number 22 in the world.

The award, announced at an event in London’s Guildhall, affirms Portugal's place as one of the world's premier locations for internationally recognized haute cuisine. The World's 50 Best Restaurants is one of the most selective and comprehensive of culinary rankings. More than 900 culinary opinion formers, known as The World's Best 50 Restaurants Academy, compile the list, established by Restaurant magazine and sponsored by S. Pellegrino & Acqua Panna. 

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