The Algarve is our favourite family European destination. We stay in the resort of Quinta Do Lago which is great as it is a quieter resort, superb for golfers and within easy driving distance to many other resorts. There are lots of lovely restaurants and shops in Quinta Do Lago and Vale Do Lobo, the neighbouring resort is fantastic. We do enjoy driving to more local areas in the evening to eat - our favourites being Loule and Faro, it's great to visit Faro when the Fish Festival is on in August. The beaches in Portugal are beautiful, although beware the sea is cold but the sunsets are amazing!

I visited Portugal in January and what surprised me the most was the weather, it was fantastic and very sunny. We visited Vale de Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura where there are some amazing hotels and villas - all of an excellent standard. There are some really lovely bars, restaurants and shops and lots of different golf courses all within easy reach - driving is very easy and we travelled along the coast road visiting Albufera, Praia de Rocha, Alvor and Lagos.

I have visited Portugal, especially the Algarve, many times over the years. The Algarve is such an easy holiday destination, especially for families. There are several excellent water parks for the whole family to enjoy and for teenagers, the nightlife in Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura is safe. The marina at Vilamoura is a great place for a bite to eat and people to watch and of course, take a look at the million-pound yachts! Further up the coast are Sagres which is more rugged (and a bit windier) and the areas of Alvor and Lagos are brimming with Portuguese character,

The Algarve has so much to offer and is a particular family favourite thanks to it's very short 2.5 hour flight. Holiday highlights have to be stays at both wonderful hotels and private villas, the dramatic cliff tops and wide sandy beaches, the fresh fish and fabulous wine and of course the Portuguese custard tarts! I've escaped to the Algarve during the summer and winter and enjoyed fantastic weather each time.

Portugal is one of all my overall favourite destinations, staying in the lovely resort of Alvor with its sandy beaches and nice authentic restaurants. I have also stayed at the stunning Ocean Suites part of the Pine Cliffs Hotel.  This hotel was fantastic, with lots of nice restaurants to choose from and a 10-minute drive away from Albufeira. The beach and sunsets here are amazing!

I have been lucky enough to visit a lot of the Algarve and what mainly stands out to me are the beautiful long stretches of beach and the tiny, secluded coves which are stunning.
I have enjoyed both villa and hotel stays and loved them both. I would recommend hiring a car as there are so many little villages to explore and of course the endless coastline.

When I return my plan is to go inland and experience some of the Portuguese vineyards. You must try the Portuguese custard tarts whilst you are there, and a glass of the local port is recommended too.

This was my first visit to The Algarve and I was so surprised by the diversity of the 200km coastline with its many stunning beaches. I loved the pristine, chic area of Quinta Da Lago with its ultra-modern villas, the quaint fishing village of Carvoeiro with its many local restaurants and the vibe of the Marina at Vilamoura. As this area is so different to the rest of Portugal I would highly recommend a car to explore what this coastline has to offer which must include the dramatic cliffs and caves of Benagil. The Algarve seems to have packed so much into a small space and there is something for couples, groups of friends and families.... It has definitely left me wanting more.