The land where the sun sets, as the Arabs knew this region, west of Al-Andalus, is just one of the destinations that have earned a reputation for holiday paradise in the Old World during the last quarter century.

Photography by Hugo Cadavez

Although the great Portuguese Algarve tourist attraction is its beaches and beautiful places, the leisure offer has managed to diversify with the launch of sports championships like the European football championship held in 2004 world championships in golf and stages of the Lisbon-Dakar rally.

Its proximity to Spain makes importing a large amount of tourism neighbor, but many visitors come to the Algarve each year from countries like UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Scandinavia and Ireland.

Faro is the most prominent city of the province Lusa. The whole area south of Portugal becomes an ideal destination for a family vacation or escape and enjoys a quiet weekend.

From the westernmost part of the Guadiana River, which forms the border with Spain, lie the resorts of the Algarve area. It has first class hotels and a wide range of fun and night entertainment.

Although at present the traveler as an area of clear contrasts, there are also more modest, hundreds of them. There are all possibilities for the tourist. In Faro itself focuses most hotels. Or you can choose to rent an apartment or apart-hotel alternative accommodation in the Algarve, as the Clube Maria Luisa or Oceanus, respectively. From $ 26 a night you can stay in one of these rooms. With breakfast, the price rises to $ 38.

Photography by timo_w2s

The lowest prices can also be reached at apartment hotels in other municipalities of the Algarve and the Dom Pedro Portobelo (Vilamoura), Colina Verde (Moncarapacho), or hotels like the Vila Gale Atlantico (Albufeira), from $ 47 night, or Monica Isabel Beach Club, a three star hotel with half board for just the $ 30 goes to sleep in a single room. With an outstanding value for money also pensions as Vila Recife (Albufeira), $ 30 evening only five minutes from the beach, or Nossa Senhora da Rocha (Porches), where for $ 45 will have views Atlantic Ocean. Another option is to search houses or accommodation in Tavira.

Backpackers have the opportunity to stay in one of the many hostels or shelters that have the Algarve. The night, very cheap: from $ 15. Also, in their own tourist offices in the region facilitate Portuguese names and addresses of private homes that rent rooms, if you prefer this option. The multiple search engines and hotel deals that exist on the Internet can find cheap hotels on the dates you want. Best time to book in advance to avoid last minute surprises.

Photography by Nuno Duarte

Wealthier pockets can afford a stay in hotels Algarve golf courses, spas and beauty centers along the Atlantic, with access to exclusive establishments sandy beaches and hotels located in urban centers. In particular, two of the largest resorts in Europe are indeed in this region lusa: Vilamoura, near the Falesia beach, and the beach of Rocha in the town of Portimão.

Enjoy your holidays!