THE ALGARVE

PORTUGAL

Can you imagine yourself in a place where spring begins in January when garlands of almond and then mimosa blossom decorate the landscape? Travel to Portugal, where the ever the popular playground of the Algarve attracts sun seekers to its one hundred mile coastline, which is mild in winter and yet cooled by ocean breezes in the heat of summer.

Portugal is a perfect sun and sea destination with gently shelving sandy beaches washed clean by the Atlantic tides, with limpid waters and romantic coves ideal for swimming. A luxury holiday to Portugal also offers much for the sporty who come for the sailing, surfing and water-skiing facilities in the sleek resorts, for the world class tennis clubs and internationally acclaimed golf courses.

The Algarve has a rich heritage with a distinct Arabic flavour - with fretwork chimneys, mosque like cupolas and whitewashed houses, set in small market towns like Loulé and fishing villages including Armação de Pêra. These are the perfect backdrops during the festival and carnival season - at Easter whole villages and towns come to a standstill to watch vast and colouful processions parade through the small narrow streets.

See also: Madeira, the ‘floating garden of the Atlantic’ was once a rocky outcrop, which has been transformed into a sub-tropical Eden. Even the capital Fuchal is surrounded by lush landscape and dramatic shorelines. This beautiful island is renowned for its cultural events throughout the year, from fashion shows in January and colourful street parades in February to wine festivals in September. Include in your visit the island of Porto Santo, a wonderfully extensive beach with sands that are famous for their therapeutic properties.