Hugo at VisitAlgarve appears calm about their success and is more focused on the future as Hugo Nascimento, Executive Director of VisitAlgarve talks to TravelMole Publisher, Charles Kao. Can you tell what they have up their sleeve? To learn more about VisitAlgarve

  Portugal offers golfers from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the opportunity to tee on the world-renowned destination’s 43 sun-kissed courses.   The Algarve has seen significant investment during the lockdown period as the destination strives to provide a best-in-class experience with course maintenance teams across the region demonstrating unwavering commitment to ensure optimum playing conditions await the returning golfers.   Meanwhile, a renovation of the South Course at Quinta do Lago will be ready for play in September, while the new Wyndham Grand Hotel has also opened nearby. Further west in Lagos, a brand new clubhouse at Palmares has opened to further complement the fantastic 27-hole resort. On the horizon, there is growing excitement ahead of the new Ombria Resort near Loulé launched in early 2022.   For more than 50 years, golf travelers have been venturing to the Algarve, attracted by the promise of sunshine golf.   Golf was born here in 1966 – when Henry Cotton first laid out the Championship course at Penina – and has blossomed over half a century to its position as a world-leading golf destination, as voted for by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), in 2020.   Visiting golfers are now met with a staggering choice of 43 nine or 18-hole layouts that can be played all-year-round, with the Algarve providing great hospitality to hundreds of thousands of golfers on its fairways each year.   Situated on the southern coastline of mainland Portugal, a host of international direct flights are received into Faro airport, with visitors benefitting from a 150-mile coastline, decorated by some of Europe’s best-known golf courses.   In addition, holidaymakers can enjoy spectacular beaches, picturesque rocky coves, quaint fishing villages and a rich cultural heritage.   The Algarve is the perfect destination golfers of all ages and abilities, with something to suit every taste and budget.   www.visitgolfalgarve.com

  Whilst the Algarve has been a popular destination for the Brits for many years, the region still has some hidden places to discover for those that can tear themselves away from the beach or golf course.   We asked a local tour rep, a fisherman and a taxi driver where they would go to see an unexpected side to the Algarve and to avoid the crowds. This is what they recommended:   Visit a Desert Island, the Mountains & Medronho in Monchique   Algarve’s award-winning beaches continue to be the best in Europe but the locals in central Algarve head to the island beaches in the Ria Formosa which are on a series of barrier islands just off the coast. The remote barrier islands are Barreta, Culatra, Armona and Ilha Tavira and they can be easily reached by ferry from Faro, Olhão or Tavira. Not only is the Ria Formosa a stunning sight, it is a fabulous place for bird watching as it’s an important breeding ground for many coastal birds such as Oystercatchers, Cranes, and Flamingos, whilst also being a hotspot during the migration season.   Head to the deserted island of the aptly named Deserta and enjoy the day sunbathing, swimming and enjoying a long lazy lunch at local favourite Estamine, which serves up fresh fish and seafood, among other genuinely Algarvian specialties from its solar powered kitchen.   The Monchique mountain range is a chain of mountains found in the western part of the Algarve about 20 km inshore. The highest point is the peak of Fóia which stands tall at 902 m. Picota is another notable peak at 774m high. These peaks can be reached by foot, mountain bike or by jeep with many tourism companies provide routes and services. Reaching the peak of Fóia provides phenomenal panoramic views over the Algarve, when the weather is clear, you can see the Atlantic Ocean.  It is the highest elevation of the whole Algarve.   To explore the mountains take a Jeep Safari Experience by Extremo Ambiente which includes sampling the local brandy Medronho, Melosa liqueur, honey and & wine. The tasting is organized by a sommelier with comparatives and tasting notes, with a pairing with cheese and Monchique cured meats.   Villages, Sunset & Tapas   Go inland to visit small villages such as Aljezur on the west coast and Querença near Loulé in the surrounding Algarvian mountains.   Aljezur is in a river valley surrounded by hills with a cascade of zigzagging narrow streets. On one side of the river stands the old town, which was developed in the tenth century when the Moors first settled there. The village is dominated by the ruins of a Moorish castle built at that time which sits at the top of a narrow and very steep cobbled hill. Not only were the Moors responsible for many buildings in the region, but also various legends and myths living among people even now.   The village of Querença is one of the most ‘typical’ villages in the Algarve with clear signs of an Arab architectural influence. The town is renowned for its rich traditional gastronomy, kept alive by local restaurants. The village also distils the famous arbutus-berry brandy and produces a very popular variety of chorizo sausage, in addition to many other traditional products. Visitors must try one of their wintery delicious stews (lamb, goat, chicken), finished with a “medronho” to warm up the soul.   Watch the sunset at Cacela Velha and then straight to the small alleys of Tavira old town for a gourmet tapas dinner. Cacela Velha village is situated on top of a hill with a view of the easternmost lagoon of the Ria Formosa. The village has a beach known for its dreamy landscape and its fantastic sunset, consisting of sand that changes shapes according to the winds and tides. Tavira is regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve. Here you will find a unique mix of traditional architecture with Moorish influences incorporated plus 37 churches. Tavira is sometimes also called the ‘Venice of the Algarve’, thanks to the riverside restaurants and bars with views of the famous Ponte Romana bridge.   East for Least & Cross Border Zip Lining   Alcoutim on the south-eastern border of Algarve is known as a hidden treasure in the Algarve. This interesting river town is set among beautiful green hills. Here you will find the perfect combination of history, nature, and tranquillity, whilst being only a 30-minute drive from the coastal area of the Algarve. The town is located on the Guadiana River, an international river running the length of Portugal’s south-eastern border with Spain. After meandering its way through some of the most picturesque landscapes, the river eventually spills out into the Atlantic Ocean at the border town of Vila Real de Santo António in the Algarve.   For a thrill do the only cross border zipline in the world that starts in Spain, crosses the Guadiana River on a 720 m line and finishes in Alcoutim.