When you are heading off on holiday somewhere abroad it is always good to find somewhere that you can take the whole family. But how many places have you ever found that are just as exciting for the adults as they are for the kids?

Omega Parque is one such attraction in the Algarve. This is a zoo, but it isn’t like any other zoo you may have visited in the past. This particular example is devoted to making sure endangered species are looked after. They also rear new additions to their zoo, making this a very interesting place to visit – not to mention educational for both the adults and the children.

One other bonus of this zoo is that it is open all through the week. So whenever you happen to be visiting the Algarve you can plan a visit here for a day without worrying about missing the opening hours. It’s easy enough to find as well; it is to the north of the Algarve in a central position from east to west, and it isn’t far from Monchique.

Hopefully many of the endangered species here will become more prevalent over time as Omega Parque works to make them safer. But it is good that people have a chance to come and see them in what is essentially a protected and safe environment. While this is an educational experience though, it is also a fun one that makes wildlife a fascinating topic for kids to learn about.

The zoo itself is easy enough to find although you may want to hire a car for the day to reach it. If you don’t want to drive you can get a bus from Portimao that goes directly north to the zoo along the N266.

Another benefit of visiting the zoo is that the entrance costs are quite reasonable. And since there is a family ticket available you can save even more money on what is one of the best days out in the Algarve. Wouldn’t you like to see spider monkeys, red pandas and much more besides?

Most holidays can give you the opportunity to have a go at one or two sporting activities you may not have tried before. For example you’ve got windsurfing or maybe some snorkelling if you fancy something a bit more relaxing.

But in the Algarve you can have a go at something called blokarting. If you are wondering what on earth it is the clue is in the name.

Everyone knows what go karting is. And blokarting takes that to the next level by adding a sail to what looks like a three wheeled kart. If that odd combination appeals to you, you’ll love blokarting when the wind gets up!

You need to be prepared to pick up a bit of speed if the wind is going in the right direction though. You’ll be sitting in a slightly laid back position and there is always the chance that the three wheeler might tip you out if you’re unlucky! It’s a pretty safe sport though and lots of people are finding that the blokarting location in the Algarve is ideal for trying it out for the first time. It benefits from almost constant breezes at the very least, and it can really pick up as well.

Look for Blokart Sagres in the Algarve as this is one of the best places to go to try out what is also known as land sailing. Somehow blokarting is a much better description of what to expect though. Land sailing sounds a little bit too laid back. And you will certainly remember your first attempt at blokarting as you breeze along the ground propelled by a tough sail with the wind behind you.

It’s located in Vila do Bispo, which is in the far bottom left hand corner of the Algarve itself. The location not far from the coast certainly counts for the good and windy conditions that you will find there! If you aren’t sure whether you want to have a go or not, go along and have a look at some other people doing it. We’re sure you will end up getting strapped in yourself to give it a go.

The Algarve is famed for its beaches, but you should also make a point of seeing some of the cities. One of the best of these has to be Portimao.

You’ll find it located on the southern edge of the Algarve between Lagos and Albufeira. It’s a good place to head to if you happen to be on a golfing holiday but there is a lot more to it than that. It used to be a big part of the fishing industry but that is no longer the case. This fact doesn’t make the area any less worth visiting though.

In fact you can still see many signs of the old Portimao in this respect. When you visit the local museum you will find yourself standing in what used to be a factory for canning sardines. The impressive marina in Portimao is also worth a look, even if you don’t have your own boat to moor up in the area!

The location itself also has plenty to offer and provides a starting point if you want to take a boat trip out of the harbour. One of the best of these has to be the Santa Bernarda pirate ship. There are a number of excursions you can book onto, one of which explores the local caves around Portimao itself. It’s a fascinating way to see part of the Algarve coastline in this area that you would otherwise miss.

And of course Portimao is a great place just to wander around too. You’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, and there are lots of local dishes available to try. Why not explore for the day and then enjoy a meal in a local restaurant to round things off?

There is no doubt that some people come to Portimao simply to enjoy the golf. There are plenty of courses nearby too. But if you don’t explore what the rest of the area has to offer you will regret it. Portimao has character and charm, and while it may not be an integral part of the fishing industry in the same way it once was, it still has a lot to offer.

Contrary to common belief, quality golf, "Across the Pond", is not limited to the cool, damp climates of Northern Europe, in fact most of Continental Europe's very best courses, bask in year round sunshine, far to the south. Nowhere is this more in evidence than in Spain and Portugal, the joint occupants of The Iberian Peninsula, which over the past half century have established themselves as Europe's Golf Headquarters. Yes, these two countries of Fado and Flamenco, each with its own colorful history, rich cultural heritage, fine gastronomy, intriguing ancient cites and so much more, have over the past half century, carefully developed golf infrastructures that rank alongside the world's best.

With the decided advantage of weather on their side and no fear of hurricanes or other natural disasters that increasingly plague sunshine destinations closer to home, golf on the Iberian Peninsula has been growing by leaps and bounds. Wisely it has been a controlled development, with a particular emphasis on quality and the protection of the environment. Learning from the mistakes of others, Portugal and Spain have established the standards by which others are now judged.

The concentration of the best courses on The Iberian Peninsula, very much follows its southerly coastline. Starting from Portugal's enchanting capital city of Lisbon, following the Atlantic shore south to The Algarve, then crossing into Spain and continuing into The Mediterranean Sea to the Costa del Sol. From here Iberia's golf trail continues northeast, hugging the Mediterranean shore to Valencia, then Barcelona and onward to the French border.

It's a lot of coast - 325 miles in Portugal and another 1,000 miles in Spain, but it's also a cornucopia of quality golf courses. Many of the names will be unfamiliar, but selecting those best suited to your own wants and playing abilities, needn't be confusing. Put your trust in a reputable golf travel company, such as Golf International, taking advantage of their expertise and knowledge.

For the golf aficionado, looking to experience the very best of Iberia's impressive collection of courses, the following are my personal choices, intentionally limited to just 6 in Portugal and 6 in Spain. They are however, only the tip of the iceberg, leaving plenty of others that could be included. So regard this little golf tour as just an appetizer for the golfing banquet that is the Iberian Peninsula.

In Portugal, we start our journey on the Lisbon Coast, just an hour's drive north of the charming capital.

Praia d'El Rey. At only 10 years young, this links-like layout, spread out along a few miles of gorgeously pristine Atlantic beach, contains a maturity and challenge, way beyond its tender years. As tough as they come from the back tees, the course graciously caters to the less accomplished players from the front. Don't miss a visit to the nearby, fascinating medieval town of Obidos, either before or after your round of golf.

Oitavos Dunes. Located a brief 30-minutes by car or convenient commuter train from the heart of Lisbon, in the beach resort of Cascais, Oitavos took Europe's golfing intelligentsia by storm when it hosted the Portuguese Open just 4 years after opening in 2001 and it hasn't looked back since. It hosted this prestigious tournament again in 2007 and 2008. The severity of Oitavos' test is only complicated by the incessant winds blowing in from the Atlantic, the only consolation being the superb sea and mountain views from every hole. The 18th here just might be the toughest closing hole in European golf.

Troia. An extremely intelligent design from Robert Trent Jones Sr., Troia will always be a showpiece of Portugal's golf and one of the best layouts on the entire Iberian Peninsula. The small, sometimes deviously contoured greens are well defended by superbly placed bunkers that are often frighteningly deep. This is an exhilarating test for the better players and a thrill packed ride for the rest of us. Troia is located on picturesque sliver of a peninsula, just a 45-minute drive and short ferry ride, south of the city of Lisbon.

From Lisbon, it's only a 2-hour motorway drive to The Algarve, Portugal's relaxed southernmost region and another important golf center with more than its share of top ranked courses. Vilamoura, located in the center of The Algarve is a very special resort community, boasting 5 superb courses, two of which make their way onto the list of Portugal's best

Vilamoura's Victoria Club is the latest addition, a piece of design artistry from our own Arnold Palmer and for many, his very best design effort. Hosting the WGC World Cup within a year of opening and selected as the regular venue for the new European Tour event, The Portugal Masters. Victoria is quite simply Portugal's # 1 course and a must play for any serious golfer.

Vilamoura Old Course is the pioneer layout here and the work of the great English architect, Frank Pennink. Reminiscent of a classic English parkland course, The Old remains a favorite of everyone who has the pleasure of playing it. It's a course for the thinking golfer, where the mature trees come very much into play and even the short holes are no walk in the park. Superbly maintained, this is one that will make you thankful you play the game.

San Lorenzo is one of Portugal's top courses, a position it has held since first opening in 1988. The design is imaginative, the setting immaculate, and American designer, Joseph Lee has united the two into a thrilling golf experience, capable of testing the most accomplished player to the extreme. Containing every difficulty in the book and the ability to use every club in your bag, the high handicappers will encounter more than a few difficulties, but for the rest, it will be an experience filled with memories.

It will take a couple of hours to drive from the central Algarve across the Spanish border and into Spain's Costa del Sol, and the heaviest concentration of golf courses in the entire country.

Valderrama. Since hosting The Ryder Cup in 1997, Valderrama has become the most widely recognized golf club in all of Europe. It has also been ranked Continental Europe's best course for each of the past 16 years and was the permanent venue for The European Tour's most prestigious event, the season closing, Volvo Masters. Golf pedigrees just don't come any better than that. Any golfer visiting this part of Spain simply must play this stunning layout, but visitor times are limited and you will be well advised to get some assistance from an experienced golf travel company, such as Golf International.

San Roque New is located a 10 minute drive away from Valderrama and is a brilliant design from Perry Dye, specifically geared toward the scratch and low handicappers. Big hitters will be well rewarded, only if they are accurate and the punishment for those who are not will be the depths of some of the most ominous bunkers known to mankind. Strategy and ability are the prerequisites for any decent score on this humdinger of a course - strictly a layout for the big boys.

Sotogrande is only a few minutes further away and the third spectacular layout in this Golden Triangle. There are tough restrictions on visitors to this exclusive private club, so again, you will need the assistance of a qualified golf travel company, but it will be well worth it. This is a great example of Robert Trent Jones at his best, with innumerable water hazards, huge undulating greens and majestic trees - a real beauty.

Las Brisas is located about a 40-minute drive away, toward the fashionable resort town of Marbella. This is another crackerjack course filled with variety and constantly changing challenges. The multitude of elevated greens makes approach shots tricky and each green is jealously protected by shrewd and sometimes downright devious bunkering. Adding to the excitement is water that comes into play on 12 holes. A thriller from beginning to end, it's a course to please everyone.

El Saler sits some 300 miles northeast of the Costa del Sol, just outside of the historic city of Valencia, which would be well worth a couple of days stay, even if there was no golf, but El Saler is ranked as Spain's number two layout and can't be missed if you are collecting the best of Spanish golf. Noted Spanish designer, Javier Arana is responsible for this combination of British style links and forested layout, which can be brutally tough. The large undulating greens are often blind and difficult to read, once you find them. Playing to your handicap is a definite accomplishment.

PGA Catalunya is situated about an hour's drive northeast of Barcelona, en route to the Costa Brava. The top ranked course in the Catalonia region, this is a handsome layout that is also extremely demanding. Hilly, but with wide, rolling fairways that wend their way through dense forest where the rough is as unforgiving as most will have experienced. A couple of lakes add to the good looks and join the defense arsenal of excellent bunkering, sloping terrain and that uncompromising rough. Another course for the tough guys.

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Whether trying golf for the first time or looking for a new challenge, this spring offers the best time to visit the Algarve - the region of Portugal packed with golf holiday ideas.

With 32 Championship standard golf courses that bask in the year round sunshine, lush fairways with fast, rolling greens, courses in the region are likely to prove a hard but enjoyable challenge for all golfers.

All this, plus some amazing money saving deals, why not escape the UK gloom and jet off to practice your swing in the sun?

Golf holidays in the Algarve

The Algarve is only approximately two hours away by air and it is served by 22 UK regional airports, making it one of the most accessible golf destinations for Britons looking to play overseas.

With the Algarve offering the best, newest and biggest choice of golf courses, golfers are spoilt for choice, making it no surprise that the region hosted over a million rounds of golf in 2008.

Quinta do Vale Golf Course

Designed by Severiano Ballesteros, one of the newest courses in the Algarve is the Quinta do Vale Golf Course (inaugurated last October). This 18-hole championship quality golf course is located in the eastern Algarve and is situated near the historical town of Castro Marim astride the Guardiana River.

The course strives to accommodate all handicap levels, and is enhanced by numerous dogleg holes, wide fairways and obstacles all set in breath-taking surroundings.

PGA European Tour

A large number of golfing events are held in the Algarve every year.

One of the highest profile annual events is the Portugal Masters, part of the PGA European tour held at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Course from October 15th-18th. Many top stars play this prestigious event every year, including top European stars such as Lee Westwood, Robert Karlsson and Retief Goosen.

It is a great time to book your golfing trip and see some world class golf close up.

With all the regions of the Algarve offering excellent golf at very reasonable prices, golfers from the UK have been choosing the Algarve as their golfing destination of choice for a while now and will continue doing so for years to come.

Below are some of the best deals that can be found from around the Algarve.

Spring Golf Savers

The Alamos Golf Club is offering a fantastic 20 per cent saving on all electronic trolleys and buggies during the February – May high season. When playing a round at the Alamos Golf Club, golfers can now ride around in a buggy from only £32 per round or use one of its electronic trolleys from as little as £13 per round.

The Boavista Golf Resort is offering a great sunshine special during the golfing high season in February – May, September and October 2009.

For just £75 per person, golfers can enjoy guaranteed start times, a round of golf on the championship course with buggy, basket of range balls, free coffee and bacon roll on arrival, a soup & sandwich on completion of your round.

This offer is valid during the high season however the same offer is available during the low season for only £60 per person. For more information or to book, please visit Boavista Golf.

Stay for seven nights at the Pestana Levante Beach & Golf and receive six rounds of golf from only £440 per person. This fantastic offer includes accommodation in a twin sea view room and six round of golf at the Pestana Gramacho, Pinta, Silves or Alto golf courses, with additional rounds costing only £40 per person.

Be one of the first to stay at the brand new five-star Tivoli Victoria Hotel, opening on the March 2nd and located in stunning Vilamoura from only £54 per person per night. This amazing offer includes accommodation in a single standard room, one round of golf at the Laguna Golf Course and one daily drink.

This great offer is valid from the March 2nd-31st 2009. For more information or to book, please contact Tivoli Victoria.

Enjoy a group golf holiday to the Algarve and stay for seven nights at the beautiful Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort, situated in Vale de Lobo from only £198 per person, based on two people sharing. This great offer includes seven nights accommodation in a classic twin room, four free rounds of golf per person at the San Lorenzo Golf Course, daily buffet breakfast and free use of the tennis courts.

This offer is valid for stays within February 28th – 22nd May 2009 and is for group bookings only. When making a reservation, you must quote 'Golf Included' to benefit from this offer.

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Whether you want a short break, honeymoon, adventure trip, beach holiday, cultural tour, sporting event or historical visit, the Algarve will offer something for everyone this year with a packed calendar of events.

Later this month it's the Loule Carnival, from February 21-25. The city will be filled with colour and cheer as visitors and locals enjoy the vibrant parade of extravagant floats, over-sized puppets, samba groups and lots of music.

From May 4-9 the Algarve International Film Festival in Portimao will showcase short films from international filmmakers. In 2009 the festival will focus on 'Cinema and Globalisation in the World' and hopes to attract a broad mix of multicultural films.

For five days in July colour and excitement will fill the streets of Loule again as the Med Festival takes place. World music originating from Morocco and various southern European countries, such as Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal will fill the air. Visitors will also enjoy handicraft exhibitions, dance performances and street theatre.

A paradise for seafood lovers, the annual Festival do Marisco, is held in August each year in the town of Olhao, just five kilometres from Faro. One of the most important gastronomic events in the Algarve calendar, the Festival do Marisco offers visitors the chance to sample some of the local delicacies. A wide range of seafood is available, ranging from grilled sardines to fried shrimps and of course the traditional cataplana, a much loved Portuguese dish consisting of clams, mussels, bacon, chourico, garlic, onions and olive oil. Music and folk dancing accompany the festival, with performers encouraging both locals and visitors to eat, drink and enjoy the superb atmosphere.

At the end of August, Castro Marim and Silves return to the Middle Ages, in a highly rigorous historical recreation. During four days and nights, the castle of Castro Marim plays host to kings and queens, knights in shining armour, jesters, noblemen and ladies. Jousting tournaments, on foot and on horseback, street theatre performances, banquets accompanied by medieval music and a handicraft and merchandise fair, complement the entertainment during these Medieval Days, which enable visitors to relive the magic and mystery of times gone by.

The Algarve will also host some world class sporting events during 2009. The new 200m Euros Autodromo Internacional Algarve track in Portimao covers 300 hectares of land between Portimao and the hills of Monchique, with a capacity for up to 100,000 spectators. Key racing events are already confirmed in 2009 including the A1GP World Cop of Motorport on April 12 where UK visitors can cheer on the British team; the Historic Formula One Championship on May 10; FIA GT Championship on September 13; GP2 Series on October 4 and for the second year running the SBK Superbike World Championship on October 25. The motorpark complex also includes a five-star hotel, apartments and restaurants.

Visitors can witness the great skill and expertise of the world's top drivers racing along the roads and tracks of the Algarve from April 2-5, competing in the Portugal Rally. The route combines fast open stretches with some technical and challenging tracks. Situated only eight kilometers from Faro International Airport, the Algarve Stadium will be the setting for the event's closing ceremony, while also acting as the rally's operational centre.

Prepare to be blown away by the spectacular moves of the world's finest kite surfers at the Kitesurf World Championship in Portimao in July. This exciting new sport attracts many young people and during the event Portimao will come alive with nightly entertainment.

July is the month for speed as Portimao hosts the final stage in the Powerboat P1 World Championship from 3-5. Powerful single-hull vessels will slice through the water at speeds in excess of 160 kmph offering plenty of excitement for fans and visitors to the region. As this is the last leg of six, the region will come alive with a party atmosphere in line with other Grand Prix events.

October is the month for golf with the world's greatest golfers travelling to Vilamoura to take part in the Portugal Masters. Considered to be one of the leading golf events, the Masters is to hold its second edition in Portugal from October 15-18, 2009. It will take place at the Victoria Golf Club. The course was designed by the famous player, Arnold Palmer and the design alternates between well-positioned bunkers with lakes and waterfalls and is a continuous challenge for players.

Whether you are looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the crystal clear waters and golden sands of the coast, delve into the history and culture of the region's beautiful towns and or just relax in the lush green countryside, the Algarve has plenty to offer.

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Five star hotels in the region are looking to attract more tourists by appealing to those who may suffer health problems, foreign and national, by offering specialised spa treatments and medical assistance that is cheaper than in tourists' home countries.

Also, it has been predicted that the number of beds in private clinics will triple over the next five years.

Treatments such as massages, thalassic therapy, shiatsu, acupuncture and Vichy baths are just a few of the most popular treatments available from 20 five-star hotel spas in the Algarve.

At present, so called 'health-tourism' is limited to five-star establishments, which essentially offer natural treatments and do not incorporate traditional medicine.

Generally, tourists prefer treatments incorporating plants, water or sea water, aromatherapy, relaxing massages or Chinese-based medicine.

These are aimed at tourists who are not ill of health, but are looking to improve their well-being.

Experts say around 30 per cent of clients using five-star spa treatments are Portuguese, the remaining 70 per cent being mainly German, American, English, Scottish, Dutch and Spanish.

Indian Ayurvedic massages, Hawaiian Lomi-lomi and Japanese Shiatsu treatments are also growing in popularity.

But Antonio Pina, President of the Algarve ERTA Tourism Board believes there is a future in traditional health tourism, describing the Algarve as a perfect destination for convalescing.

"With our climate, we have all conditions necessary to attract this type of tourist", he said, explaining the aim is to tie in conventional medical treatments with hotel accommodation for the patient/tourist and their family.

Over the next five years around a dozen new private hospitals aimed at 'health-tourism' will take shape, tripling the current number of available beds.

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