Algarve
The Algarve boasts 200km of sandy beaches for you to choose from; this is the reason most people find holiday rentals here. However, for those who don’t want to spend their whole time sunning themselves on the beach, there’s a lot more on offer here.
If you’re in search of holiday rentals with a bit of privacy and seclusion, beware some of the more heavily developed stretches along the coastline. Large parts of the coast between Faro and Albufeira have probably suffered the most, although the beaches and holiday rentals facilities in this area are first rate. The coastline itself is a combination of classic picture postcard images of tiny bays and secluded covers, as well as sandy offshore islets. Along the coast you can find working fishing villages, where life carries on as if it was still the middle ages. If you’re after some coastal activity, then aside from some wonderful walks, there are masses of watersports on offer from sailing and snorkelling, to dolphin spotting and windsurfing. For some peace and quiet, head inland a bit. Here you will get to appreciate day to day Portuguese life. Holiday rentals in the form of quiet farmhouses and cottages are dotted around the villages and countryside and you can guarantee that you won’t feel like you’re in one of Europe’s most popular holiday rentals destinations if you stay here. There are various attractions aside from the beautiful countryside including Roman ruins (Estoi), the old Moorish town of Silves, and the Serra de Monchique, which is the highest mountain range in the south, with cork and chestnut woods and a beautiful old spa.