Before your plane has landed at Faro airport you may have caught a glimpse of the shimmering blue ocean. Through the ages the sea has dominated Algarve life, and today, it is the allure of the clear blue water and golden sands which brings holidaymakers to fill the beaches.

The Algarve is a place of variety, and in its short coastline there are golden sands, rocky coves and soaring cliffs. Whatever your dream of a perfect beach, with a little exploring, it is here to be found.

Let the sea come to your table. There is no place like the Algarve to eat fish. The Portuguese are connoisseurs of fresh fish and the quality they demand is reflected in the cuisine on offer in restaurants.

If you like it hot then try chicken piri piri. After deliciously grilling the chicken over open charcoal it is brushed with fiery hot local chillies in olive oil. It's a good excuse to try the local beers which are light and similar to lager.

The Algarve is not well known for good wines, the summers are too dry and long. Further north there are many fine vineyards and wines from the Dao region are invariably worth drinking.

A Portuguese speciality is Vinho Verde. The name green wine has nothing to do with the colour but rather that it is bottled and drunk when young. The early bottling results in a slight fizz.

For a complete change from soaking up the sun by the pool side take a drive inland from Portimao and discover the wooded slopes of Monchique mountain.

Don't fail to stop at the former spa of Caldas de Monchique where hot springs attracted people to take the waters.

On your way back down the mountain turn off to  Silves. The town has recently been much improved and after  climbing up to the castle and cathedral there are traditional restaurants near the river.

If there's space left in your suitcase after you have packed the duty paid cigarettes at  one third UK prices you might a bottle or two of brandy or port a worthwhile investment. Both attract good interest at the table for a  low capital investment