Bird-Watching Holidays In Portugal's Algarve

The Algarve in southern Portugal has long since been one of Europe's top holiday destinations. With glorious sandy beaches, year-round sunshine, golf courses and family-friendly resorts, there is something for everyone in the stunning region. There is also a growing trend for nature holidays in the Algarve, with a strong emphasis on bird-watching.

Although it may not immediately spring to mind as a prime location for the hobby, bird-watching is a growing niche in the Algarve's tourism industry, with tourists travelling from all over the world to observe hundreds of avian species. A recent Bird Watching Festival, held in Sagres, attracted around 800 people and 116 species of bird were observed, with people visiting the Algarve solely to attend the festival.

The famous Ria Formosa Natural Park is a prime location for people wanting to enjoy our feathered friends in their natural environment. Known by the locals as 'Ria', the park is visited by 200 different species of bird and is a specially protected site. Also home to flamingos, otters and the extremely localised chameleon, Ria is great for those nature lovers whose enthusiasm extends beyond birds too. It is located close to the popular Vale de Lobo resort, where Premier Holidays has a collection of beautiful Algarve villas to choose from.

The stunning Casa Nathalie sleeps 8 and is south-facing, ensuring you get to see the most wonderful sunrises and sunsets. Just a few kilometres away from amenities such as golf courses and restaurants, the privately gated villa provides the perfect mix of privacy and convenient location.

Also in the Vale de Lobo area, the truly luxurious Villa Amalia is perfect for those who want to add an air of decadence to their trip. Situated in a spectacular pine forest, the light and spacious property is at the very heart of nature, and just a short drive away from the resort of Vilamoura, where there is a marina and the opportunity for marine excursions such as dolphin spotting.

The town of Lagos is another recommended destination for keen bird-watchers, as it is just a 40 minute drive from Sagres, where the aforementioned bird-watching festival was held, and is also close to the popular bird-watching area of Paul de Lagos. With the existence of freshwater and reedbeds in the area, a number of birds are found at Paul de Lagos which may be more difficult to find in other regions. The beautiful Casa Ventana is situated just 4km outside of Lagos and is an older-style villa with fabulous views of the surrounding countryside. With the capacity to sleep 8 people, the Algarve holiday villa is perfect for those who might want a joint getaway with friends, and is also a short drive from beaches, restaurants, golf courses and the pretty resort of Luz.

For up to date late availability in the Algarve, call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

Enjoy Christmas In Portugal's Algarve With Premier Holidays

A survey in 2007 by the Co-op found that 3.3million Britons were expected to spend their Christmas and festive season abroad. This year, that figure is expected to rise, with millions of holidaymakers jetting off to escape the stress associated with this time of year. Who can blame those wanting to escape the almost tragic comedy that is the office Christmas party? Or the inevitable fireworks around the dinner table when the in-laws visit on Boxing Day? The cold weather, the competition with the neighbours over who can have the most over-the-top light display, the week-long preparation for Christmas dinner... these are all factors encouraging downbeat Brits to head for warmer climes over the festive season.

Premier Holidays, a British company specialising in luxury villas, have a stunning range of Algarve holiday villas to rent throughout Portugal's beautiful southernmost tip. The Algarve is a popular tourist destination throughout the summer, but even in the slightly cooler winter months, it still boasts more sun than most resorts in Europe, making booking a villa in Algarve a great choice for those who want a change from the snow in the UK.

If you love the idea of a Christmas getaway, but don't want to forget the family values that Christmas is all about, Villa Ksenia, with it's capacity to sleep 10 people, is ideal - bring the extended family and let them enjoy the private pool and al fresco dining area. The villa is situated in the residential area of Quinta Luz, just five minutes away from the town's restaurants and twenty minutes away from the nearest sandy beach, a tennis court, a health spa and a range of shops. The interior is luxuriously furnished, with stylish leather sofas and a raised, formal dining area, perfect for your Portuguese Christmas meal.

If you'd prefer a more intimate Christmas gathering, modern Algarve Villa, Kierie is contemporary and spacious, with two bedrooms sleeping four people. Located in the highly regarded Dunas Douradas resort, Villa Kierie is well-equipped for a self-catering holiday, with a private pool and within walking distance of a lovely beach. There are restaurants and shops right on the doorstep, with additional entertainment facilities such as tennis courts and golf courses just a short drive away. Villa Kierie is perfect for a small family wishing to enjoy a secluded, private Christmas together.

For a slightly different Christmas holiday, why not gather all of your friends and jet off to Vilamoura, and the spacious Villa Oraya? As well as breathtaking views, a private pool and great access to bars, restaurants, golf courses and casinos, Villa Oraya can sleep up to 18 people, making it the ideal venue for a getaway with a large group of like-minded people who want to spend Christmas abroad. The Algarve villa has a private parking area, so car hire is an also an option if you'd like to explore the local region – the small town of Guia is just a short drive away, where the famous piri-piri chicken was first created.

For up to date availability and more suggestions for places to stay in the Algarve this Christmas, call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

About Premier Holidays: Premier Holidays is a British company specialising in luxury holiday villas and apartments for the discerning traveller looking for a different holiday experience. Premier Holidays was founded in 1994 initially specialising in high-end villa holidays to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura and has subsequently grown into one of the most trusted and established villa holiday specialists in Europe.

Editor’s Note: Premier Holidays is represented by search engine optimisation agency, Dakota Digital. Please direct all press queries to Rebecca Appleton. Email Rebecca@dakotadigital.co.uk