The Algarve Hits Worldwide Top Holiday Destination List

Blue skies, blue seas and beautiful beaches sound almost too good to be true especially taking into account today’s economic climate and the fact that you really don’t have to travel too far afield to find it. Nestled into the stunning Portuguese coastline is the Algarve, a popular destination for anyone looking for some sun, sand and relaxation. 

Recently deemed one of the top places to visit in 2012 by popular travel website Trip Advisor and included in the Top 50 New York Times Places To See list, the picturesque seaside town of Lagos is the place to be this summer. A buzzing nightlife, great restaurants, quaint seaside cafes and a superb beach has launched Lagos into the spot light as Europe’s current hot spot.  With plenty of stunning Algarve villas for rent at affordable prices, it is advisable to book early and secure holiday plans.

For those who plan to bring the whole family, look no further than the likes of Villa Silvester or Casa Ventana – both gorgeous, luxurious properties that sleep up to eight people. Both of these beautiful Algarve holiday villas are located within a short driving distance of Lagos and boast picture postcard views of the surrounding area.

On the smaller end of the scale the Algarve holiday villa Casa Mimi is a two bedroom property that can sleep up to four. Not far from Lagos, it is situated in the popular resort of Vale do Lobo. Located within walking distance of the bustling shopping centre and the beach, Casa Mimi is a delightful option.

With Lagos and other popular Algarve destinations just around the corner there is plenty to occupy all the family whichever villa you choose. For the slightly more adventurous and the perfect choice for family outings, the Grotto Tour is a definite must. Leaving from Lagos Marina, the tour will take you on a wondrous discovery of the caves, coves and cliffs that line Portugal’s proud coastline.

Although summer is still months away, do not miss out on this perfect opportunity for a week or two of respite in the sun. Starting to plan for a well-deserved holiday break is never too early. With early bird booking prices on most Algarve holiday villas, it is most definitively the time to get in on a bargain and with plenty to do, see and eat, Lagos, Vale do Lobo and the surrounding area offer the perfect family holiday.

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

Beat the January blues with a bargain trip to the Algarve.

Bright blue skies, warm temperatures and cheery faces… If only England was like that in January! Now the festive season is over and people are back to work, things may feel a bit slow and dreary. It’s cold and wet here, with many people facing seasonal depression around this time of year but it’s warm and sunny right now in the Algarve, so for those who are suffering from those pesky winter blues, now is the perfect opportunity to plan a bargain trip to the stunning region of Algarve, Portugal. Now that the idea of going away is set in motion, you may be thinking you won’t be able to find a place to stay in time but rest assured because Premier Holidays offer a selection of lavish holiday villas in the Algarve, available for last-minute bookings at reasonable prices too!

The Post Office survey has reported that Britons planning a self-catering holiday can expect to find that resorts in the Algarve offer the best value for money in terms of food and drink. So for those looking to go away with a small group of friends or family, the Algarve villas should definitely be considered. The Casa Belmira villas, situated just outside the small town of Guia are an ideal choice for groups. The villa can sleep up to five guests (four adults and one child) with two bedrooms and a sofa bed in the lounge. For relaxing lunches or drinks, the villa has a lovely outdoor dining area overlooking the beautiful swimming pool. The accommodation is also reasonably priced for those on a budget, with prices from £491 per week. Best known attractions in the area include an aqua park and a zoo marine theme park, both of which are fun for all ages.

Another of Premier Holidays’ Algarve holiday villas ideal for a small group is the Villa Emmi, situated in the resort of Rocha Brava, not too far from Carvoeiro town. This fully equipped villa sleeps up to six guests in its three luxurious bedrooms, with the master bedroom having an en suite bathroom. The location is superb for those who enjoy scenic views as the villa is surrounded by vineyards and citrus groves, a picture perfect spot for some beautiful snaps of the area. Villa Emmi is located only 500m away from the restaurants and shops, making it a good location as things can be easily reached by foot. Prices start from £672.

For those who enjoy experiencing historic destinations and like a feel for culture, Lagos would be an ideal resort to visit in the Algarve. The Villa Silvester is situated in the secluded area of Funchal Ridge, not too far from Lagos where its old town boasts some of its beautiful architecture and historical sites. There is also a marvellous marina in the historical town of Lagos where you can find many boat excursions providing guided tours around the area. The villa itself sleeps up to eight guests, with its four spacious bedrooms split over the ground and upper level, with prices from £795 per week. It is an extremely attractive property for a group of friends looking for an extremely relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of gloomy January in the UK.

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

Enjoy the International Gourmet Festival in Portugal's Algarve

The sixth annual International Gourmet Festival will be taking place in Portugal's stunning Algarve region in 2012. One of the most popular gastronomy events on the continent, the festival exclusively features Michelin-starred chefs from all Europe, there to honour the best in international cuisine. Each chef will contribute a tasting menu with wine pairings and other festivities include a golf tournament on one of the region's famous courses, cooking workshops and a Go-Kart race just for the chefs. The Vila Joya Resort will be hosting the event, which takes place from the 12^th to the 22^nd of January 2012.

For those looking for a place to stay while their taste buds are tempted for ten days, Premier Holidays has a beautiful collection of Algarve holiday villas, perfectly situated to attend the International Gourmet Festival. Casa Girasole is located just outside the small town of Guia, which is close to the site of the festival and also famed for its quintessential Algarvian restaurants. The beautiful villa sleeps up to seven people, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The living space is open-plan and contemporary, with a modern kitchen perfect for trying out a few of the chef's recipes from the festival. A furnished outdoor area also boasts a charcoal barbecue and the property has a luxurious private pool (with optional heating for a small fee).

Another Algarve villa, Casa Belmira would suit a smaller party, with the capacity to sleep five people (four adults and one child). This single-storey villa resides in the Quinta dos Alamos community, also close to Guia and Albufeira, and with easy access by car to Vila Joya. A water park and the Zoomarine theme park are located close by, as well as the opportunity to swim with dolphins on the coast. The kitchen is well-equipped for a self-catering holiday and an outdoor dining area provides the perfect spot for supper after a long day of golf and wine tasting.

To enjoy Michelin-starred chefs during the day and a luxurious villa by night, Monte dos Avos is the ideal choice. This newly-constructed villa is located a little way out of Albufeira in Alcantarilha, but the distance towards the festival remains fairly equal. It stands imperiously on a small hill so residents may enjoy a stunning panoramic view over the grounds, the swimming pool and the surrounding fruit trees. The villa sleeps eight people in four bedrooms and is an attractive property for a group of friends wanting to enjoy the mouthwatering feasts that the International Gourmet Festival will undoubtedly provide.

For more Algarve villas, things to do and places to stay, call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

Get away to the Algarve for New Year with Premier Holidays

As 2011 draws to a close and New Year's resolutions are set all over the country, many people are left with the challenging task of deciding how to spend their New Year's Eve. Parties will be held all over the UK, in pubs, clubs or just houses, with Auld Lang Syne being sung enthusiastically and fireworks set off as the clock strikes midnight. But some people will be looking for a quieter way to see in 2012, and what better way than a New Year break to Portugal's beautiful Algarve region. Premier Holidays has a large selection of luxury villas available for last-minute booking, starting at prices in the region of £500 per week.

For those looking to invite a few friends along to see in the New Year, Monte dos Avos, is a large Algarve villa in the Albufeira region, and a perfect choice. With four bedrooms (sleeping eight people) and three bathrooms, the villa is all set for an intimate party in enclosed, private grounds. Set atop a hill, the villa has a private pool should the weather be warm enough for a dip, and a barbecue and seating area for al fresco dining. The interior is elegantly decorated, with an inviting living room and adjoining indoor dining area. The property is just a short distance from a newly-developed golf course, perfect for spending the first day of 2012 relaxing.

Situated in the Vilamoura region, the Villa Oraya Algarve holiday villa is one of the largest properties on offer, sleeping eighteen people in seven bedrooms. The heated pool gives guests the option of hosting a pool party to celebrate the New Year, with stunning views from the garden and both a gas barbecue and a traditional charcoal barbecue. The property is just a short drive away from numerous beaches and amenities such as bars, restaurants and some of the region's many golf courses. The home of piri-piri chicken, Guia, is just a 20-minute drive away from Villa Oraya, with a Zoo-Marine theme park also nearby.

For a romantic getaway with a partner, friend or small family, the beachside Apartments Praia Mar are surely the perfect choice. The apartments feature a private terrace overlooking the sandy beach, as well as great accessibility to beachfront amenities. The Blue Flag beach of Praia da Luz is a few minutes' walk away, and the watersports centre there offers activities such as kayaking, water-skiing and wakeboarding. The old historic town of Lagos is also a short distance away, giving guests the chance to soak up a bit of culture before they enjoy their New Year's Eve in one of Luz's many restaurants or bars.

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

Escape To The Algarve During The Olympics

The London 2012 Olympics promise to be an occasion to remember but for those who would prefer to escape the hustle and bustle and chill out instead, the Algarve is the perfect place to work on a tan and enjoy a slower pace of life. Premier Holidays, the Algarve villa specialists, are now taking bookings for summer 2012 and have some great deals on those booking early for the Olympic period.

While others focus on the run up to Christmas and New Year breaks, turning attention to summer now means having the pick of the best Algarve holiday villas. With excellent availability and early-bird booking prices, making an Olympic getaway plan can be cost effective and ensure a holiday to remember.

Premier Holidays offers a choice of apartments and two to seven bedroom luxury Algarve holiday villas with a choice of locations throughout the popular Portuguese region. For those who want miles of golden sandy beaches to explore and gorgeous local restaurants to dine at, the resort of Quinta Dos Alamos is a winner.  All of Premier Holiday’s Albufeira and Guia and Area Villas are just a short drive from quiet sandy coves and at the opposite end of the scale, the livelier town of Guia.

Just West of Faro in the golden triangle, Vale do Lobo villas are situated in the heart of the  action and are an idea choice for those who want to escape the Olympics but not miss the chance to enjoy water sports and sports facilities while away. The beautiful seven bedroom Villa Oraya near Vilamoura overlooks the surrounding countryside of Vilamoura with breathtaking views, close proximity to a number of golf courses, a private pool and easy access to the bars, restaurants and a casino.

For a total getaway, a villa in the Algarve’s Eastern Countryside is undoubtedly the way to go. Life is slow and unhurried in this traditional rural enclave but restaurants are plentiful and delicious food and drink bountiful. The 8 bedroom Villa Rebekah in Loule, in the Algarve’s Eastern Countryside is of a traditional Algarve design with uninterrupted views of the countryside to the ocean beyond.

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

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