Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

The Algarve is a great place for any nature lover, with vast stretches of coastline and brilliant wildlife to spot. The Ria Formosa is a lagoon with constantly changing barrier islands that connect to the sea, and this protected coastline stretches from Faro to Tavira, and is home to many species of bird and fish.

Perfect in spring and autumn, spend a day visiting this area to spot Flamingos, roosting Storks and Osprey. The estuary walks are delightful, and the Ria Formosa is known for its brilliant sunsets, that reflect across its still water.

The rolling hills, leafy green wooded areas and streams of the Monchique mountain range make it a perfect place to spend the day hiking. Known as the “garden of the Algarve”, its peaceful walking routes lead through chestnut and pine trees, old villages and granite rocks. With its highest mountain, Fóia, at only 902 metres, the walks follow ancient paths, and are do-able for all ages of the family.

The Fóia peak is worth the walk, and has stunning panoramic views across the Algarve. Embedded in the mountains is the old market town Monchique, with typical Algarvean houses, cobbled streets and quiet, relaxed cafes. Monchique is a brilliant place to spend the afternoon pottering around with the family, and is perfect for picking up traditional delicacies such as local honey, and Portuguese pastries.

Evaristo - about 20 minutes from the resort, this restaurant has no menu. You simply choose from the selection of fish or shellfish as you enter, and then you'll be shown to your table.

Julias - is a very relaxed beach restaurant, about 20 minutes away. It's good fun and serves typical Portuguese dishes.

2 Passos - this restaurant has an amazing setting looking over the Atlantic and is built on stilts. The food is delicious, and the lobster is definitely worth trying. It's about 25 minutes away, and is a great lunch spot.

Pequeno Mundo - another good place for lunch and quite smart, this is a French restaurant about 20 minutes away.

Dom Carlos - a fun restaurant, with really good service and only 10 minutes away.

Portugal is well known for its wine production due to its ideal climate and location. The Algarve’s many vineyards and estates produce excellent table wines and ports. A must do for any food or wine lover, head to well known wine producing areas Lagoa or Portimao, for a wine tasting tour. Discover delicious wine and learn about Portuguese wine making history. The Adega Cooperativa de Lagoa holds detailed wine tasting tours daily, or visit the Monte da Casteleja wine cellar to learn about organic wine production from well-informed guide Maria Leroux.