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The Algarve can offer over 500 holes of golf and has a well-deserved reputation for multi-owner properties. Quinta do Lago, a resort which is 20 minute's drive from Faro airport, is the proverbial golfer's paradise, with some of the best courses in Portugal (they are rated among Europe's top 25) to be found here. Set in 2,000 acres of lush countryside, flanked by the Atlantic and the Ria Formosa Nature park, Quinta do Lago has hosted eight Portuguese Opens. Its quotient of celebrity holiday home owners is impressive, with Roy Keane, Chris Evans and Michael Owen all owning houses here and it's a particularly popular destination for Irish golfers.

ANY CULTURE?

Yes, as you will find if you pause in Faro ? the sprawling city often ignored by visitors who leave the airport and head straight off along the coast. Besides a pleasant centre which curves around an attractive harbour filled with fishing boats, it boasts an impressive old town, or cidade velha.

The old town is an interesting combination of white buildings, cobbled squares and cafés. The oldest buildings are within its ancient walls, and are reached through an imposing old gate, the Arco da Vila. The ensemble is dominated by the Se, or cathedral, which is worth visiting for the ancient tiles that decorate its interior and for the views from its tower. One of the attractions of exploring the Algarve's cultural heritage is that you are likely to be able to avoid the crowds: most visitors head straight to the coast.

WHICH ARE THE BEST BEACHES?

Are you looking for miles of uninterrupted golden sand and few people, or somewhere with a lively resort attached? In the latter category, Albufeira is one of the Algarve's main destinations, and although a boom in the building of timeshare apartments in the 1980s has caused it to spread, it remains a pleasant seaside town with a small promenade and some lively bars and restaurants.

Further west is Praia da Rocha, one of the first places along the coast to be developed. The seafront is now a forest of high-rise apartments and hotels that could have been built anywhere, but the beach is perfect: sandy cliffs and tropical vegetation sheltering a wide sandy bay with large rocks looming out of the sand to provide shelter from the sun.

West of Lagos, the coast is less developed and the landscape wilder, until it reaches Cape St Vincent, the south-western tip of Europe. This area used to be described by sailors as "the end of the world" because of its remoteness. In Sagres, at the end of the headland, is a fortress built by Prince Henry the Navigator in the 15th century. He founded a School of Navigation here, which opened the way for a golden age of exploration. The fortress is an excellent place from which to watch the sunset on a clear evening.

ANY ISLAND HIDEAWAYS?

The coast to the east of Faro is sheltered by islands good places to visit if you want beaches that are sandy and undeveloped. Tavira, a pleasant fishing village on the river Gilao, is the jumping-off point for the Ilha de Tavira, a sandy strip nine miles long where there are several beach bars and a campsite. Water taxis leave from the quayside and can take up to six people to the island; alternatively, a boat leaves Quatro Aguas beach a mile or so out of town and it's inexpensive. There are also ferry services from the marina at Olhao to the islands of Armona and Culatra. From Faro, ferries leave from a jetty just south of the old town to Culatra and the Ilha Deserta, in the Rio Formosa Nature Reserve.

SHOULD I VISIT NOW?

A prime attraction of the Algarve is its climate: it is never too cold, and is uncomfortably hot only in the height of summer when temperatures above 30ºC are the norm. In late spring you can expect plenty of sunny days.

WHERE TO STAY

For a fabulous luxurious experience, check out Monte Da Quinta Club in Quinta Do Lago, the 2000-acre golfers' paradise located a short journey from Faro airport.

Situated in the middle of the resort, the five star Monte Da Quinta Club offers a choice of accommodation. Luxury suites in the hotel are popular with couples while families opt for the self catering private villas, which are one-, two-, three- and four-bedroomed, and are also ideal for groups of golfers. All villas come with their own private gardens and pool, a fully-equipped modern kitchen, satellite TV and outdoor barbecue.

A full support service and all facilities are offered to the villas - 24 hour reception, club house, swimming pools and sunbeds (outdoor and indoor), steam bath, jacuzzi, gym, restaurant, snack bar, kids club, hairdresser and beauty salon. And if you don't fancy cooking, well you could always hire the private chef who is available to come and cook meals in your villa.

BEST DEAL

Seven nights on the 10th May in a villa in the Monte Da Quinta Club costs from €833 per person, based on 6 or 8 sharing and €853 per person, based on 4 sharing, including return flights, transfers, accommodation in a villa with private garden and plunge pool or swimming pool, and all taxes and charges. Phone Sunway on 01 2886828 or checkout www.sunway.ie.