Rocha Brava, Carvoeiro, Portugal

Though the site itself has lots of quiet corners in which to soak up the sun in relative privacy, it is the beaches for which the Algarve is renowned.

Centianes in particular is a delight - safe, peaceful and just a ten-minute walk away.

Water-based fun for all the family

Water-based fun for all the family

Nearby Zoomarine is a fun and informative day out, where the whole family can experience (and interact with) dolphins, seals and turtles - as well as sharks, crocodiles, alligators and tropical fish - in a reasonable facsimile of their native environment.

The park aims to 'promote environmental knowledge, preservation and education in a fun and exciting way'. It's also home to a variety of birds of prey, animals and exhibits, with a daily falconry demonstration and tropical bird show.

Inevitably, the resident bottlenose dolphins are the greatest crowd pleasers, displaying their immense intelligence and acrobatic prowess to packed audiences throughout the day.

Arguably the most popular family attraction on the Algarve is Slide and Splash, the largest of the area's many water parks. Situated roughly 5km from Rocha Brava, the park has chutes and slides, waves and rides aplenty.

Something for your adventurous side

Something for your adventurous side

To see a different side of the Algarve, why not explore the scenic countryside by going off the beaten track with a quad bike trek? Quad Ventura takes riders of all ages and levels of experience across terrains that are demanding on foot and impossible by car.

Alternatively, step off the land and view the beautiful Portuguese coastline from the sea. Alvor-based Trigana Sailing Adventures will take you out in a traditional Portuguese sailing ship to peer into sea caves and to discover the shore and marine life first hand by snorkelling.

A historical treasure trove

A historical treasure trove

For the amateur historian, the Algarve is a veritable treasure chest of historical gems, influenced by the many civilisations that have passed through the area, from the Romans to the Moors.

Take a trip back in time with discovery tours from Mouriscas Tours or explore the mosaics and other artefacts at the Museu Municipal Dr. Jose Formosinho in Lagos.

If you're exploring Albufeira on foot, look out for the statue of San Vicente, a saint from the town who set out to spread the Catholic religion in South America but was finally executed in Japan for his beliefs.

Should your interests lie in fortifications, the castles at Alcoutim and Loulé both have their own archaeological museums. Sagres fortress, a National Monument, has also played an important role in the history of the area, as documented in the visitors' centre.