This sensational sun-drenched destination is rich is full to bursting with beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, dramatic coastline vistas. It has pure Portuguese drama and its friendly locals, warm weather and glorious gastronomy will easily lure you into returning again and again.

The beaches here are just an hour drive from Faro airport and boast some of the most perfect sands in the whole Algarve and include the amazing stretch at Praia de Dona Ana. The shimmering honey coloured rocks at Costa d'Oiro jut magnificently from the sea and are a much photographed sight. For many, their splendour sums up an adventure in Lagos.

Much of the accommodation here is on the door step of a number of perfectly formed sandy bays and a day's sun-worshipping and relaxing couldn't be easier.

Lagos is a place in which to relax and no matter whether you prefer a long sweeping beach or a hidden rocky cove, whether you come alone or with the family, there will be a spot with your name written all over it. Pure paradise.

The most stylish sands are found along the 4km of Meia Praia and Sae Roque but beaches like Estudantes, Homers and Dona Ana are secluded, private and all yours for the taking.

There are many caves and rocks to explore, and the crystal clear water is ideal for scuba divers.

The promontory of Ponta da Piedade which shelters the bay of Lagos is much visited by visitors drawn to its clear waters and north of Lagos, Barragem de Bravura is a water reservoir which has incredible views and an array of wildlife to peacefully observe.

Why not take a break from the beach and perfect your swing at two world renowned golfing centres. The Boavista Golf Resort and the Palmares golf course are nearby and well known for their challenging fairways. This golf course, a Par 71, is a design showpiece, which blends a perfect mix of links and inland golf, with magnificent views over Lagos Bay and the Monchique mountains

Walk the bustling streets, study the Moorish architecture of the city walls and take in the truly striking local attractions such as the golden church of Santo Antonio which dates from the 12th century.

Visit the city's fortress that once was home to the Captain Generals of Algarve. It's a castle which has seen many colourful times throughout Lagos' history.

See the multitude of Renaissance influences from the town's fortress to its plethora of magnificent churches, such as the Medieval São João Hermitage, the 16th-century Santa Maria of Misericrida, the Baroque Santo Antonio and the 17th-century São Sebastião.

This bustling hub offers superb opportunities to relax, sightsee, dine and dance in an area of outstanding beauty of which Portugal is rightly proud. Come see for yourself.