But with so many wonderful places to visit in the southern region of Portugal, how can you choose the best Algarve hotels to suit you?

When you do your initial search for hotels, and Algarve Car Hire it may seem difficult to narrow down all the options and while there are many fantastic places to stay all along the Algarve coast, the town of Portimao should certainly be near the top of your list.

Situated towards the western end of the Algarve region, Portimao is relatively close to other popular resorts in the area, such as Lagos and Albufeira.

But you will not need to travel further afield during your stay in hotels in Portimao as the town has everything you could need for a fantastic break.

As the largest town in the western Algarve, you can rest assured that you will have access to a wide range of amenities, including shops, restaurants and bars.

But during your holiday in the area, you will also be able to enjoy stunning beaches and history if you want.

The Portimao region is regarded as having some of the best beaches in the Algarve so if you have your heart set on a week of soaking up the sun and enjoying the sea then this could be the place for you.

Praia da Rocha is the largest beach near the town itself and has developed into a resort in its own right over the years. This is the place to go if you want plenty of shops and cafes close by.

However, if you are looking for something a little quieter, you may want to seek out beaches such as Alvor and Tres Irmaos. These are both beautiful sandy beaches enclosed by rocks on either side, which provide natural shelter and means that the sea is usually calm and ideal for swimming.

Meanwhile, if you want to try your hand at water sports, you may want to visit Vau where a wide range of activities are on offer.

But there is more to Portimao than just beaches and if you enjoy exploring the history or culture of the places you visit on holiday then you will not be disappointed here.

Portimao has a history dating back to medieval times, although very little remains of the original settlement. Despite this, you are sure to enjoy discovering the Old Town of Portimao, which is full of 19th and 20th century buildings featuring ornate stonework.

Meanwhile, the old palace of the Viscounts of Bivar dates back to the 18th century and is certainly worth a visit if you are interested in architecture.

Another attraction that will appeal to history buffs is the Santa Catarina de Ribamar Fortress. Constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries, it was used as a defence against pirates.

Now it is a good place to visit if you want to enjoy stunning views along the coastline, taking in the beaches, river and cliffs that surround Portimao.

And if you decide to spend a day or two exploring the surrounding area, you will find many charming and equally historic villages where you can experience some more of Algarve life and see some beautiful landscapes along the way.

Drive with www.myalgarvecars.com