The Central Algarve includes the municipalities of Faro, Loulé and São Brás de Alportel. The main towns are Faro and Loulé, Faro being both the largest town in the region and also the administrative capital for the whole of the Algarve.

The landscape of this region of the Algarve is rather diverse. The marshy flood plains around Faro make up the Ria Formosa nature reserve, providing both a sanctuary for wildlife and a paradise for birdwatchers.

Moving westwards, the flood plains give way to long sandy golden beaches in front of the luxury resort of Quinta do Lago. Next is Vale do Lobo, where golf course atop dark ochre cliffs and sandy beaches lie below. The coast flattens again towards Quarteira and Vilamoura.

Moving inland, the undulating golf courses on the coast gives way to the foothills of the Serra de Caldeirão, offering wonderful scenery, majestic sea views and enchanting villages.

It's not surprising that back in the 1960's, the Central Algarve was chosen as the ideal spot to develop Vale do Lobo, the first luxury holiday resort in the Algarve. Since then, the Central Algarve hasn't looked back, and today it is still the most popular region of the Algarve amongst foreign tourists and helps make the Algarve one of the leading destinations for holidaymakers in Europe.

Apart from glorious weather, fabulous beaches and pristine golf courses, the proximity to Faro airport only adds to the Central Algarve's appeal.