Vale do Garrão Holidays

Vale do Garrão is set in pine forests on the Algarve. It comes with an enviable postcode next to the chic Dunas Douradas. You'll find it tucked between sophisticated Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, both of which have seen their fair share of celebrity visitors. That could be down to the golf, which the area is famous for, or the perfect mix of sandy beaches, bars and restaurants.

Vale do Garrão’s beach – AKA Julia’s Beach – was named in honour of the local woman who first opened a bar on the beach. Here, you've got a sandy sweep backed by dunes. And there’s plenty more sand at neighbouring Praia da Quinta do Lago, which is part of a nature reserve. Cliff-backed Praia de Vale do Lobo is nearby, too. Along the stretch there are sunloungers, watersports and beachside restaurants.

This area is a real golfing favourite, and Vale do Garrão has its own 27-hole golf course. There’s more teeing off to be done at the championship courses at Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. And all three places can sort you out with a game of tennis – the academy at Vale do Lobo has 14 floodlit courts.

Loule – about 20 minutes’ drive away – is ideal daytrip territory. You can’t miss the modern, spaceship-shaped church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade as you drive into town. Then, in the centre you’ve got 13th-century castle walls to walk along. Alternatively, pay a visit to Faro, half-an-hour away. Its old walled quarter houses a cathedral with a beautifully tiled interior, and the 17th-century Episcopal Palace, home to the Bishop of Faro.