A sprawling, purpose-built, 177-acre resort centred around the marina, with several "sub centres" developing. The whole area is scrupulously tidy and rigidly maintained by the management company, and is encompassed by four 18-hole championship golf courses. To the NW of the resort are separate wooded and rural areas, which are protected from development. For the most part, the ambience is very "Moorish".

Wide suitability. Popular with sports enthusiasts, particularly golfers. The flat terrain makes it a favourite choice for holidaymakers with physical disabilities.

Everything from 2nd-class pensions and 3-star hotels to luxury villas and 5-star hotels.

2 choices: Falesia is a wide, sandy, cliff-backed option approximately 5 mls long, with a wide range of facilities including a children's playground, showers, sunbeds, sun shades, shops, snack bars and a great variety of water sports, including paragliding. Marina Beach (which connects with Quarteira Beach) is wide, sandy and backed by a minor road, and has few facilities.

Limited, considering the size of the resort. The majority at the marina sell souvenirs, clothes etc. A weekly gypsy market in neighbouring Quarteira.

Daytime: tennis centre, lawn bowling, 4 golf courses, swimming, squash, clay-pigeon shooting and a riding school. The area is good for cycling. Ruins of an ancient Roman city. Nightlife: casino, 4 discos and lots of bars with live entertainment.

Wide range of dishes available, from sandwiches to a la carte.

Regular "in-house" service which links up with main services. Taxi rank in marina area. Plenty of local car-hire companies.

As Quarteira.

About halfway along Portugal's S coast, 15 mls W of Faro and its airport.

On mainly flat land, situated between the national road and the coast, and bordering the resort of Quarteira.

Website: www.portugalinsite.pt

Airport : Faro
Airport Code: FAO
Flight time from ther U.K.: 2 hrs. 45 mins