Since it emerged as a holiday destination in the 1960s, the Algarve has been a magnet for families, with a huge choice of hotels and villas. It’s also the perfect place for keen golfers, because it has so many excellent and perfectly-manicured courses.

With a perfect climate, cheaper quality of living and friendly people, it’s heaven in our own backyard, and Faro airport is barely a three-hour flight from Manchester.

The Algarve is rich in history, and a strong Arabic influence survives from the occupation by the North African Moors, here for five centuries until the 1300s.

There’s a slower pace of life in the Algarve, which is relaxing when you escape from the routines of work. Locals readily take time to smile and talk to you, a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of our often-crowded cities.

English is widely-spoken, but a few choice words of Portuguese are welcome.

Although the Portuguese don’t adhere to a siesta culture like the Spanish, shops and restaurants open around 11am, but will stay open until the late hours.

Our base was the four-star Hotel Vila Gale Marina, in the heart of Vilamoura. On our first night, we were stunned by a beautiful sunset which provided an amazing sight above the crowded masts of luxury yachts in the marina.

Centred around the 1,000-berth marina, Vilamoura – known as ‘millionaire’s paradise’ – is a very small, purpose-built family-friendly town.

Eateries, bars and nightlife are all within walking distance of the Vila Gale Marina, and it’s home to five of the best golf courses in the country.

Party animals should head to the bigger towns of Albufeira and Praia da Rocha, where most of the clubs are situated.

To get further afield, you need to hire a car, and the obvious journey is to head along the coast to the cliffs of Cabo de Sao Vicente (also known as Cape St Vincent).

When you get there, you realise why it is referred to as ‘the end of the world’. Even on the calmest of days, the Atlantic ocean bashes against the cliffs and the wind whips around the cape.

We also took a day trip to Armacao de Pera, a stretch of coast near Albufeira on the Algarve, on a two-mast ship – a great way to explore rock formations, overhanging cliffs and caves which climbed above the sandy beaches.

The tour on board Condor de Vilamoura included lunch and travel, and costs 38 euros (£33) for adults and 19 euros (£17) for children.

Originally a busy port, Tavira is probably the most picturesque city in the Algarve, with 37 churches and a seven-arched stone Roman bridge. Its Moorish and Renaissance roots are still visible when you look at the stately 16th century mansions with their elegant tiled facades and four-sided roofs.

Food lovers won’t be disappointed with Portuguese cuisine. With a strong presence from local fishermen, seafood is fresh and delicious, whether it’s sushi or one of the fish specialities, such as cataplana, a fish stew with shellfish, peppers and tomatoes, all served up in a copper pot.

Wanting to explore eateries out of Vilamoura, we headed to the old town of Quarteira, just ten minutes’ walk away.

There, you’ll find traditional Portuguese cafes and bakeries offering a wide selection of cakes and desserts, including my favourite, pastel de nata (egg custard tart).

A visit to Portugal wouldn’t be complete without trying the renowned vinho verde (green wine). The young white wine is the ideal complement for meals, and its fizziness and lightness makes for a great summer beverage.

With gorgeous weather, mouth-watering food and beautiful beaches, what more could you ask for?