Dreaming of stunning beaches and fun for all the family? Then Portugal should be your port of call says ANNABEL MACKIE

Looking for that perfect half-term break with plenty of theme parks to amuse the kids? But also want a destination that will also appeal to every member of the family? Then look no further than the Algarve…

WHY SHOULD I GO?
Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, surfer dude, nature lover, theme park addict, party animal or a family searching for that perfect bucket and spade holiday, the Algarve can offer a myriad of holidays options

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What’s more, it’s less than a three-hour flight from the UK and boasts sunshine all year round so it’s no wonder three million Brits visited last year.

The Algarve is the name given to the 100 miles of gorgeous coastline that stretches along Portugal’s Atlantic Ocean-facing south coast. This stunning coastline is studded with sandy beaches, five-star resorts, golf courses (over 34 championship-standard courses), luxury spas and the bustling resort towns of Vilamoura, Lagos, Albufeira and Portimao.

WHERE CAN I STAY?
The Algarve offers plenty of five-star hotels and one of the newest is the Tivoli Victoria (www.tivolihotels.com), just a 15-minute journey from the airport and five-minute drive from the vibrant marina of Vilamoura.

Soothing cream marble, a gourmet restaurant, and an opulent Oriental spa mean that this low-rise 280-room hotel has a sophisticated feel. The hotel’s centrepiece is the palm-fringed swimming pool lined with Balinese rattan sun loungers and open-sided cabanas which overlook the new Victoria championship golf course (www.oceanicogolf.com) and the ocean in the distance.

If you’d prefer to stay in the beating heart of Vilamoura, try the Victoria’s sister hotel Tivoli Marina, which is just a stone’s throw from the restaurant-lined marina. By day the kids can be entertained in the T/Kids Club, while adults can get pampered at the Angsana Spa and in the evening sip cocktails and listen to top DJs in the cool Puro nightclub.

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WHAT CELEBRITIES MIGHT I SEE?
OK! favourites Alex and Steven Gerrard are big fans of Portugal as are Chris Evans, Ronan Keating and Katie Price. Music legend Sir Cliff Richard has a home and his own vineyard which is open to the public. Keen golfers Ant and Dec like to visit the country regularly and have been spotted out and about in Vilamoura.

WHERE CAN I SPA?
Devoted spa-goers will adore the black and gold haven on the fourth floor at the Tivoli Victoria. The Elements Spa by Banyan Tree is a very grown-up affair offering traditional healing therapies given by Thai therapists, trained by the Banyan Tree Academy in Phuket. As OK!’s body hadn’t seen a therapist – or any sun – for a while, we signed up for a Rain Mist Experience. This involved a salt exfoliation, a clay wrap and then being cleansed by water jet sprays and a relaxing massage. This is definitely a wonderful place for parent to spend a few quality child-free hours!

WHERE CAN I EAT?
At the Tivoli Victoria, dinner was in the sleek all-black Emo restaurant where the talented chef serves Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist. On the lovely al fresco dining terrace we soaked in the panoramic views across the golf course and feasted on such delights as rosemary-scented lamb cutlets with crispy polenta sticks and Iberian roast pork followed by almond crème brulee.

Seafood is king in the Algarve, so we headed to the marina in Vilamoura to try a few local dishes. OK! sampled the traditional dish Cataplana – a delicious tomatoey fish stew with bacon and chorizo – at the Mayflower restaurant, as well as enjoying our best-ever spicy prawn linguine at Il Lamparo, a popular Italian restaurant with great-looking waiters!

WHERE CAN I SHOP?
If you like to bargain, the famous market held every Saturday morning in the hilltop town of Loulé, which also hosts a colourful carnival every February, is a must. You can pick up embellished kaftans, leather sandals and ethnic jewellery. It’s also worth browsing around the Saturday farmers’ market housed in a beautiful building next to the remnants of the castle, as well as wandering along the quaint pedestrianised Rua 5 de Octubro – home to lots of shoe shops!

Along the Vilamoura waterfront there are souvenir stores and boutiques such as Benetton, Gant and Boss and top-selling designer labels such as D&G, Versace and Armani.

HOW CAN I AMUSE THE KIDS?
The Algarve does children’s activities well, and there’s ample choice from jeep excursions and eco tours to a whole host of water sports.
For OK!’s three daughters, a trip to

experience the thrills and spills of Aquashow with its rollercoaster water ride topped their must-do list. As well as a vast wave pool and slides and flumes, there’s also a mini-park for little ones.

Next on their wish list was Zoomarine, a haven for animal lovers. As well as watching a mesmerising dolphin show we all loved the fun-filled sea lion show with the seals as principal actors set on a replica pirate ship. Other favourites were the 4D nature film, the mini rollercoaster and the aquarium. Remember to bring towels – and picnics – to both Aquashow and Zoomarine, as it also has a pool.

Another firm favourite was the Family Golf Park, with its two 18-hole crazy golf courses in a Roman-themed setting in Vilamoura.

Playing  against each other certainly brought out the competitive element in all the family!

HOW DO I GET THERE?
Sovereign Luxury Holidays (0871 664 0227; www.sovereign.com) offer a special discounted seven-night half board package, including flights from London Gatwick to Faro, staying at the five-star Hotel Tivoli Victoria Vilamoura, Algarve from £2,719 per family of four.

Sovereign also offer a seven-night package, including flights from London Gatwick, daily breakfast, staying at the five-star Hotel Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, from £2,359 per family of three.

Both prices based on October 25 departure. Sovereign can also organise excursions.

HOW DO I GET MORE INFO?
For more information about Portugal and the Algarve visit www.visitalgarve.pt and for what’s on visit www.allgarve.pt. For more information on activity parks see www.zoomarine.pt and www.aquashowpark.com.