Algarve, Portugal - It is hard to ignore the growing popularity of Algarve as an upscale tourist resort featuring picturesque beaches, swanky luxury sea-side resorts and intriguing old town streets that are besieged by tourists during the region’s tropical summers. The coastal retreat may seem a tad too brash, flashy and hollow to some, however its natural beauty in the form of lovely expanses of golden sands, gorgeous azure waters and dramatic cliffs is hard to resist. For travelers who find the party ambiance too hectic for comfort, there are lovely castle towns to explore along with quaint country sides and tranquil rivers on the way. Watch relics of medieval architecture or revel in Algarve’s perennial carnival-like nightlife. This is one town that can swap from being laid-back and delightfully animated at the snap of a finger.

While Algarve has very limited lodging and dining options, the one place I thought would impress me-namely Sheraton Algarve came with its share of shortcomings.

Algarve, Portugal - It is hard to ignore the growing popularity of Algarve as an upscale tourist resort featuring picturesque beaches, swanky luxury sea-side resorts and intriguing old town streets that are besieged by tourists during the region’s tropical summers. The coastal retreat may seem a tad too brash, flashy and hollow to some, however its natural beauty in the form of lovely expanses of golden sands, gorgeous azure waters and dramatic cliffs is hard to resist. For travelers who find the party ambiance too hectic for comfort, there are lovely castle towns to explore along with quaint country sides and tranquil rivers on the way. Watch relics of medieval architecture or revel in Algarve’s perennial carnival-like nightlife. This is one town that can swap from being laid-back and delightfully animated at the snap of a finger.

While Algarve has very limited lodging and dining options, the one place I thought would impress me-namely Sheraton Algarve came with its share of shortcomings.