Sports holidays are ever popular with people in the UK, no more so than golf, which is a very popular sport to play in other countries where the climate might be better and there may be decent golf courses. The quality of the golf courses will depend on where you are in the world and countries like Portugal are renowned for the quality of the golf courses. This is well known all over the world, and it can help you to get in some good rounds of golf whilst on holiday.

Many people travel to places like Portugal as amateur golfers but it can be good for the more experienced pro too, who doesn’t want to play professionally whilst away but who wants to enjoy a relaxing game or two. There are many reasons why golf is considered to be a fun and relaxing sport, not least because of the beautiful settings you can find yourself in, therefore making golf a more popular pastime for people of all ages and standards.

Portugal is a good destination for some sun this summer. Despite all of the troubles with taking holidays abroad, Portugal is one of the better bets and there are still holidays available that can be booked for the summer months.

Why is Portugal a good holiday destination? It has something for everyone, children and adults alike. The weather, for one, is a good selling point and it is mild, and really rather warm during the summer. There is generally a very pleasant breeze though, making it comfortable for walking and exploring, and taking part in activities like golf and other sports. Equally, if you want to sunbathe, it will be hot enough for this – having a pool nearby will make it the ultimate relaxing holiday experience!

Portugal has holiday options for all budgets and can provide lots of options for families. Accommodation can be found for reasonable prices and will often be part of a golf resort or other holiday destination, with beautiful views.

Having a good holiday is as much about the accommodation as it is about the setting and the activities. In the years to come, you’ll remember the accommodation vividly as it’s where you spent much of your time. If the apartment has beautiful views and lovely spacious rooms, this will stick in your mind.

Decide what you want from your holiday apartment before you begin your search, establishing what you are looking for to save you time. If you know that you need good kitchen facilities, or you would like a second toilet or bathroom, you can filter your search results by these factors when looking. If you have lots of results still, then you can begin thinking about the things that would be an added bonus, like a balcony or other outdoor area. Choosing a good apartment will ensure you have a comfortable holiday and will set the scene for your Portuguese holiday.

Many people in the UK own apartments in the Algarve, choosing to treat this as their permanent holiday home. It’s a lovely part of the world to relax in and spend some time in a pleasant climate, away from the stresses associated with the UK. It’s easy to see why people have invested in property in Portugal.

If you own an apartment in the Algarve, you could make a good deal of money by renting it out. Much of this is due to golf tourism, where people come to the region to work on their game and enjoy the quality of the golf courses. During the peak season, you can rent your apartment out to people on golfing holidays for a very good price. If you own property near to a golf course, this is even better – golf villages can rent out apartments for much higher prices over the summer months.

An apartment holiday is one of the best kinds, giving you the freedom to be with your family and do your own thing, without having to keep the noise down for hotel guests or eat breakfast with them every day. With an apartment, your space is your own for the entirety of the holiday, giving you the space to do as you will. Many people find this a more relaxing way to spend a holiday and there are now many apartment holiday options springing up all over Portugal. Lots of families, golf enthusiasts, couples, groups and tour companies travel to the South of Portugal and the Algarve region every single year, seeking out Algarve apartments to rent for the duration of their holiday. In such a beautiful and diverse region, there are many options for apartment holidays, from thriving towns like Lagos to laid back golf villages like Balaia.

Finding the perfect apartment for you

Many people travel to the Algarve and each person or group will have different preferences. Prioritise your needs and remember what you want your holiday to be like. Here are some tips for securing a beautiful apartment ahead of your holiday:

• Look online. The internet is now one of the most popular ways to book holiday apartments, in Portugal as across the rest of the world. You will have lots of choice if you look for accommodation to rent out online.
• Find a specialist agent. Many of the golf villages and complexes in the region will have various apartment owners who rent their apartments out via an agent. Look for an agent online and get up-to-date information about which of the apartments is available. The benefit of booking this way is that you can deal with a real person who can answer any questions.
• Ask around. Many people will have travelled to Portugal and might be able to give you tips and advice about where to stay. If they have stayed somewhere especially lovely, ask for the name of the apartment complex or village. It’s always worth looking into areas that come highly recommended so you have an idea of the kind of place you will be staying. This is also useful if you have children; ask other families with children of a similar age where they stayed and what facilities they had.

Do you need to book an apartment in advance?

When travelling to Portugal, and the Algarve in particular, remember that this is a very busy area, especially in the height of the summer months. It’s a dangerous game to play to leave it to the last moment to book and even more dangerous to travel with a prior booking for an apartment. There may be some options for accommodation like hostels still available, but for the most part, the quality accommodation will get booked up, sometimes months in advance. If you already know you are going to Portugal next year, why not book now? You’ll be able to reserve the best apartments in the region.

Choosing to go on a holiday doesn’t have to be an expensive decision to make. There are lots of destinations around the world that offer you excellent value for money and that really won’t break the bank. If you want a longer, relaxing break, look into hotels and resorts that don’t cost too much and that offer you good facilities, like pools and private balconies. If you find that food and drink tends to push up the cost of your holiday, you could choose to stay in an all inclusive resort. The food perhaps won’t be as high quality, but it means that you won’t have to worry about spending spiralling out of control.

Short breaks might also be better value than you think. Put all costs into perspective before you travel, for instance, if you are travelling over the weekend, remember that you would usually be spending money on leisure activities anyway.