As well as all the attractions the Algarve has for the typical holidaymaker such as wide sandy beaches on which to relax, well manicured golf courses on which to test your skills and modern shopping centres and vibrant markets in which to indulge in some 'retail therapy', it also has a wealth of treasures for those who like to lose themselves in the past.
Many will spend most of their time my the sea, which offers a variety of water sports such as windsurfing and big game fishing, plus there are a tempting array of tavernas and restaurants in which to sample the local cuisine.
However the Algarve's identity is also a potent blend of all the cultures that have made this region their home.
The ancient Phoenicians and Carthaginians were the first to establish settlements by the sea here, but for more than 500 years it was the Arabs who controlled the region and their influence is clear to see in the region's architecture, often taking the form of intricate chimneys and artistic tile-work.
A clear symbol of the regions past, the Arco da Vila in Faro was built in the 1700s.
It acts as the entrance to Faro's historical Old Town, where medieval lifestyle seems to have existed just a few generations earlier.
The Arco da Vila is also close to the amazing Sé Cathedral, which suffered extensive damage in the 1755 earthquake that shook the region but has now been renovated.
Although the main tower and two of the chapels are part of the original construction, the cathedral was styled using a variety of influences, giving fantastic examples of Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance architectures.
But perhaps Faro's most popular historical attraction must be the Igreja do Carmo, featuring a chapel whose walls are decorated with the bones of more than 1,200 monks disinterred from the neighbouring cemetery.
Portual Under The Romans Located in the village of Estoi, about 5 miles north of Faro city, are the Milreu Ruins.
These artefacts from the Roman Empire include the ruins of a luxury villa complete with baths and some amazingly intact mosaics.
Estoi is also well known for the Palacio do Visconde, an 18th Century country house built in the Rococo style and previously the residence of the Count of Estoi.
The interior of this building is extremely grand and the garden is another amazing feature featuring lakes, stepped walkways and marble statues.
However, it's not just the Romans who were able to stay in luxury villas in Algarve; the region is full of Algarve villas than can be rented for short periods to provide a peaceful base for a relaxing holiday.
These range from beautiful townhouses with their own swimming pools to quiet and secluded Algarve villas that are situated in the hills with stunning views of the sea.
After a busy day touring the region, where better to unwind and soak up the sounds of the local tavernas than in your own villas in the Algarve? By choosing your location carefully, you can become involved in the local lifestyle as much or as little as you want to be.
In addition, while many of the Algarve villas are restored buildings or are built in traditional styles, they benefit from all the mod cons you would expect from newer accommodation, giving you the best of both worlds in luxurious surroundings.
Whether your villa is right on the coast, one set in the Old Town or marina or you prefer to get away from everything by heading for the hillsides, the Algarve is brimming with historical attractions for you to explore.