We love a good sausage. And when there's the chance to enjoy it outside, in the sunshine? That gets us even more excited. That's why we're heading to the Algarve. Forget ageing golfers and sunburnt Brits abroad, there's culture to be had too. (And sausages, obviously.)
1 MARCH, TRADITIONAL SAUSAGE FAIR
The Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais (also known as Sausage Fest) is an annual gastronomic event held in the mountain town of Monchique. Here you can sample the delights of fresh sausage, dry sausage, black sausage (mmmm our favourite – Monchique is famous for 'carne de proco preto', or black pig). One thing's for sure: you're gonna get stuffed. visitar-algarve.com
CONRAD ALGARVE, QUINTA DO LAGO
The Algarve was once famous for red-faced Brits stumbling along the strip in the resort town of Faro. We've grown up since that holiday, and we like a bit of sophistication in our lives. You can find it too at Conrad Algarve, the region's swishest hotel, and the perfect place to pop in for a cocktail or two at sundown. Enjoy it at the sultry bar, or head out to the terrace for views of rolling fields of watercress. conradalgarve.com
ILHA DA BARRETA, FARO
Also known as Desert Island, ten kilometres of beach can be yours on this remote patch of sand in the Ria Formosa National Park. Accessed by speedboat via a labyrinth of channels, the island is home to flamingos, a lighthouse and a smattering of nudist sunbathers. There's not much shade (no loungers, no umbrellas) so if you strip off, be sure to use protection. ihla-deserta.com
