If it’s sport in the sun you want then Portugal’s Algarve region has so much to offer.

Golf is one of the biggest sporting attractions and has made the Algarve famous the world over, but don’t be fooled by traditions – the region is becoming a hot-spot for all sports and activities.

From boating to motoring and watersports, the Algarve - with its regional capital Faro a popular destination - has it all for sport enthusiasts. Many events are hosted in the Algarve every year due to its accessibility and an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. When mixed together with top-class sporting action and passionate fans, attending a sporting event in the Algarve will leave a lasting impression.

Not only has the Algarve become popular with the tourists, but professional sports team and players regularly use hotels and facilities across the region for bases and warm-weather training.

Need more information? See www.visitalgarve.pt and www.visitportugal.com

WHERE TO STAY:

Tivoli Marina Vilamoura
www.tivolihotels.com
A fantastic five-star beachside resort with plenty to do for the active traveller. Facilities include two outdoor swimming-pools (one for children); indoor heated swimming-pool; health club (sauna, jacuzzi, solarium, Turkish bath and gymnasium); one floodlit tennis court; putting green (12 holes), practice and bunker; football trainings: use of grass pitch in Vilamoura, meals geared to the specific needs of a professional team, video rooms; and guaranteed starting times in several Algarve golf courses.

Vale do Lobo
www.valedolobo.com/sports/
Vale do Lobo offers many sporting activities including water and beach sports, mini-golf, football, spinning and yoga. The most popular are golf and tennis.

WHAT'S ON:
The top sporting events taking place in the Algarve in 2009

July 31-August 2
Le Mans Series
www.lemans.org
For those looking for some fast-paced, intense action should head to the Algarve this summer as the world famous Le Mans Series hits the sunshine region of Portugal. Now in its second year, this 215 lap race consists of 15 challenging corners in which 38 teams will compete to become the Algarve circuit winner.

August 11-14
Vale do Lobo Grand Champions ATP Seniors Tour
http://www.grandchampions.org/index2.html
Tennis fever takes hold of Vale do Lobo every August, when the Vale do Lobo Grand Champions ATP Seniors Tour event arrives. This clash of tennis titans brings some of the world´s biggest names to centre court at the resort´s Tennis Academy, with many players returning year on year to compete for the title. The resort´s shareholder Caixa Geral de Depósitos joined it as a sponsor of this exciting event in 2007.

August 18-23
Trophy of Portugal - TP/52 Audi Med Cup (Portimão)
http://www.medcup.org
http://www.allgarve.pt
In August, one of the events of the Audi Med Cup will be held in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, near Portimão. The Trophy of Portugal's programme includes coastal regattas and windward-leeward competitions that will offer different sailing experiences to those used to more tranquil waters.

September 11-13
Portimao Formula Windsurfing Grand Prix
www.formulawindsurfing.org
Watch as some of the best windsurfing professionals around the world compete in the Portimao leg of the windsurfing season.

September 19-20
GP2 Series
www.gp2series.com
Known as the strongest feeder series for Formula One, the GP2 series will finish their 2009 season in Portimao, where titles may be won or lost and every team will want to finish the season in style. Visitors will be treated to fast-paced action, thrills and spills as the teams’ race around the circuit at such a fast pace, the only other sport to match it is Formula One!

October 15-18
Portugal Masters (Oceânico Victoria Clube de Golfe)
http://www.oceanicogolf.com/
In October, the world’s greatest golfers will travel to Vilamoura to take part in Portugal Masters. Considered to be one of the leading golf events, the Portugal Masters will take place at the Victoria Golf Club, on a course designed by the mythical player, Arnold Palmer, which alternates well-positioned bunkers with lakes and waterfalls, in a continuous challenge for players.

October 23-25
Superbike World Championships
www.worldsbk.com
For fast, intense motorbike action, head to the Algarve as the Superbike World Championships hits Portimao for the final race in the calendar year. Titles could be won or lost as the 30 riders’ battle it out to be first past the finishing line at the brand new Algarve Motor Park, making it one of the most eagerly anticipated races in recent years.