The Golden Triangle is the name given to the area covering Almancil, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo and is just a 15 minute drive from Faro international airport. This area contains some of the most luxurious residential and holiday development. Quinta do Lago is famed for its exclusive group of separate developments within one carefully planned estate. Vale do Lobo is famous for the residential homes in immaculately manicured gardens, with the beach just a short walk away. . There are numerous facilities to choose from in both resorts - splendid beaches, excellent restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shopping centres and a wide range of sports and leisure facilities, all close at hand.

Both Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo are surrounded by some of the finest golf courses you can find in Europe. Seven 18-hole courses are in the surrounding area and set a tone of managed tranquillity. The golf courses are superbly designed, meticulously maintained and follow the gentle undulations of the natural terrain. An abundance of pine trees shade their fairways.

The facilities in this part of the Algarve are that good that top European football clubs, international rugby teams and even test cricket squads hold training camps here.

Loulé is a sizable town situated towards the mountains, a little inland. It is also just a 15 minute drive from Faro international airport. The well known Loulé market is held on each Saturday morning, where you can browse for fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and the previous night´s catch of fresh fish. You can also hunt for local crafts, including pottery and linens. Nearby, small, dark workshops and stores specialise in crafted leather, copper, brass, wrought-iron, pottery and furniture.

The hills behind Loulé accommodate some of the traditional towns of the Algarve. There are the towns of São Bras de Alportel and Santa Bãrbara de Nexe, a little to the east. Salir and Querença are hilltop villages with the topmost point in each reserved for the local Catholic church. And a scenic drive to Alte for lunch in the mountains is a must.