Steeped in history and boasting beautiful stretches of sandy beaches and hidden coves, Portugal lies in the south west of Europe with the Atlantic Ocean hugging its south and west facing coasts, and the Spanish mainland bordering it to the north and east. The Algarve in southern Portugal has been a firm favourite with British holidaymakers and golfers for a very long time, and draws in families, couples, singles and groups to its shores, year after year. The Region of Madeira includes the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo and is set in the Atlantic Ocean 590 km (360 miles) from the coast of Africa and about 860 km (535 miles) from Lisbon. Madeira is a beautiful island with the most stunning scenery and fascinating levada walks.