Where? The Algarve, in the country’s far south.Why go there? For the beaches, the unspoilt countryside east of Faro and the year-round sun.Children will love... A cross-country quad-bike trek. Book for older children through Quad Ventura. Meanwhile

, children can enjoy a host of games at the villa, from volleyball to cricket, take a bike ride to the village of Aranwella or get close to nature with whale watching. Animal lovers can also visit the Udawalawe elephant park, the Kalametiya bird sanctuary

and water sports. Tennis, waterskiing, mountain biking, sailing, windsurfing and volleyball will help calm any pre-Christmas over-excitement. A seven-night stay in a Deluxe Christmas Room for a family of four, including flights, transfers, children’s clubs

inhabitants – the Romans and Etruscans – abound. Why not leave the car behind and hire mountain bikes to explore the area? The apartments, furnished in typical Tuscan style, sleep from two to eight. Prices start from £960 for a family of four staying seven

languid infinity pool and splashing stone fountains complete the amber-hued picture. Let children loose in the secluded playground, freewheel en famille through riverine forest on Borgo’s mountain bikes, or play Hunt The Animal Statue on a meander through