Algarve is inviting visitors to vibrant events and festivals With summer just around the corner the Algarve is inviting visitors to make the most of the early rays and longer days with vibrant events and festivals. The good value spring holiday packages to the Algarve and with 26 UK airports offering direct flights into Faro the region is an excellent choice for those wishing to soak up some early sunshine with April temperatures ranging anywhere from 25°C to 30°C.

From adrenaline-pumping sports and cultural fairs to cycling getaways and historical parades, guests to the region can thaw out from the long winter chill and explore the exciting events hosted by Europe’s most famous secret, the Algarve.

The Algarve prides itself on hosting a good party with a range of colourful festivals featuring in the region’s events calendar. Highlights this April include:

Algarve Rugby Festival 2013 – from April 6

Browns Sports & Leisure Club in Vilamoura will be hosting the Algarve Rugby Festival 2013 next month in which world-class teams including the British Army, London Irish, CDUL, and Krasny Yar RC will compete. All games will be held on Browns' official pitch located on Caminho dos Golfes in Vilamoura. The event will promote rugby in the Algarve by providing fans with a unique opportunity to watch top class Rugby Matches. Price: Free Admission. www.browns-club.com

Mother Sovereign Festival – April 14

The largest religious festival in the south of Portugal takes place in Loulé each year celebrating the patron saint of the city, Mother Sovereign. The event, which is organised by the Parishes of São Sebastião and São Clemente  and Municipal Council of Loulé, attracts thousands of believers and tourists to Loulé. In addition to an extensive religious program, the highlight of the festival is the parade through the city and the final ascent to the shrine where huge numbers of people follow the procession. Price: Free Admission. www.cm-loule.pt

Bike Week at Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel – April 26 to May 1

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel is well located for a spring biking holiday with its surrounding Natural Park for mountain biking, trekking and racing. Next month Martinhal will host its first ever Bike Week event with the participation of André Greipel, the German professional road bicycle racer for UCI World Tour team Lotto-Belisol. In addition to the usual calendar of activities during Bike Week guests can take part in bike tours, technical workshops and an autograph session with Andre Greipel. Children can do fun cycle rides around the resort and special obstacle circuits. A Beach Room on a B&B basis starts from €200 per night and a two bedroom house starts from €264 in per night for two adults, two children under 12 and a baby on a half-board basis. www.martinhal.com

Festival of Discoveries – April 26 to May 1

The annaul Festival of Discoveries is a prominent tourist attraction celebrating the region’s sixteenth century ‘Age of Discovery’. As its name implies, the festival aims to remember and promote the cultural achievements of the Discoveries golden era which occured more than five centuries ago. Involving the whole community the festival gives an opportunity for locals and visitors to embark on a historical adventure, taking part in a range of activities from theatre and street entertainment to competitions, tournaments on horseback, and gastronomic tours. Price: Free Admission. www.cm-lagos.pt

Algarve summer event highlights 2013

Here is just a selection of the many activities and experiences on offer in the Algarve this summer:

Med Festival, June 28 and 29

During the Med Festival, the historical centre of Loulé is transformed into a giant Mediterranean bazaar with music, food and activities for the whole family bringing life and excitement to the city’s streets. World music, originating from various southern European countries such as Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece, as well as other forms of art including handicraft exhibitions, dance performances and street theatre will keep visitors enthralled. Price: Free Admission. www.cm-loule.pt

Olhão Seafood Festival, August 3-15

This annual Seafood Festival will take place at the Jardim Pescador Olhanense in the quaint fishing town of Olhão. The festival attracts over 60,000 visitors and is the biggest event of its kind in Europe. Every day top class chefs will be taking up the challenge to create innovative seafood recipes using locally sourced ingredients for visitors to sample whilst taking in the view over the estuary. Folk music and dancing during the daily concerts add further flavour. Price: €8 for adults, €3 for children aged between seven and 12 years and free for under sevens. www.cm-olhao.pt

Folkfaro: Rhythm and dance from around the world, August 17-25

FolkFaro is one of the most anticipated events in the summer's cultural capital of the Algarve. Performance groups from different countries and continents, totalling more than 300 participants, light up the Algarve with dances, songs and costumes from different cultures and traditions from around the world. The event includes a large variety of activities including a gala show, open-air performances, international parades, children and elderly programmes, dance workshops and more. For ticket prices and to book visit: www.folkfaro.com

Throughout the spring and summer months visitors will also find a number of antique fairs and local markets taking place across the region in a number of local towns including Vila do Bispo, Loulé to Aljezur and Olhão, ideal for visitors looking to pick up a bargain, a holiday souvenir or perhaps a traditional product from the region.