The Algarve is the jewel of the Portugal real estate market. Offering unrivalled levels of sunshine every year, it is the most visited tourist destination in Portugal - and one of the most famous in Europe. The popularity of Algarve as an international hotspot has to some extent shielded the region against the hardships faced across much of Portugal. Rental yields in the Algarve region are a mixed bag – stunning villas manage little more than 2 per cent while decent apartments go closer to the 5 per cent mark - but resale property values are once again heading in the right direction, although progress has been relatively slow. Real estate in the Faro region provides excellent access to the area's lavish beaches, with sand stretching along the South coast drawing in luxury property buyers and families alike. Popular locations include the golf resort of Vilamoura and the beaches of Praia da Marinha. All of them are far from devoid of excellent investment opportunities.