Spanish tourism has remained resilient throughout the recession compared to other eurozone countries, according to the Spanish Tourist Office.

Paco Gutierrez, promotions executive from the Spanish Tourist Office, commented that the success of the country in attracting tourists was because of the popularity of the country.

Timeshare ownership schemes in luxury destinations are becoming increasingly affordable, it has been claimed.

According to the Daily Mail, deals in elite destinations such St Lucia and the Maldives are available, while properties have also been launched this year in Italy, Portugal, France and Spain as developers look for new ways to sell high-end holiday homes.

The Algarve is a pre-eminent holiday destination, situated in Portugal. The attraction of the area lies not just in its sparkling seas, clean beaches and extremely pleasant weather (though these are of course plus points), another reason the Algarve is renowned is due to its status as a brilliant place to play golf.

The Algarve proves it’s more than just sun and shoreline. Interval's Suzy Turner explores some of the Algarve's hidden villages and hamlets that provide this region with such striking contrast.