Algarve in new flights boost

In news that may boost the prospects for the Algarve property market, low-cost airline Ryanair has announced new winter flights to the Portuguese region.

The popular southern area will see new routes operating from Glasgow, Liverpool and East Midlands into Faro airport, in addition to the operators current routes from London Stanstead, Dublin and Shannon.

Algarve Promotion Bureau president Antonio Pina welcomed the news, stating that he was hoping the new services would "not only draw in crowds for the summer period, but highlight the appeal of the region during the non-summer months".

Such an outcome could help improve the prospects for buy-to-let investors in the Algarve.

Another recent development that may raise British tourist numbers is the announcement last month by Formula One that the region's new Autodromo Internacional race circuit will host a test event in December.

McClaren will be among the teams running their cars on the track, which could give those in attendance a chance to see the car that Lewis Hamilton will be defending his championship in next year.