Good news for property investors as many villa owners and resorts announce accommodation is fully booked for October half-term.The Algarve is set for a busy week during the October half-term as thousands of UK families plan to head off for a holiday in the sun as winter approaches in Britain.

According to Cheapflights.co.uk, the price comparison website for cheap flights and travel, Faro is the fifth most popular destination for the half-term week.

The only places ahead of it were the Spanish destinations of Malaga, Majorca, and Gran Canaria, and for those looking to start their Christmas shopping early, New York was at number three.

Francesca Ecsery, general manager of Cheapflights.co.uk says: “Although, the British love affair with Spain continues into the autumn, Portugal is now trying to lure sun-seekers away with its own hotspots."

Many buy-to-let investors in Portugal have said their villas and apartments are often booked for October half-term week up to a year in advance, and some of the Algarve's most popular resorts and hotels claim this week is now busier than Christmas, with families wanting to catch some sun as the weather in Britain turns colder.

During October the average temperatures in the Algarve still reach 22ºC, which means families can still enjoy visits to the beach and eat their meals outside in the sunshine.

The prices are also much cheaper outside the summer season, meaning holidaymakers can still enjoy everything the Algarve has to offer, sometimes for half of what they would pay during July and August.

source: homes worldwide