The Algarve was given a massive boost this week with news that Irish low-cost giant Ryanair is to invest over 400 million U.S. dollars in Faro Airport. The announcement has been met with all-round approval, with the Government terming it as “the news of the year for the Algarve”. Charismatic Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary revealed details of the venture during a whistle-stop visit to the Algarve on Wednesday during which he announced Faro Airport as the airline’s second Portuguese base, reaffirmation, he said, of Ryanair’s belief in Portugal following the creation of its first national base in Oporto back in September.

Set to be in force next year, Ryanair’s Faro base will .....