Once a year Portugal hosts an international film festival in the Algarve. Dating back to 1972, this is the country's oldest cinema event.

Festival Internacional de Cine do Algarve's highlight is a short film competition - prizes are awarded for best fiction and animation 35mm shorts. Other prizes are given out too, for categories including best film by a Portuguese director, best film about nature and the environment, best film with a message of love and peace amongst men and the best film about the Algarve.

The competition section of the festival distributes more than 20,000 euros (£15,000) in awards, as well as gold statues for the best short films.

A number of films will be presented throughout the Algarve, all with digital subtitles in Portuguese, but some will also have English subtitles - tourists should check the details before they go if their Portuguese isn't up to scratch.

The 36th edition of the festival will take place from May12th-17th.

As one of Europe's favourite holiday destinations, the Algarve is home to beautiful beaches, stunning views and great weather all year round.