New attraction could boost Algarve holidays

Algarve villa holidays could soon become a more popular option among people who enjoy novel experiences, with an unusual attraction set to open in the region.

Portugal's first 'underwater museum' is set to be created off the coast of Praia da Rocha, the Algarve Resident reported.

Four Navy warships that are no longer in service - the Almeida Carvalho, Hermenegildo Capelo, Oliveira e Carmo and Zambeze - will be sunk to create the unique spectacle.

They will be placed at a depth of around 12 to 15 metres below sea level, meaning people on Algarve holidays will be able to dive down to swim around the vessels.

Portimao mayor Manuel da Luz said that the new attraction is expected to attract around 90,000 tourists every year.

He told the Algarve Resident: "The next important steps are to clean the warships of all polluting material, tow them to Portimao and sink them about two miles off the coast, in an area which has already been identified and validated by the environmental authorities."

The project is expected to take about two-and-a-half years to complete.

In the meantime, people taking Algarve villa holidays can go diving to see the range of marine wildlife found off Portugal's southern coast, or just relax on one of the region's many beaches.

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