All about Vilamoura

Vilamoura attractions include five different golf courses, a large Marina, tennis club, riding school, sports centre, shooting club, International casino, cinema, bowling club, night clubs, a private airstrip and a wide variety of water-sports. Also within the heart of Vilamoura there is an ancient Roman site and the Museum of Cerro de Vila which provides interesting information into the history of the place. The area is suitable for all ages of holidaymakers due to the wide range of activities available. It is easily accessible – just 2 hours from the main European capitols and a 20 minute drive from Faro International airport.

Accommodation is varied and luxurious – ranging from 3 and 4 star hotels to self-catering villas and apartments. Our Algarve Villa Agency specialise in villa holidays in Vilamoura – We have good availability for private Villas and apartments at this prestigious location.

As a principal holiday destination, Truly ® algarve is pleased to be able to offer it’s customers excellent availability, and for all types of accommodation. If you specifically wish to visit any of these places, then please email us> with your requirements.

Vilamoura is the name given to an area rather than to any actual town. It is outstanding in that it is one of the largest single tourist complex in Europe and covers some 2.000 hectares of land. The land is variable in its vegetation, some parts covered in pine forests whilst others open recovered marshland. The company that owns this complex is extremely environmentally conscious and every effort is being made to protect nature within its continued planned development. Due to its size it offers the visitor nearly ever form of sport and entertainment, and its southern border is lined by a long sandy beach and its Atlantic Ocean. Amongst the many attractions and facilities there are four different Golf Courses, a large Marina, a Lawn Bowling Club, a Tennis Centre, a Sports Club, a Shooting Club, 5 Star and 4 Star Hotels, Tourist Apartments, self-catering Villas, Night Clubs, an International Casino, a Cinema, a private Airstrip and an excellent Riding School. Within the centre of Vilamoura there is a preserved Roman Site and Museum of Cerro da Vila providing an interesting glimpse into the past of the area. In Roman times this location was important in producing a fish paste known as “garum”. The ruins also include the baths in which the mariners used to bathe. As a location specifically designed for tourism it has proved to be a very successful location for all ages due to the variety of its facilities that it provides holidaymakers. The municipal administration of the area falls under that of Loulé.

The Algarve is a province separated geographically from the rest of Portugal by the Monchique Mountains. The cost of living is inexpensive and there is a wide variety of local produce as well as imported goods available to buy. Fresh fish and good, local wine are also freely available, and fish is eaten within hours of being caught.

The Algarve boasts over 3000 hours of annual sunshine, and therefore virtually guarantees blue skies year round. The climate is great for outdoor activities and golf, horse riding and tennis are widely practiced throughout the whole year. The local people are some of the most hospitable in the world, and many Algarveans speak English or German as a second language.

On the 17th December 2005 the ‘Portugal News’ published the following article:

Reproduced from ’The Portugal News, Portugal’s National Newspaper in English’

The Algarve has been voted best established golf destination in the world, receiving the golf tourism industry’s most prestigious award.

The 2008 gala Awards evening took place last Thursday at Las Palmas on what was the last day of the International Golf Travel Market.

IAGTO, which hands at the awards each year, is the global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry, comprising more than 860 companies in 66 countries, including over 240 specialist golf tour operators in 38 countries.

IAGTO’s Chief Executive, Peter Walton, said, “The annual golf holiday is the highlight of the golfing year for many of the world’s 50 million players, and the IAGTO Awards serve to reward a few exceptional contributions to this world of golf travel.”

The Algarve, in claiming the prize, beat of the challenges of California, Dubai, South Africa and southern Spain.

Following the announcement of this year’s winner, the Algarve Tourist Board has revealed it would be launching a promotional campaign on CNN, Eurosport, specialised golf sites and regional media to highlight the Algarve’s latest distinction.

In terms of golf courses, San Lorenzo was voted 38th best and the Vilamoura Old Course rated 84th on the annual rankings compiled by Golf Digest.

Golf is estimated to attract around 300,000 visitors each year to the Algarve, who in turn generate an income in region of €350 million, with 74 percent of this total spent away from the golf course.

The Algarve currently has 31 courses, representing five percent of the European quota.

The number of rounds of golf up until November in the Algarve had reached 953,000, up nine percent from 2004 and is expected to breach the one million mark for the first time by the time figures for December are calculated.

As you arrive in Vilamoura, prepare to soak up the elegant character of the Algarve’s most fashionable resort.

As you arrive in Vilamoura, prepare to soak up the elegant character of the Algarve’s most fashionable resort. There’s plenty to enjoy in this charming location, and glamorous Vilamoura certainly knows how to keep you happy. Start by choosing one of Vilamoura’s excellent hotels and then seek out the simple and refined flavours of traditional Algarve cuisine.

The Vilamoura Marina offers you the most sophisticated modern facilities from where you can plan a sailing trip off the Sotavento (leeward side) of the Algarve.

Hire a boat and set out to discover the hidden islands off Faro, with their golden sands and warm clear waters, in the heart of the Ria Formosa Nature Park. Sail to the town of Vila Real de Santo António, near the Spanish frontier, to discover the wonders of the Casto Marim Marshland Nature Reserve, and of the River Guadiana, as you go up stream to Vila de Alcoutim. Soak up the originality and character of the region’s fishing villages, and enjoy the friendliness of their residents.

And when your trip draws to a close and you’re back at the well equipped Vilamoura Marina, you’ll find you still don’t want your adventure to end! Back on dry land, the shopping mall is the pride of the town, and a must for shopaholics. Apart from the local handicrafts, you’ll also find the most prestigious international brands. Experience the Vilamoura nightlife in the bars and discothèques with their top DJs, and get your heart racing with a visit to the Vilamoura Casino. In the morning, give in to temptation and enjoy a game of golf on one of the many spectacular courses overlooking the sea. If you’ve never played before, don’t worry – just reserve a class in a ‘Golf Clinic’ and have fun!

For more information on Villas in Vilamoura - please contact us.