Areas of Interest in the Algarve

---

With 155km of coastline and ever present sunshine in the Algarve, there are activities and attractions to suit all tastes.

Vilamoura

Vilamoura belongs to the municipality of Loulé which has been heavily marked by the Arab culture that was brought to the important urban centre of Loulé during the Moorish occupation from the 7th to the 13th century.

The creation of a fair in 1291 turned Loulé into one of the major focal points for trade in the Algarve since medieval times. Honey, dry fruit and handicraft were amongst the most sought after products, remaining hugely important for Loule´s economy for many centuries to come. Being Algarve's largest municipality with 59,160 inhabitants, Loulé is still growing at a notable rate with tourism and Vilamoura is being one of the main factors behind it.

Vilamoura is a modern, purpose built town-resort, one of the most popular in the Algarve. Low rise apartment hotels painted in pastel shades, broad, tree-lined avenues and tastefully landscaped parks and gardens lead to the Marina, the town´s focal point, where every conceivable amenity can be found.

The Vilamoura Marina is the largest in Portugal, with berths for up to 1,500 yachts. Boats leave from the quayside to explore the fascinating Algarve coastline, with its myriad coves, beaches and unusual rock formations. Big-game fishing (blue shark, tuna and record breaking black marlin) is popular, while the water sports on offer include scuba diving, water skiing and windsurfing. The Marina is a place for peoplewatching, window shopping or promenading, especially at night when the entire harbour is illuminated. Souvenir outlets and chic boutiques alternate with smartly turned out cafés and terrace restaurants. From the Marina it is a short walk to the sandy beach, and there are further beaches near by at Falesia. Vilamoura benefits from excellent champion golf courses, tennis centres, fitness centres and sports clubs, horse riding schools, all within walking distance.

Quinta do Lago

Quinta do Lago is the site of a top-level international holiday complex - one of the world´s top ten holiday´s destinations, renowned for all that is best in luxury and elegance, enjoying a setting of exceptional natural beauty.

Superb cuisine, world class golf, and the best of refined living can be enjoyed in the breathtaking ambience of Ria Formosa Nature Park, where calm limpid water, wild undulating dunes and a natural abundance of flora and fauna invokes a sense of total wellbeing.

Local Attractions around Vilamoura

• Zoomarine - swim the Dolphins
• Krazyworld Algarve Zoo – reptiles and exotic animals
• Water Theme Parks – 4 different experiences
• Dolphin Sea Safaris
• Big Game Fishing
• Zebra Safaris
• Ballooning
• Helicopter Rides
• Historical Villages
• Adventure Sports
• Shopping – Algarve Shopping with 130 shops, Forum Algarve with 120 shops and also high-street boutiques
• Annual fairs and food festivals

Discover more at http://www.visitalgarve.pt/