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What's it really like ? Transfer time (approx): 30 minutes Location: Luxury hotels, a marina and several golf courses combine to give this sprawling, modern resort a 'jet-set' quality. The so-called 'well-heeled' tend to congregate around the marina area which is the focal point, however, due to the size of Vilamoura other nuclei have sprung up to serve some of the more far-flung areas. Being well planned and developed on flat land it is certainly the best choice for the less mobile and much quieter than Albufiera Beaches: The marina has split the coastline creating two beaches. Falesia on the west side is the prettiest, set against a rocky backdrop and pine trees. Excellent facilities, including showers and parasols, and some shops are close at hand. This section also has a kiddies play area. East of the harbour is another stretch of sand backed by a minor road. Days Out: If you're a golfer you'll be spoilt for choice with four 18 hole courses on your doorstep, each offering a free mini-bus shuttle service. Sports enthusiasts, too are well catered for with tennis, water sports, horse riding and local gyms. Vilamoura is well placed for trips further afield including the water park just 20 minutes away. Surprisingly, for such a vast resort there's not a great selection of shops - just a few swanky boutiques particularly around the marina, and some selling basics scattered throughout. Faro - half an hour away is now home to the Algarve's biggest shopping centre with more than a hundred stores and 20 restaurants. Nights Out: Bars and cafes plus a casino - the marina's open-air sophistication pulls 'em in and prices are fairly comparable despite the location. Vilamoura isn't short of restaurants with enough to suit everyone's taste and budget, either in the harbour area or througout the resort. Bucket and Spade Brigade: Good beaches, one even has a playground. The water parks offer a reasonably priced alternative to the local scene. |
