Vilamoura Beach Resort Guide

The purpose built resort of Vilamoura was designed back in the 1960s with the needs of holidaymakers firmly in mind. Today Vilamoura stretches out over 20 sq km (8 square miles) and offers a self-contained world of sandy beaches, upmarket hotels and deluxe apartments. The resort also boasts a wealth of restaurants, shops, bars and clubs that keep visitors happy from dawn until dusk. One of the greatest pleasures of holidaying in Vilamoura is getting active in or on inviting Atlantic waters, with luxurious yacht charters, sailing schools and boat excursions operating alongside a smorgasbord of watersports. Back on land meanwhile a handful of golf courses, a riding school, tennis courts and even a shooting club are on hand for those who prefer their fun taken dry. So for a holiday destination that has something to offer everyone look no further than one of Europe's largest resorts.

Kilometres of prime beachfront property stand alongside myriad hotel and self-catering accommodation options. Combine this with the diverse range of activities on offer (banana boat rides through to premier golf courses) and it is easy to understand why Vilamoura attracts such a wide variety of people. Tourists span the age spectrum, but are typically European.

Vilamoura is located in Portugal's Algarve and occupies a fairly central location on the country's south coast. It is roughly 10km (6 miles) east of Albufeira; 15km (20 miles) from Faro Airport. The resort overlooks swathes of sandy Atlantic Ocean beach and Vilamoura Marina. Vilamoura itself is fairly flat and backed by resort and residential development, five golf courses and the Algarve hills.

Vilamoura experiences a mild climate year round. However, the best time to visit is between May and September when the rainfull is low and temperatures average 25°C (77°F).

Vilamoura's main beach is located on the doorstep of the resort's waterfront hotels. Here crystal clear Atlantic waters caress golden sands and a gentle sea breeze ensures that it never gets too hot. Myriad watersports (everything from banana boat rides to parascending and jet ski hire) are available.

Get close to Atlantic Ocean wildlife on a dolphin-watching cruise with Polvo Watersports (www.marina-sports.com). Adrenaline junkies can combine the thrill of dolphin spotting with a high-speed rib ride. Explore the Algarve coastline at a more leisurely pace on board a yacht cruise, or enjoy the adventure of big game fishing. Water-based excursions leave from Vilamoura Marina. For those who want to keep their feet on terra firma a relaxing round of golf beckons.

Vilamoura is perfect for families. In addition to kilometres of soft golden sand and ocean-based watersports, the resort offers children crazy golf, tennis and horse riding, not to mention easy access to Alcantarilha's water park Aqualand Algarve (www.aqualand.pt). Vilamoura's golf courses and spas, meanwhile, keep big kids happy.

Vilamoura has enough stores to satisfy even the most dedicated retail addict, and shopping arcades where you can buy everything from sports and beachwear to designer handbags and esoteric jewellery are an integral part of the resort's experience. If you are hankering after a one-stop air-conditioned shopping experience then make the 30 minute drive northwest to Algarve Shopping (Portugal's largest shopping centre) in Guia. Supermarkets are the best place to bag cheap alcohol and cigarettes.

Vilamoura's nightlife is pleasantly low-key, with the raucous 18-30s crowd better catered for in nearby Albufeira. The resort may be laidback but after dark entertainment options remain varied and range from British pubs and Irish bars, to discos pumping out the latest Europop. For a fun filled evening of gambling and cabaret head to Vilamoura's casino.

The security of British breakfasts, photo menu meals and familiar fast food outlets are never far away and offer cheap and cheerful dining options. Vilamoura also boasts an eclectic choice of national cuisines including Thai, Italian, International, Japanese, Chinese, Brazilian, French, Spanish, Mexican and Indian, alongside first-rate Portuguese dishes. Opportunities for alfresco dining abound.

Local buses provide a fairly comprehensive way of getting around Vilamoura, with services also running to other destinations in the Algarve including Quarteira, Faro, Albufeira and Lagos. Hire cars provide the most flexible transport choice, with scooter and bicycle rental also available. Taxis are plentiful.

The Algarve's main settlement, Faro, is seriously underrated, with thousands of tourists simply passing through this charming city enroute to the region's bustling resorts. The chief attraction is the old town with its medieval walls, whitewashed houses (a legacy of the city's Moorish occupation) and handsome architecture.

To impress that special someone head for Willie's Restaurante (Rua do Brasil 2) (www.willies-restaurante.com) near the Pinhal Golf Course. Chef Willie Wurger is held in high esteem by local regulars and returning holidaymakers, who come to enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner. The international menu at this Michelin-starred restaurant features the likes of homemade seafood ravioli and fresh from the boat seafood.

Faro Airport (FAO)