Car Hire Vilamoura - Mini guide to Vilamoura

Vilamoura is the name given to a 2000-hectare area of land in the magnificent Algarve which houses the largest single tourist complex in Europe. It is a laidback resort community bursting with sporting and leisure facilities for the whole family.

In Vilamoura central there is a preserved Roman site and the Museum of Cerro da Vila which provides interesting historical information about the area. Also found at the ruins are ancient baths used by mariners of the era.

The huge resort area offers an extensive range of recreational facilities including four different golf courses, a bowling club, a tennis centre, a sports club, a shooting club, upmarket hotels, tourist apartments, self-catering villas, night clubs, an international casino, a cinema, and an excellent riding school.

To the south lies a long sandy beach with a backdrop of red coloured cliffs, and the Atlantic Ocean, where big game fishing is a popular pastime. There is a large shopping centre and a vast marina which harbours some impressive vessels. The waterfront makes for a wonderful stroll day or night. There are numerous restaurants and nightclubs throughout the area, offering both local and international cuisine.

Close to Vilamoura is Quarteira, a once small fishing village which has since developed into a thriving town. Loulé, the commercial and administrative centre, lies to the northeast of the area.

Vilamoura can be easily reached via the N125 from Faro Airport, which lies only 28kms away. Flights arrive here from all over Europe. The IP1 motorway connects the Algarve to Spain. There are also coach and rail services from most European cities. Additionally, the Algarve can be reached through the many ports spread all along the south Portugal coast.