>> Vilamoura

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.

Due to the size of the resort area it offers the visitor nearly every form of sport and entertainment, and on the southern border is a long sandy beach and the 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, 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 facilities that it provides holidaymakers.

> Vilamoura Marina

The Marina is enormous and hosts some very glamorous vessels indeed. The waterfront is great for wandering around day or night. A number of boats, including The Condor de Vilamoura, run excursions along the coast towards Lagos and beyond. Big game fishing is also on the cards.

A boat chartered from Vilamoura in 1993 caught the world's largest recorded black marlin - 737kg and 3.65m long! It's displayed on the dockside. Either side of the marina are sandy beaches with several cafes and bars. Vilamoura is especially popular with sports enthusiasts as it has excellent facilities

> Further Information

Vila Sol is only 20 minutes from Faro Airport; the taxi fare should be between 30 - 35 euros. A taxi from the apartment to Vilamoura Marina is approximately 8 euros. Although taxis are readily available and are good value, there are lots of interesting places in and around Vilamoura and the Algarve and therefore a car is recommended. If need be, we are able to suggest reliable car rental companies who provide cars either on-site at the airport, or for delivery to this apartment.

There are ample car parking spaces adjacent to the apartment entrance.