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. The land is variable in its vegetation, some parts covered in pine forests whilst others open recovered marshland. The company that owns this complex is extremely environmentally conscious and every effort is being made to protect nature within its continued planned development. Due to the size of the resort area it offers the visitor nearly every form of sport and entertainment, and on its 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 center 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. The municipal administration of the area falls under that of Loulé.