This region of Portugal is the largest purpose-built resort area of its type on the continent, covering some 2,000 hectares of land. Vilamoura is packed with facilities to help you make most of your active break whether you want to brush up on your tennis skills, explore its pine forests on foot or play a round of golf.

In fact, you'll find several golf courses on the resort, as well as a lawn bowling club with two grass rinks and a purpose-built sports club. There is also an excellent on-site riding school, which is perfect for horse lovers.

There are even opportunities to try more unusual sports and activities - you may want to give clay pigeon shooting a go or take to the water for a bit of big game fishing.

When the sun sets, you might want to take a break from your outdoor pursuits - Vilamoura is packed with entertainment and nightlife to fill your evenings and make you feel like you are really on holiday. You can begin your evening by taking in a film at the local cinema, followed by a visit to one of the popular nightclubs in the area. Alternatively, you might want to try your luck at the large on-site casino.

Vilamoura has been designed specifically with tourists in mind and there is something here to appeal to everyone enjoying holidays to the Algarve. The resort is based around a spectacular 1,000-berth marina, where you can take to the water or simply enjoy the local seafood at one of the many fine restaurants in the area.

If you're keen on history, you will find plenty to keep you interested here - you can take a close look at the preserved Roman ruins that were unearthed during the resort's construction in the 1960s or venture further afield to explore the castle and 13th century church in nearby Loule.

You will also have opportunities to go shopping, get an ice cream, or simply soak up the sun in the gorgeous Algarve climate. Best of all, you'll leave your holiday in Portugal feeling relaxed and refreshed.

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