Vilamoura in Portugal has become one of the largest beach resorts in Europe. Situated almost exactly in the center of the Algarve, Vilamoura is a region rather than a town. It measures 20 square miles and was built specifically as a resort area to attract holiday goers from the UK and elsewhere in Europe.

Vilamoura is the ideal place for those who love to vacation where the ocean, water sports, and entertainment are all close at hand. Combine that with the ease of getting around, beautifully kept gardens and public areas, six golf courses, and a wide variety of accommodations, Vilamoura is undoubtedly a perfect leisure and recreation destination.

Vilamoura sprang up 30 years ago around the Vilamoura Marina. The marina has extensive facilities and caters to owners of small speedboats to 40-meter yachts. For those who wish to rub elbows with the yachting crowd, the harbor area has a variety of chic clubs, hotels, and restaurants.

The nightlife is one of the things that Vilamoura is known for, including the most famous and biggest club in Portugal – Kadoc. The clubs around the marina are some of the highlights of Vilamoura’s nightlife along with the Vilamoura Casino.

For those who enjoy ocean holidays, there are many fine beaches in Vilamoura. Just east of the marina is Praia de Marina that has everything that ocean lovers could possibly need. The other beach is Praia da Falesia, which means “cliff beach”. It starts on the opposite side of the marina and is 8 km long. It is named for the beautiful red cliffs that are the backdrop for the beach. The amenities here are excellent as well.

The name of the resort means “Moorish Town”, but it offers little in the way of history, which is not surprising since Vilamoura is only 30 years old. What Vilamoura offers is a place to get away from home, relax in leisure, and enjoy the view.