Vilamoura: the perfect place for a chic Algarve break

Friday, 6 July 2012 3:36 PM

For a chic break by the sea, the Algarve is a dream destination. Luxurious accommodation and resorts are to be found all across this region of southern Portugal; however, by choosing to stay in Vilamoura you'll have a particularly wonderful break.

Indeed, by booking a luxury Algarve holiday villa here you have the ability to do everything from relax on golden beaches to enjoy high-class leisure facilities. The following are just some of the things you can incorporate into a getaway in the region.

Visit Portugal's largest marina

Vilamoura's marina is the largest in the entire country, so it's somewhere that should not be missed on your holiday. Situated in the heart of the Algarve coast and having enough moorings for some 1,300 vessels, all kinds of watercraft are to be found here so if you fancy going on a boat trip - whether it's a pleasure cruise or a big game fishing expedition - you will be in the ideal place to do so.

The marina also incorporates boutique stores and restaurants, so you can browse for souvenirs before settling down to a meal, with caldeirada de peixe, a type of fish stew, among the local delicacies. Alternatively, you can relax at the yacht club to enjoy amazing views from the waterfront. There is also a casino and a cinema, so it's the ideal destination to visit either in the day or at night.

Play a round of golf

While the Algarve in general is commonly regarded as a great place for golf enthusiasts, the number of high-quality courses to be found in Vilamoura makes it an especially good location for fans of the sport. As well as the five 18-hole championship courses, the town contains the Vila Sol Golf Academy, so it's quite easy to spend an entire week on the greens perfecting your game if you wish to do so.

Perhaps one of the best places to tee off is the Old Course. Established in 1969, this par 73 course is widely believed to be one of the best golfing spots in the region. You'll be surrounded by verdant pine trees as you play, which will not only make for impressive scenery, but also provide the course's main hazard as you attempt to get to the putting green.

Alternatively, you could visit the Oceanico Victoria. Designed by golfing legend Arnold Palmer, this course has hosted a number of prestigious tournaments since it was opened in 2004, including the PGA World Cup and Portugal Masters, so you can be confident the conditions here are of the highest quality. The par 72 course features almond and olive trees and lakes occupying a total area of 13 hectares, so there is plenty of stunning natural scenery to catch your eye as you play.

Head to the beach

As a whole, the Algarve is a great place to hit the beach, as its coastline spans more than 150 km, and Vilamoura is no exception. By visiting Praia de Vilamoura, the town's sandy stretch, you can relax on a Blue Flag-accredited beach and soak up the famous Portuguese sunshine. If you get bored of sunbathing, there are facilities for windsurfing and sailing.

Of course, you can always take a dip in the crystal-clear ocean. The average seawater temperature is 21 degrees C during the summer months, so swimming here should always be a pleasant experience.

Uncover rich history

As well as being a great place for relaxing and sports, Vilamoura is steeped in history. Head to the Cerro da Vila archaeological centre for the opportunity to see artefacts excavated from a villa that dates back to the 1st century BC and was inhabited during the Roman and Visigoth eras. Objects from the nearby fish salting factory and bathhouses are also on display.

New luxury hotels opens in the Algarve

The new five-star Cascade Hotel and Resort is offering honeymooners sumptuous luxury and splendour. Situated in a unique position on the cliff tops above the impressive majesty of Ponta de Piedade, a fantasy landscape of natural caves, grottos and sea arches that nature has sculpted over thousands of years, Cascade Hotel and Resort is a place of stunning beauty.

North Wales: the perfect place for a chic glamping break

Although North Wales has long been a popular destination for holidaymakers of all tastes and budgets, it is perhaps particularly suited to those who enjoy glamping breaks. Visit the region for this kind of getaway and you can connect with nature without giving up too many, if any, of your creature comforts.

Soak up the sunshine in Puerto del Carmen

When it comes to taking a relaxing break in Lanzarote, there is perhaps nowhere that can top Puerto del Carmen. As the main tourist resort on the Spanish island, you'll certainly be in good company as you soak up the sunshine. However, that's not to say you can't enjoy a chic break here, as there are plenty of high-end restaurants and luxurious villas.