Vilamoura
BEST BEACH
Built by private investors in the 1970s, Vilamoura is one of Europe’s largest beach resorts and arguably the most desirable in the Algarve. Praia da Marina offers a world-class beach and even holds a prestigious Blue Flag award, ensuring it is indeed one of the very best beaches in the world. Grab some sun in front of Tivoli Marina hotel. DJs help the sungoers relax with some chill house music. There is also a nearby lake that is popular at night.
BEST NIGHTLIFE
Sete Café, opened by football legend and co-owner Luis Figo, is a lively,
cosmopolitan bar located right on the marina. Sports fans will be delighted to find loads of huge screens showing all the days sporting events. The White Room on the upstairs terrace has excellent views of the marina. There’s also a cafe and a games room with a number of snooker tables. You may even find a host of celebrities and sports stars there to party and sing karaoke.
BEST FOR ALTERNATIVE NIGHTLIFE
For clubbing it doesn’t get any bigger than Kadoc. Kadoc is one of the most famous clubs in Portugal. Set in Albufeira, it attracts the best house, electro, tech-house DJs in the world. With 5 dance floors and a capacity of around 7,000 clubbers dancing the night away 7 days a week, Kadoc lives up to its reputation as the “Ibiza in the Algarve.” If Vegas is more your style, try your luck at the Casino of Vilamoura. With over 600 slot machines, poker, roulette and blackjack tables, and even some Vegas-style shows, you might just forget you’re in Europe.
BEST FOR SPORTING ACTIVITY
The Algarve sporting calendar delivers excitement, power and sweat 365 days of the year – from the Portugal Rally and F1 Power Boat World Championship to Kitesurf World Championship and international tennis and golf championships to Portugal Match Cup part of the World Match Sailing Tour sailing events. Sporting legends and enthusiasts continue to flock to the Algarve year after year to mix their sport with leisure. If you are an avid golfer, then you’ll be well aware of the world-class golf courses in Vilamoura. One of the best is the Oceanico Millennium golf course. Built by UK golf Architects Hawtree & Sons, this course is second-to-none and along with the other courses on offer has helped to elevate Vilamoura to the premier golfing destination of Europe.
THE LINGO
Blend in with the locals. Greet waiters and fellow tourists with “Bom Dia,” which means “Good Day.”
British Airways offer flights to Faro from £75 pp (one way). Terms and conditions apply. See ba.com/cityoffer for details.