Where is Vilamoura located?
The Vilamoura region exudes an air of luxury and is renowned as one of Portugal's most prestigious resorts. Situated in the Algarve province in the southern part of the country, Vilamoura stands as one of the most frequented resorts in Europe. Visitors here can choose to stay in top-class hotels, luxury private villas, or upscale apartments within spa complexes. For leisure and entertainment, travelers can indulge in golf, yacht sailing, or dine in exquisite restaurants on solid ground.
The town of Vilamoura is distinguished by its compact arrangement of whitewashed houses with outdoor pools nestled in the shade of trees. This expansive 2,000-hectare resort has developed around an old village and a marina, both of which are closely surrounded by hotel complexes, guesthouses, and residences. Today, Vilamoura stands as one of the highlights within the golden triangle of the Algarve province.
Vilamoura's transformation into a tourist hub was facilitated by the presence of a small harbor nestled between sandy beaches and an archaeological treasure - the ruins of the Roman settlement known as Cerro da Vila. During Roman times, this location was dedicated to the production of fish paste, often referred to as "garum." Additionally, Vilamoura's historical heritage includes baths where sailors once refreshed themselves.
History of Vilamoura Settlement
The area around Vilamoura has a rich history spanning thousands of years, evident from the discovery of ancient Bronze Age burials in the Casão vineyard. The Romans incorporated the Vilamoura region into the province of Lusitania, and the fishing village already boasted a small port during that era. Furthermore, just 2 kilometers away from the village, fertile soil was cultivated to grow vegetables and fruits, with irrigation facilitated by a dam.
Over the centuries, the Roman settlement saw occupation by Visigoths and Moorish rulers. Remarkably, the ruins of two residences, a bathhouse, a necropolis, a dam, and a fish salting station still endure, adorned with marble fragments on some sections of the walls and mosaic-decorated sidewalks.
The foundations of the modern resort, nestled within the once-sleepy fishing village of Vilamoura, were laid in 1966 by Portuguese banker Cupertino de Miranda. Leading the Lusotur resort company, he embarked on planning and constructing the hotel complex.
The marina in Vilamoura was inaugurated in 1974. Over the decades, Vilamoura has expanded its offerings significantly, including the development of six distinct golf courses, the establishment of two beautiful beaches, the creation of a bowling club, the provision of tennis courts, the construction of a sports complex, the formation of a shooting club, the introduction of a riding school, the opening of a casino, the thriving nightlife with nightclubs, and the emergence of complete tourist neighborhoods boasting 4 and 5-star hotels.
