Vilamoura

Vilamoura is an unincorporated area in Algarve, on the southern coast of Portugal. It is one of the three corners of Algarve's Golden Triangle. Vilamoura comprises one of the largest single tourist complexes in Europe and with about 2,000 hectares of land. The nearest airport is in Faro.The area previously hosted the annual Almond Blossom Cross Country competition between 1996 and 2003, and the same course was selected as the venue for the 2000 IAAF World Cross Country Championships.HistoryThe resort developed around a small harbour, flanked by sandy beaches and close to the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila. In Roman times this location was important in producing a fish paste known as "garum". The ruins also include the baths in which the mariners used to bathe.The resort was founded by Portuguese banker Cupertino de Miranda who, with the resort's management company Lusotur (now Lusort) started initial planning and building in 1966.In 1996 Vilamoura (i.e. Lusotur) was acquired by Quinta do Lago's Andre Jordan. In 2004 the resort was purchased by CatalunyaCaixa.FacilitiesVilamoura has six different Golf Courses, the largest marina in Portugal, two beaches, a Lawn Bowling Club with two grass greens, a Tennis Centre, a Sports Club, a Shooting Club, 5 Star and 4 Star Hotels, Tourist Apartments, self-catering Villas, Night Clubs, an International Casino with glamorous shows, and an excellent Riding School.