Vale do Lobo is one of the Algarve’s most popular family holiday destinations attracting 750,000 holiday makers every year. It is located 20 minutes from Faro airport in an area known as The Golden Triangle. It is the largest luxury resort in the Algarve and offers self-catering apartments and villas as well as The Dona Filipa Hotel. Built in 1962 it was the first resort of it’s kind in Portugal.
Today it is the largest luxury resort in the Algarve with over 1500 apartments and villas. 10% of these are owned by permanent residents. Most of the remainder are available for holiday rental all year round.
There are two famous golf courses within Vale do Lobo, the Royal and the Ocean (both 18 hole). Both offer regular competitions and tournaments for members and visitors.
Vale do Lobo is also home to one of the largest tennis facilities in Portugal. The Tennis Academy hosts a range of national and international fixtures each year including The Grand Champions. The coaching team is led by Pedro Frazão who was one of Portugal’s leading professional tennis players.
As a family friendly resort there are many activities available to keep the younger visitors entertained. The Kangaroo Club is available for children aged from 6 months to 12 years. It offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities including mini-golf, bouncy castles and more. For older children there is FunZone offering gaming and internet facilities.
There are 15 bars and restaurants in Vale do Lobo. Most are located beside the beach in an area known as the Praça. The Praça comes alive at night with entertainment for all the family. In high season it is advisable to book the restaurants at the Praça in advance.
Vale do Lobo has it’s own beach with 2 kilometres of golden sand against a back drop of ochre cliffs. Umbrellas and sun loungers are available to hire on a daily basis but most of the locals just bring a towel or their own deck chairs.
The majority of properties in the resort have their own private pool. There are three communal pools in Vale do Lobo, one is located at the Praça, the other at the Tennis Academy and the third at Barringtons. Daily or weekly passes must be purchased prior to admittance.
Other facilities within the resort include a supermarket, medical centre, gym, spa and newsagent. The nearest town is Almancil which is five minutes drive away. In Almancil you will find a larger supermarket as well as many restaurants, shops and bars to suit every taste and budget. The famous Quinta do Lago resort is also five minutes away by car. Quinta do Lago Plaza has a host of upmarket boutiques and restaurants. If you are looking to book villas or apartments for a holiday you can find a selection of over 500 properties to rent at Sunboundvillas
