The resort of Vale do Lobo is, without doubt, one of the Algarve’s most popular destinations. All in all, luxurious and fun, with miles of beach to enjoy, fabulous golf courses, outstanding restaurants, and also amazing holiday homes. The resort is a favourite with celebrities and is also the top choice for stylish holidays with family and friends. Above all the resort is home to some of the most prestigious and beautiful properties in the Algarve. Also, the resort is ocean-facing and washed by the clear waters of the Atlantic.
The Resort
Vale do Lobo beach is miles of fine golden sand, also backed by ochre cliffs, topped with umbrella pines – typically Algarve. The Praça (square, in Portuguese) is the central hub of the resort and is also located right by the beach, offering a great range of restaurants, bars, and also live entertainment.
From morning to night, the Praça is where you can relax, and above all spend time with friends & family. In addition, enjoy fabulous food and sip cocktails at sunset as day moves to night. All in all, most of the holiday homes we offer are within walking distance of the Praça and also the beach, making for very easy holidays.
The Praça
Throughout the summer there is also live entertainment on a daily basis. Also, the team at Algarve Villa Selection has spent some fabulous afternoons and evenings there. You also have the beach bar too which is perfect for a cold drink in between enjoying a lazy beach day. Therefore, we have teamed up with the 7 venues at the Praça so all our guests can enjoy the best tables and also have a fabulous sunset view. In addition, the restaurants and bars at the Praça are all of a high standard and there is something for everyone. There is Monty’s, Amore, Sandbanks, The Deck, The Beach Bar, The Roof, and also La Creperie.
For more information on the venues at the Praça please ask one of the team at Algarve Villa Selection. As regular visitors do ask the team for their favourites and also for advice on the venues. Links to the venues are shown below.
The Venues
Please click on the restaurant and venue name for more information. One of our favourite restaurants at The Praça is Sandbanks overlooking the ocean and also the Vale do Lobo beach. The Roof (Cocktail lounge) is also part of Sandbanks and is a welcome new addition. Above all, they are all fabulous. Monty’s – a family venue with great food, great drinks, live music, and also kid’s entertainment. Amore – Also located in the centre of The Praça with homemade pizza & pasta for a lovely family dinner. The Deck – A modern and stylish cocktail lounge bar under the stars. The Beach Bar – Perfect for a cool drink whilst soaking up the sun on the beach. La Creperie – Yummy Ice cream, crepes, smoothies, and also drinks!
Sport and Accommodation
In addition, the resort is also known for its excellent sports facilities, particularly the golf courses. The 16th hole of the Royal course, spanning oceanside cliffs, is also one of the most photographed golf holes in the world. There is also a tennis centre, padel
courts and a wide range of fitness and wellness
activities available at the resort, as well as lovely paths and walkways to explore.
Within the resort, there is an amazing choice of holiday accommodation from spectacular, modern villas, to more traditional designs, townhouses, and also apartments, many with golf views and sea views. All in all, being one of Europe’s leading destinations, Vale do Lobo brings together all the elements that make up a perfect holiday.
Other Things To Do
There are lots of other activities and facilities close by for all the family too!
- Mini golf
- Family fun events through the summer
- Live music
- Water sports
- Off-road tours
- Beach day’s
- Walks along the ria Formosa
- Bike hire
- Boat trips or charters
History of the Resort
Founded in 1962 by Trusthouse Forte plc and also Costain plc, both well-known multi-national companies, Vale do Lobo was the first development in the Algarve. In addition, the Dona Filipa Hotel and also the first golf course were there before Faro International Airport was opened.
Sander van Gelder, a Dutch entrepreneur, discovered Vale do Lobo during a holiday in the 1970s. He visioned its potential and also decided to buy the resort, and after that, chose to move there in 1977. In addition, currently, the resort has transformed into a 450-hectare self-contained community with fantastic facilities and services in its unique location.
2006
However, in 2006, the resort was sold to a group of Portuguese and international investors, including the largest national bank Caixa Geral de Depósitos. The successful Portuguese businessman Diogo Gaspar Ferreira also took over as the Chief Executive. As a result, the sale marked the beginning of an exciting era and in 2007 the resort had a huge facelift. Similarly, this led to a number of significant improvements, developments, and also plans for international expansion. Above all, the most significant being the initiation of a €500 million investment program, therefore, leading to the development of three prime areas in the resort: Vale de Santo António, Oceano Clube (Vale do Lobo II), and also Vale Real (Vale do Lobo III).
2008
At the beginning of 2008, the resort rebranded and as a result, was renamed Vale do Lobo Algarve. Consequently, the resort integrated under the umbrella of a new brand of Vale do Lobo Resorts, the first move towards future international expansion.
In addition, a brand new entrance was constructed to symbolize the corporate goals and modern corporate identity to replace the old resort logo.
In conclusion, Vale do Lobo Algarve is now one of the foremost resorts in Europe and is also the largest luxury resort of its kind in Portugal operated by the same company. As a result, It has earned worldwide recognition and is a special place in the heart of many visitors and also residents.
FAQ’S
- Who owns Vale do Lobo? The resort is owned by a group of Portuguese and international investors.
- When was the resort founded? 1962 and it is also the first resort to open in the Algarve.
- Where is the resort? The resort is located in Central Algarve in the Golden Triangle, Southern Portugal.
- How big is the resort? Approx. 450 hectares and is also currently the largest luxury resort in Portugal.
- How long is the beach? Approx. 2 km
- Can I play tennis in the resort? The resort has a few tennis clubs and one is one of the largest in Portugal with 14 courts, 1 paddle/mini court, gym and also a swimming pool.
- How many golf courses are there in the resort? 2 x 18 hole courses, the Royal (par 72; distance 6,059 metres) and also the Ocean (par 73; distance 6,137 metres)
- What is the main part of the resort? The Praça is the most popular area for the beach, restaurants, mini golf, kids clubs, bars, and also a pool.
- Are there shops in Vale do Lobo? Yes, there is a supermarket at the entrance. There is also Parque do Golfe that has premium stores and designer boutiques.
FAQ’S Location
- How far is Vale do Lobo from Faro Airport? Approx. 25-30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Click HERE to see the map.
- How far is Vale do Lobo from Vilamoura? 15 minutes. Click HERE to see the map.
- How far is Vale do Lobo from Lisbon? 2 hours and 30 minutes. Click HEREto see the map.
- How far is Vale do Lobo from Dunas Douradas? 5 minutes. Click HEREto see the map
- How far is Vale do Lobo from Quinta do Lago? 5 minutes. Click HERE to see the map
Restaurants/bars located in Vale do Lobo include Sandbanks, Monty’s, The Beach Bar, The Deck, The Lounge, Paixa, Monicas, Casa Pituxa and just outside Vale do Lobo there is also Parrilla Natural, A Floresta, O Figueiral and Tapas e Vinho.
Our team is very familiar with the restaurants and services available in the area and we’re more than happy to share our insights with you!
Algarve Villa Selection
We specialise in luxury apartments and villas in and around Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. We have a carefully selected portfolio of luxury villa and apartment rentals. Our specialist team can help guide you in creating your perfect Algarve Villa or apartment holiday.
Get in touch with the team to discuss your requirements today – Email: info@algarvevillaselection.com or call us: 0161 519 6808.