Algarve

Known for their gorgeous golden sands, cooling Atlantic sea water and red sandstone cliffs the beaches near Vale do Lobo have earned a formidable reputation.

Directly in front of the resort is Praia de Vale do Lobo. Generously lined with well-kept beach umbrellas, sun loungers and a massage station, here you will find the Praca, an area dedicated to fantastic restaurants, vibrant bars, and nightly entertainment.

Holidaymakers can either choose from ultimate privacy or enjoy the social aspect of a family holiday in our range of Vale do Lobo villas. Whether you’re dreaming of your own private garden or a communal pool in a spacious resort, there’s something for you.

Beaches close to Vale do Lobo

A couple of kilometres east of the Praca is the quieter Praia do Garrão which is divided into two parts. Praia do Garrão Poente (the western section) that borders Praia Vale do Lobo and Praia do Garrão Nascente (the eastern section). In between there is a third small section called ‘Julia’s Beach’ after the person who was the first to rent out sun loungers and umbrellas here. West of Julia’s is the popular venue Maria’s that is beach restaurant by day and a restaurant by the beach by night.

To the west of the Praca is the easily accessible urban beach Praia de Quarteira. Visitors with children will like the range of leisure activities here. While kids run around and have fun in the well-stocked playground you can work out at an outdoor gym. Or if you can rustle up the players have an impromptu game of beach volleyball at the nets.

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Restaurants in Vale do Lobo

A little further down the coast on Praia do Garrão sits the popular beach bars Julia’s and Maria’s. Julia’s is so well established the stretch of beach directly in front of it is named after ‘Julia’, the person who first rented out sun loungers and umbrellas in the 1960s. The place is an institution in the Algarve and for many frequent visitors to Portugal their trip is not complete without a visit. Maria’s is another long established venue boasting great food and beautiful views of the Atlantic. They have even gone to the extent of weather-proofing the restaurant with a retractable roof and sliding glass doors to create an all year round facility where you can dine inside or outside and still enjoy 180 degree ocean views. The Portuguese and English owners rightly believe that whatever the weather there is nothing quite like dining by the sea. Both bars have seafood specials to die for and are open until late.

Back on the resort Paixa is located near the entrance to Vale do Lobo. Their food is a take on tapas but with a Portuguese influence rather than Spanish. By the entrance to Vale do Lobo but in relative seclusion lies the insanely well reviewed lunch and dinner hotspot Monica’s.

A few minutes’ drive from the heart of Vale do Lobo you can visit one of the trio restaurants owned by the Natural Group. Parrilla Natural Steak House, Parrilla on the Beach and Gourmet Natural Restaurant carry the same ethos. The beef served in their restaurants is 100% grazed and finished on natural grasses and is certified ‘Never Ever’. This guarantees they have ‘Never Ever’ been given Antibiotics, Hormones, Growth promoters or fed grain.

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Bars in Vale do Lobo

Whether you are at the Praca, further along the coast or within the resort itself there are no shortage of bars and restaurants at Vale do Lobo. There are simply too many to list.

The tightest concentration of eateries and watering holes has to be down at the Praca. This bustling beachside complex is home to no less than 10 bars and restaurants. Among the eateries are the renowned restaurants Sandbanks Fish & Seafood Restaurant, La Terrazza and La Creperie Café. The Beach Bar, Monty’s, Deck Bar, Breeze Papagaio and the nightclub Gecko Disco are also part of the complex. But be warned restaurants at the Praca get extremely busy in the peak summer months so bookings are recommended.

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Golf courses in and around Vale do Lobo

Like much of the Golden triangle the golf at Vale do lobo is out of this world. The resort is home to two championship courses a short stroll from the beach.

The acclaimed Royal Course is considered among the top 100 best golf courses in Europe and is a former host of the Portuguese Open. It is home to the iconic par 3 16^th, probably the most photographed hole in Portuguese golf. The chance to lose a bunch of balls trying to negotiate the cliff edge on this hole alone is worth the green fee.

There is also the aptly named Ocean Course that will take you closer to the sea than any course in the Algarve. Perched right on the very edge of the coast line this course offers some of the most stunning views in European golf.

If this roster of courses doesn’t do it for you, being the Algarve, there are other championship golf courses an easy drive away in Albufeira, Carvoeiro, Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura. 

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Family attractions in and around Vale do Lob

As anyone who has been on a family holiday knows, ‘If the children are happy, you are happy’. In Vale do Lobo they take children’s fun seriously. Apart from the sandy beaches, swimming pools and, of course, the extensive grounds for children to run around in, Vale do Lobo has two Kids’ Clubs.

The Kangaroo Club for younger children with indoor games, a pool, sandpit, bouncy castles and mini-golf, as well as the Fun Zone which is ideal for teenagers. Both operate under the supervision of fully trained staff giving you complete peace of mind whilst you potter around your villa, relax next to the pool or unwind at the Vale do Lobo Wellness Centre.

A short trip down to the beachfront Praça you will find Lobito Club and ParTee Mini Golf. Lobito Club is open to children between the ages of 4 and 12 and the mini golf course caters for any age. Both are open into the evening in the summer and special discounts are available for families, groups and Vale do Lobo card holders.

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Wellness facilities in Vale do Lobo

There are also plenty of facilities available for a sporty family day out. Algarve Tennis & Fitness Centre and Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy are a couple of clubs nearby where you can arrange lessons or just play amongst yourselves. Then there’s the option to tour the Algarve on horseback with the Pinetrees Riding Centre.  They offer tuition and tailor made rides across the region, however this isn’t suitable for very young children.

A little further afield but still within the golden triangle there are plenty of attractions suitable for all ages. The waterparks Aquashow, Aqualand and Slide & Splash plus the theme parks and interactive zoos at Krazy World and Zoomarine are all within a half an hour’s drive from the resort.

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Tours in Vale do Lobo and around the Algarve

Following a lazy day on the beach or a peaceful afternoon luxuriating in your villa, why not head down to Praca (the Square). A quaint cobbled area with bars, shops, restaurants, and even a nightclub, this is the hub of all social activity.

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Vale do Lobo Villas

Vale do Lobo villas are all unique, but share a distinct character and charm in harmony with its surroundings. From plush apartments with a jacuzzi to elegant town houses and grand 6-bedroom villas with private pools, each property is lovingly decorated by the owners, and the choice for you is endless.

All of our Algarve Villas are located within walking distance to local amenities, including family friendly restaurants, independent shops and sporting facilities. You will never have to travel far if you want to hit the green on the world-class golf courses on offer, or need some last minute groceries.

Want to venture further afield? Glamorous luxury resort Quinta do lago is a five-minute drive, and if you’re feeling lucky try the elegant casino in Vilamoura for an extra hint of sophistication on your holiday.

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