Quinta do Lago is an exclusive, luxury resort close to the beautiful Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. The gorgeous golf courses of the resort are set amongst fragrant pine trees and fabulous, shimmering lakes. The stunning 18 hole, Par 72, San Lorenzo Golf Course is very popular. Quinta Shopping and Bougainvillea Plaza are at the entrance of Quinta do Lago and offer gourmet restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques and a supermarket.
Guests staying at Villa Barico will certainly enjoy the sophistication and glitz of Vilamoura. The marina is full of glossy luxury yachts as well as an incredible range of classy restaurants, bars and cafes. It is a great spot for dinner or just to people watch. The nightlife thrives at the many bars and clubs with the best DJ’s and the Vilamoura Casino promises to get the adrenaline running. There are so many shopping opportunities from famous brands to local crafts. Two fabulous beaches run either side of the marina. From the east, the sands of Vilamoura Beach extend to Quarteira and to the west, the stunning Falesia Beach stretches for miles to Olhos de Aqua.
The islands that are part of the Ria Formosa Reserve are beautiful and are definitely worth a visit by ferry or boat. Tavira is very seductive with charming hipped roofs outlining the sky in a unique way along the narrow streets. You can catch a ferry over to Ilha Tavira.
Loule is a traditional Portuguese market town with a characterful historic centre. It has such a genuine atmosphere, especially in the Arabic inspired covered market. There are stalls selling regional handicrafts, local produce and freshly caught fish. It is a fantastic place to stock the villa kitchen and purchase some souvenirs at the same time! The busy shopping streets, tree-lined plazas and warren of alleyways have barely altered since the medieval period. The ancient castle and Gothic Igreja Matriz church are within the alluring historic centre. On Saturday mornings, the town becomes even more alive with two additional markets, the farmers market and the gypsy market.