Alan & Aisling
21 June 2025 •. Algarve, Portugal
Welcome to Portugal!
Where to stay
Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago Resorts
We're thrilled to be hosting our wedding celebration in two exquisite luxury golf resorts - Vale do Lobo and Quinta da Lago. Vale do Lobo, awarded Europe's Leading Lifestyle Resort 2023, offers not only world-class golf but also boasts a stunning beach and the vibrant Praça. Day 2 will be hosted at Julia's beach (Praia do Garrão Nascente), surrounded by top-notch restaurants known for their fresh seafood.
Meanwhile, Quinta do Lago, another prestigious golf destination, sets the stage for the Wedding Day with its elegant facilities and picturesque landscapes. This resort epitomizes luxury and sophistication, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.
However, while the luxury provided at both resorts is unparalleled, it's worth noting that it usually comes with a hefty price tag. These resorts are some of the most expensive in the area, you might find some of the other areas recommended are better value for money.
Rentals
Dunas Douradas Beach Club
Resort in proximity to Vale do Lobo with a variety of apartments and villas available to book
Four Seasons Country Club
Upscale resort in Quinta do Lago offering villas and apartments
Vale do Lobo villa rentals
Booking portal for stays in Vale do Lobo
Golden Triangle Properties
Example of a villa rental company operating on these resorts
Vilamoura
Vilamoura resort completes the 'Golden Triangle' of luxury golf resorts in the area. Like Vale do Lobo, the resort is also on the beach.
Our favourite part of Vilamoura is the beautiful marina which is both a great spot for a walk and some relaxation during the day, and home to some great nightlife. Hosting a wider range of restaurants and bars, prices in this area can be much more affordable than the other resorts, while still having the comfort of being a contained area.
Other amenities on the expansive resort include a casino and the two best mini golf courses around.
Quarteira
For a different vibe, consider Quarteira. As it's not a private resort, you will find that it offers not only more budget-friendly options, but also a better opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic local culture.
One of its best features is its proximity to the beach, offering a genuine coastal experience. The pleasant promenade full of bars and cafes is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Situated in the middle of other resorts, it offers convenient access to everything by car or taxi.
Faro old town
For a unique experience, consider staying in Faro Old Town. Nestled nearby, it offers a distinct contrast with its medieval charm and intricate maze of tiny lanes that open onto beautiful plazas. While it doesn't boast the classic Algarve beach, the allure lies in the enchanting old town atmosphere.
Explore the historic streets, immerse yourself in the local culture, and enjoy the picturesque marina. Faro Old Town provides access to boat trips, allowing you to explore nearby islands and the national park. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a more historical and cultural aspect of the region.
Sitting closer to the airport, the drive to the wedding venue takes approximately 25 minutes.
Things to do
If you are staying around longer than the wedding we are happy to recommend some our favourite activities
Beach days
The Algarve is of course famous for its beautiful beaches. There are usually sunbeds and umbrellas to rent. Vale do Lobo, especially at Julia's beach, allows quick access to good restaurant/ bars. Or head over to Purobeach Vilamoura for a more party vibe with DJs
Warning: some of the beaches between the resort areas are clothing optional.
Golf
Golf courses in the area are also world famous. The cliff hole on the Vale do Lobo royal course is not to be missed
Kayak on the Quinta do Lago lake
The lake backdrop for the wedding venue also offers a range of watersport activities
Zoomarine
A great day out for the family, with dolphins, seals and sea lion, and acrobatic pirate shows
Aquashow
This is the closest waterpark, however there is also Slide and Splash and Aqualand
Cave and dolphin tour
Going from Albufeira this cruise (and other similar ones) takes you out to see the Bengali caves, while maybe spotting some dolphins on the way!
Wineries
Whilst a lot of our favourites are from Alentejo, the Algarve is also home to vineyards you can go to visit
The market
Go on Wednesday morning to haggle over cork goods, leather, ceramics, clothes and much more. Bring cash
Outlet shopping
There are multiple shopping malls in the area with European shops and prices usually better than at home. However, the newest Mar Shopping also has a good designer outlet
Vilamoura Mini golf
Whilst Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago also have mini golf courses, the two on Vilamoura are the most fun and challenging
Vilamoura marina
Whether you want to go for a daytime stroll looking at luxury yachts or come at night for some dinner followed by live music or karaoke in one of the bars, the marina at Vilamoura has it all
Faro old town
A medieval town with cobbled streets, the old town is definitely worth a visit. Pop into the cathedral and the bone chapel.
Vale do Lobo Praça
Lovely Praça (square) right by the sea with great atmosphere and a number of nice restaurants and bars. At night there is live music and plenty of kid friend activities including a bouncy castle and face painting
Partee
With the Vale do Lobo mini golf is a full family park with a playground, bouncy castle, robokeeper and seating for food and drinks
Our favourite eateries
BJs Oceanside €€
Seafood and more
Beach views and great vibes, with live music most afternoons in the summer. Make sure you try the prawns!
The Bold Octopus €€€
Seafood and more
The menu here is more varied than other beach restaurants; the tuna tostadas alone are worth the trip out
Eduardo's €€
Seafood and more
Probably the best beach views around, if there's no time for a meal then enjoy cocktails with toes in the sand.
Monty's €€€
Grill house/ late-night bar
Soak in the atmosphere of the Praça while enjoying food, and stay long enough to enjoy the late-night bar
Cheeky Pup €€
Irish Gastropub
Great atmosphere, especially late. If you love the wedding band, you will probably catch them here on Friday night!
Simply Tapas and Vinho €€
Tapas
Really special place with amazing tapas and the best wine selection. Porks cheeks and wings are family favourites
O Tanque €
Traditional Portuguese
With a chalkboard menu full of classic portuguese dishes, check out the fresh fish counter in the front
A Floresta €
Traditional Portuguese
Well-priced and popular with locals. Try the chorizo or the black pork, and wash it down with some Dona Maria rosé
www.restaurantefloresta.wixsite.com/menu
Chicken Shack (Marufo) €
Piri piri chicken
Cheap and cheerful, just the best piri piri chicken in the algarve. So popular they opened another across the road! Cash only
www.instagram.com/marufoquarteira/
Casa da Quinta €€€
Steak
If you want a fancy night out, this is the place. Lovely staff and delicious food, especially the steak
Bamboo €€€
Asian Fusion
For something a bit different and a special evening out try Bamboo. The weekend DJ lends a party vibe
Thai Restaurant €€
Thai
The best thai food in the area, and the location just off the Vilamoura marina means a short walk to evening festivities
Transport
Taxis and Ubers 🚕
There are taxi ranks at the airport, in resorts and in tourist areas such as water parks, shopping centres etc. If you arrive at a busy time there can be a bit of a wait. Just come out of arrivals and head to the right for the taxi rank.
Uber and Bolt are available in the area. We usually find them to be reliable and well-priced. However, as with anywhere there can be availability issues. Some patience may be required!
If needed, here are some taxi companies that operate in the area:
Algarve T +351 289 352 525 www.algarvet.com
Faro Airport Taxis +351 308 805 090 www.faro-airport-taxis.com
Other helpful info and links
💶 Euros is the local currency. We find card or Apple Pay to be fine for most transactions, however having some cash could be useful, especially if you plan on visiting the markets or going to Chicken Shack.
💸 Tipping culture is similar to the UK or Ireland, while not compulsory +10-20% in restaurants or 'rounding up' for services is much appreciated. Remember, wages are relatively low in Portugal.
🚗 Car rentals are widely available. We have not had any issues driving. Bare in mind they drive on the right-hand side of the road. The A22 and A2 are toll roads with electronic tolls, if your car does not have the built in reader tolls can be paid in person at a local post office or at a registered Payshop 48 hours after using the road.
🗣️ English is widely spoken, as in most western European countries.
🔑 Phrases in you might want to know:
Obrigdo/a - Thank you
Olá - Hi
Bom Dia / Boa Tarde / Boa Noite - Good Morning / Afternoon / Night
Adeus - Goodbye
Por Favor - Please