Vale do Lobo, translated as "Valley of the Wolf" in English, was the first development in the Algarve and is the largest luxury resort in the area, spanning a total of 450 hectares with somewhere in the region of 1,500 properties this resort has been ever popular for decades.

With its vast array of leisure facilities, stunning beachfront and impeccably kept grounds Vale do Lobo is a wonderful location for a property. Located directly on the coast the area offers two fabulous golf courses, along with the famous "Praça" with its ecliptic mix of bars, restaurants and nightlife as well as direct beach access and front line swimming pool.

As opposed to its neighbour, and perhaps fiercest rival in the tourism stakes at least, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo is effectively one large, exclusive resort which helps to keep the area's upkeep immaculate. View Properties in Vale do Lobo

Vale do Lobo was among the first tourist resorts to be built in Portugal, having been catalysed by the Estado Novo’s decision in 1962 to build Faro Airport following the success in the 1950s of luxury Spanish resorts such as Torremolinos. In 1962, Trust House Forte acquired the land which became Vale do Lobo with the intention of turning it into a luxury resort.

At the time, the region was a stone pine forest with a sand beach. Townhouses and villas were built for tourists and permanent foreign residents. An 18 hole golf course designed by Henry Cotton was built and Vale do Lobo quickly become a popular destination with the British market. In 1968, Trust House Forte and Costain Group opened the first five-star hotel in the Algarve, the Dona Filipa, named after Philippa of Lancaster, whose marriage to John I of Portugal confirmed the 700-year-old Anglo-Portuguese Alliance.

In 1977 the Dutch entrepreneur Sander van Gelder acquired the resort out of receivership after it had struggled financially following the 1974 Carnation Revolution. Venlo-born van Gelder had just sold his jewellery store chain Schaap en Citroen to insurance company Amev in the previous year, having acquired the chain eight years previously in 1969. He had originally intended to acquire a plot of land in the area and ended up taking the opportunity to acquire the whole resort.

The resort was run under van Gelder’s ownership for the next 30 years, adding another 18 hole golf course and many facilities including bars, restaurants, and shops. The resort hosted the Portuguese Open in 2002 and 2003.

In 2006 a combination of Portuguese and international investors together with the Portuguese state-owned bank Caixa Geral de Depósitos acquired the development from van Gelder, installing Diogo Gaspar Ferreira as CEO.

Vale do Lobo Golf Courses

There are two stunning golf courses running through Vale do Lobo:

• The Royal Course – Par 72 – 6,059 meters - View the Royal Course here at Vale do Lobo

• The Ocean Course – Par 73 – 6,137 meters - View the Ocean Course here at Vale do Lobo

Fortunately Vale do Lobo has an expansive range of property options, to suit most budgets and requirements. The set up of the resort is such, that each specific zone has it's own focal point, whether it be the Praca, Golf Course or the Tennis Center, a short walk should be all that's required to reach some entertainment.

Properties tend to be smaller than those in Quinta do Lago, with smaller plots, especially around the praca and the seafront villas. Further, from the front line there are larger villas, which do boast some stunning views across the golf courses, and indeed the coast due to the elevated position further back. Over recent years a great many properties have been totally redeveloped, with a lack of new plots this is a trend that is sure to continue, with older more traditional villas, being replaced by brand new modern luxury villas.

A general guide on Vale do Lobo property pricing follows below:

• 1 bedroom apartments in Vale do Lobo: From €200,000

• 2 & 3 bedroom apartments in Vale do Lobo: From €300,000

• 2 bedroom + townhouses, linked villa in Vale do Lobo: From €400,000

• Detached villas in Vale do Lobo: From €800,000

There is a strict building code within the Vale do Lobo area limiting the size and number of properties that can be built. The surrounding protected nature reserve ensure the serenity of an area known throughout Europe as one of the leading luxury resorts.

Due to the exclusive nature of the properties and their owners in this particular area, not all properties are available for online publication. If you are looking for something specific in Vale do Lobo please contact us and we will be happy to provide you with details of all currently available properties in this area. Alternatively, if you have a property for sale in Vale do Lobo and would like to get an idea on the present value of your property, please get in touch.