Vilamoura, an ambitious purpose-built resort on the central Algarve coast, is one of Europe's largest privately developed tourist havens, offering holidaymakers every form of sport, entertainment and amenity imaginable. The resort is built around a magnificent 1000-berth marina, alongside which are preserved some Roman ruins that were unearthed during construction back in the 1960s. The southern border is lined by a long, sandy beach, overlooked by quality hotels, self-catering apartments, numerous restaurants and shops, and a host of leisure facilities including a casino. Further inland villas nestle in lush gardens between the golf courses. Vilamoura, which means 'Village of the Moors', is designed for pure pleasure for everyone, of any age or orientation. Nature has enhanced the resort with a temperate sunny climate and beautifully landscaped surroundings. Development has been environmentally friendly and tasteful.