This was our first visit to Vila Marachique and indeed to Portugal.We will definately be returning.The complex is fantastic.The swimming pool is larger than most hotels I would say,and there is a completely seperate pool for the little ones.It is well kept and cleaned every morning.There are plenty of sunbeds around the pool.The pool is also surrounded by a huge grassed area with several large Palm trees(if you fancy a bit if the shade).There are sperate areas for a childrens playground,volley ball and football.This whole area is gated off which makes it extra safe for the kids.
Prior to going I had read mixed reports about the pool bar.This has now been taken over by owner residents Tony and Jane.The have put a great deal of effort into transforming this area and is a great place to relax and have a drink/bite to eat.This area is open from 9am to 8pm and offers a good choice of food and drink at very reasonable prices.The staff are extremely friendly and nothing is too much trouble.In addition to running the pool bar they can provide welcome packs,picnics for the beach etc.
We stayed in a one bed appartment which easily accomodated our family of four.
The complex itself is located about 20 minutes walk from the centre of Alvor.Having said that it is downhill from the complex and a taxi back at the end of the night is no more than four euros.The walk to the beach is slightly longer but the quickest route we found was to turn left by the creche(yellow and blue building as you go down) and then just follow the road down.There is also a locally run shop just down from the creche on this road which provides all the basics.The larger supermarkets being in Alvor.
There are a large number of restaurants and bars to choose from.There are also two restaurants directly opposite the complex if you dont want to walk into town.If you fancy a cheap beer then Chill out Bar does a pint for a euro and amazing toasties.This is located opposite the school at the back of the Ali Super.
There is good water park called Slide and Splash which is worth a visit.The bus journey takes over an hour.We booked a taxi for 19 euros each way and takes about 25 mins.Each to their own but we preferred this as it gave us more time in the park and less travelling.
All in all a great holiday,met some lovely families and well worth a visit if your thinking about going.

i've stayed at vila marachique for several years now. usually for 2 weeks in the summer.
it's not in the center of alvor but it's a 15 minutes walk to all the restaurants, bars, banks, supermarket, etc. alvor is not to big anyway. to the wonderful beach of alvor is a 25 minutes walking..
the apartments are comfortable and clean. the pool area is great. nice big pool and well preserved gardens. parking is easy.
it must be great for families with children.
the vila marachique is 5 km to portimão. you can use a bus to town.

First time we have stayed at this complex and we were thoroughly pleased with everything there. The apartment we had was beautiful and the complexc itself was extremely well kept and the pool and gardens fantastic. Slight comment on distance out of Alvor was a bit further than we were led to believe but we still walked it each way every evening and also walked it to the beach a few times. Will definitely go again!

Very large complex with eight blocks of apartments some would be 200 metres away from the pool. It would be unfair to generalise and label all accommodation the same as it seems each is individually owned so quality of furnishings, comprehensiveness of equipment and cleanliness etc would be different. Because there are so many apartments, you would probably have to rely on individual comments or recommendations. As mentioned, some apartments would be near the pool, others further away. The pool area is completely fenced off with pass key access to only allow residents. A good thing perhaps but annoying for families who might want to visit the area separately. Also with so many apartments some face the pool others do not. And opting for a pool facing one may mean you don’t get the sun on your balcony at all whereas some facing away from the pool could have sunny balconies. Or not. It’s all a bit hit and miss unless you know to ask these questions of an owner. Our apartment overlooked the pool 100 metres away but never saw the sun on the balcony. The complex is a good 30 mins walk into the town centre. 45 mins from the beach. The nearest shop 15 mins walk away tucked behind another complex a few hundred metres down the road and on the opposite side. Difficult to find even by car. Nearest restaurant is opposite and another two a few hundred metres by turning right out of the complex away from the town centre. Nothing on the complex open, no shop or restaurant. The complex is very well kept and quiet but overall felt a little isolated even more so if you didn’t have a car for ease of access.