With a yacht-filled marina and sandy stretches of sand lapped by turquoise seas, this Algarve beach resort town offers holiday heaven.
Kick off your shoes and feel the sea breeze on your skin when you visit Vilamoura. While Portugal’s Algarve is packed full of natural wonders and attractions to explore, the modern resort town is a self-contained coastal playground that’s hard to leave. The heart of the action is Vilamoura Marina, a sophisticated hub of entertainment on and off the water.
The Algarve basks in around 300 sunny days each year, so it’s almost always a great time to launch into water sports and hiking. You can also take it easy and sip cocktails by the pool between seafood feasts at fabulous resorts offering pure holiday indulgence.
Things to do in Vilamoura
Stroll along the golden sands of Vilamoura Beach, which extends to neighbouring Quarteira and is just steps from a fantastic array of hotels. When it’s time to change coastal scenery, get your camera ready for the dramatic red cliffs of Falésia Beach. Translated to the “beach of cliffs” the Blue Flag stretch is dotted with sunbeds and generally lively with water sports.
Nearby are the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila Museum and Archaeological Site. Discover the remnants of a Roman maritime villa and see ancient artefacts including sculptures and pottery. Keep the theme going, especially if you’re holidaying with kids, at the Roman Empire-themed Family Golf Park Vilamoura. From local crafts to luxury brands, retail therapy awaits at the shops of Vilamoura Marina.
Outdoor activities in Vilamoura
With the largest marina in the Algarve, Vilamoura is a gateway for exciting boat tours. Take your pick from a range of tours before ending brilliant days with sunset cruises. The marina is also home to Vilamoura Water Sports Centre for parasailing and jet skiing adventures.
On land, tee off at the area's renowned golf courses, including Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course. Just a quick drive from Vilamoura are the oceanfront courses of Vale do Lobo. Alternatively, stretch your legs on panoramic coastal trails. It takes around two hours to walk to Olhos de Água, a charming beach resort framed by cliffs and freshwater springs bubbling up from the sand.
Dining and nightlife in Vilamoura
Seafood dominates the dining scene in Vilamoura. Look for Algarve specialties such as cataplana, a seafood stew cooked in a special copper pot, clams cooked in white wine and grilled sardines. Upscale hotels serve traditional and international cuisine at elegant venues with spectacular views. Settle in at chic beach clubs for dinner and drinks or find charming eateries in Quarteira’s backstreets to dine with locals.
After dinner, choose your favourite bars and nightclubs just steps from hotels to enjoy the town’s buzzing nightlife. Try your luck in the game rooms of Casino Vilamoura and book tickets to international shows in the theatre. Along with sunset dinner cruises, take the dancing out on the water with live DJs on party boats.
Getting around Vilamoura
Faro International Airport is just a 30-minute drive from Vilamoura, with taxis, private shuttles and rental cars available. Buses, taxis and a tourist train operate in town however, you can walk from hotels to the beach and the marina with ease. Rent a bike to make the most of established cycling trails. Drive, take tours or local buses to popular day trip locations, including Albufeira, Praia da Rocha and Portimão.
