Vilamoura Travel Guide

Loulé

Falesia Beach featuring rocky coastline, general coastal views and a beach
Falesia Beach showing a beach, a sunset and rocky coastline
Vilamoura
Falesia Beach showing a beach, rocky coastline and general coastal views
Falesia Beach featuring a sunset, rocky coastline and a beach

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 artifacts 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.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Vilamoura

Victoria Golf Resort and Spa Managed by Accor
Victoria Golf Resort and Spa Managed by Accor
5 out of 5
Av dos Descobrimentos, Loule, Faro
The price is £283 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
£283
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Loulé. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (964 reviews)
"Great nice hotel with vibes!!! Would definitely stay again. Good food as well"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Victoria Golf Resort and Spa Managed by Accor
Tivoli Marina Vilamoura
Tivoli Marina Vilamoura
5 out of 5
Apartado 65, Marina Vilamoura, Loulé
The price is £335 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
£335
16 Jul - 17 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Loulé. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (997 reviews)
"It was amazing and very convenient too get to the beach clubs, our room included access to beach club"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Tivoli Marina Vilamoura
Crowne Plaza Vilamoura - Algarve by IHG
Crowne Plaza Vilamoura - Algarve by IHG
5 out of 5
Rua Do Oceano Atlantico, Loulé
The price is £336 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
£336
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Loulé. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (993 reviews)
"Great range of services available, top quality!"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Crowne Plaza Vilamoura - Algarve by IHG
Dom Pedro Marina
Dom Pedro Marina
4 out of 5
Avenida Tivoli, Lote H4, Loulé
The price is £210 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
£210
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Loulé. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (385 reviews)
Great Location
"Well located hotel with marina views. Good breakfast with wide selection of food. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 22 May 2025

Dom Pedro Marina
Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa
Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa
5 out of 5
Rua da Torre d'Agua, Lote 4.11.1b, Loulé
The price is £271 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
£271
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Loulé. Enjoy free parking, 5 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (831 reviews)
"Excelent!"

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa
Four Seasons Vilamoura
Four Seasons Vilamoura
4 out of 5
Rua da Holanda, 507, Loulé
The price is £330 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
£330
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Loulé. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (639 reviews)
Great stay
"Beautiful hotel and a great location. Hotel is spotlessly clean and all the staff are friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Four Seasons Vilamoura
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Vilamoura

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Cavacos

Cavacos is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Quarteira Beach or Vilamoura Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Cavacos
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Morgadinho

Morgadinho might not have many top sights, but Vila Sol Golf and Aqua Show Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Morgadinho
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Aldeia do Golfe

When in Aldeia do Golfe, you can plan a visit to Falesia Beach and Dom Pedro Golf: Millennium Golf Course, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Aldeia do Golfe
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Encosta das Oliveiras

While Encosta das Oliveiras isn't home to many top sights, Dom Pedro Golf: Millennium Golf Course and Dom Pedro Golf: Laguna Golf Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Encosta das Oliveiras
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Fonte Santa

If you're spending some time in Fonte Santa, Quarteira Beach and Vale do Lobo Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Fonte Santa
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Vale do Lobo

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Vale do Lobo. A stop by Vale do Lobo Beach or Garrao Beach might round out your trip.

Vale do Lobo


Vilamoura Travel Guide

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