Since the mid 1970s, the luxury resort of Vilamoura has attracted wealthy sun-seekers, yachtsmen, and golfers. This tourist complex covers 2,000 acres (809 hectares) in central Portugal. Vilamoura’s center is its marina where you’ll find the majority of the resort's high-end hotels, restaurants, casinos and nightclubs. These days, there are a few cheaper accommodation options for those on a tighter budget.
Water-based activities around the marina are boundless chartered deep-sea fishing, water skiing, dolphin watching and parasailing are just a few. Another popular experience is the Algarve Seafaris cruise. This takes you out from Vilamoura marina along the coast towards Carvoeiro. Here, you’ll explore sea caves by dinghy, and get to swim in them. You may spot dolphins along the route too.
There is a choice of two major beaches in Vilamoura. Praia da Marina, to the east of the marina, is a stretch of golden sand dotted with beach bars and sun loungers. Praia da Rocha Baixinha, to the west of the marina, has softer, whiter sand, and offers numerous watersport activities.
Some people come to Vilamoura for the golf alone. There are a number of championship courses in the resort, including the Laguna, the Millennium, and the Old Golf Course. Note that handicap certificates are required for all.
Be sure to check out Vilamoura’s handful of cultural attractions. Cerro da Vila, for example, is the remains of a Roman villa, located near Vilamoura’s center. Among the ruins are baths, fish salting stations, and remains of marble friezes and mosaics.
There are many great day excursions from Vilamoura. The city of Loulé is a 20-minute drive, and has an ancient castle, plus regular markets and carnivals. Close to Loulé is the village of Alte picturesque scenes of whitewashed houses and cobbled streets await you here. The old part of Faro, about 30-40 minutes’ drive from Alte or Vilamoura, contains a number of beautiful historic sites.
Peak season in Vilamoura is in the summer, between June and September. The average temperature then is 70-75 F (21-24 C). The closest airport is Faro, from where a taxi or shared minibus takes approximately 30 minutes to get to Vilamoura.
Vilamoura
Where to stay in Vilamoura
Aldeia do Golfe
While there might not be top attractions in Aldeia do Golfe, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Vilamoura Marina and Falesia Beach.
Encosta das Oliveiras
Though Encosta das Oliveiras might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Dom Pedro Golf: Millennium Golf Course and Dom Pedro Golf: Old Golf Course.
Reviewed on Apr. 26, 2024
Reviewed on Mar. 31, 2024
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Reviewed on Apr. 28, 2024
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Reviewed on Apr. 17, 2024
Popular places to visit
Vilamoura Marina
Take a boat trip to see dolphins and go parasailing with a tour operator near this marina, which is bordered by the town’s main strip of restaurants and nightclubs.
Quinta do Lago Golf
Enjoy a round of golf in Quinta do Lago at Quinta do Lago Golf. Stroll along the seaside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.
Aqua Show Park
Enjoy the thrill rides with your kiddos at Aqua Show Park as part of your trip to Quarteira. Wander the beautiful beaches and marina in this relaxing area.
Vila Sol Golf
Enjoy a round of golf in Quarteira at Vila Sol Golf. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.
Loule Town Market
You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Loule Town Market during your trip to Campina de Cima. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.
Algarve Stadium
Catch an event at Algarve Stadium, and enjoy other activities in Além such as golfing. Check out the spas and lively bars in this relaxing area.
Things to do
Algarve Half Day Jeep Safari (PRIVATE TOUR)
Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner
Loulé: TechSalt’s Rock-Salt Mine Tour
Loulé: Explore Quinta da Tôr Winery with Wine Tasting
Traditional Gypsie Market & Marina Vilamoura
Luxury Yacht Rental and Boat Trip along Coast Line Benagil Caves
Reviews of Vilamoura
3/5 - Okay
Very tourist focused,could be any beach community in the world,Not a pure Portugal experience.