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
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 marina or visit the spas in this relaxing area.
Casino Vilamoura
Why not roll the dice with a visit to Casino Vilamoura during your time in Vilamoura? Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area or seek out the golf courses.
Dom Pedro Golf: Millennium Golf Course
Enjoy a round of golf in Vilamoura at Dom Pedro Golf: Millennium Golf Course. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area or visit its lively bars.
Vilamoura Tennis Center
Enjoy an outing to Vilamoura Tennis Center during your stay in Vilamoura. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.
Dom Pedro Golf: Victoria Golf Course
Enjoy a round of golf in Vilamoura at Dom Pedro Golf: Victoria Golf Course. Stroll along the seaside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.
Things to do
Quarteira: Benagil Cave Guided Catamaran Day Cruise & Drink
3 Hour Cruise Experience from Vilamoura
From Vilamoura: Traditional Algarve Full-Day Trip
Quarteira: Atlantis Yacht Charter & Algarve Coast Tour
Dolphin Safari and Cave Tour in Vilamoura
From Vilamoura: Sunset Tour on a Luxury Sailing Yacht
Top hotels in Vilamoura
Reviewed on 26 May 2024
Reviewed on 24 May 2024
Reviewed on 22 May 2024
Reviewed on 24 May 2024
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Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024
Other neighbourhoods around Vilamoura
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.
Aldeia do Golfe
When in Aldeia do Golfe, you can plan a visit to Vilamoura Marina and Falesia Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Encosta das Oliveiras
While Encosta das Oliveiras isn't home to many top sights, Dom Pedro Golf: Millennium Golf Course and Dom Pedro Golf: Old Golf Course are some notable places to visit nearby.
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 Royal Golf Course Vale do Lobo might round out your trip.
Vale do Garrão
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Vale do Garrão. A stop by Garrao Beach or Praia do Ancão might round out your trip.
Brotual
While Brotual may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Loule Town Market and Aqua Show Park.