Vilamoura

Loulé

Falesia Beach showing a beach, general coastal views and rocky coastline
Falesia Beach showing rugged coastline, a sunset and general coastal views
Vilamoura Marina featuring a bay or harbor
Falesia Beach which includes rocky coastline, general coastal views and a sandy beach
Falesia Beach featuring rugged coastline, general coastal views and a beach
Yachts, golf, up-scale accommodation and restaurants: This purpose-built Algarve resort is a stylish retreat with a scenic waterfront.

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.


Popular places to visit

Things to do



Other neighborhoods around Vilamoura

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Cavacos

Cavacos is a destination visitors seek out for is 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 neighborhood.

Cavacos
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Morgadinho

While Morgadinho might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Vila Sol Golf and Aqua Show Park.

Morgadinho
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Aldeia do Golfe

While there might not be top attractions in Aldeia do Golfe, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Falesia Beach and Dom Pedro Golf: Millennium Golf Course.

Aldeia do Golfe
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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: Laguna Golf Course.

Encosta das Oliveiras
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Fonte Santa

While visiting Fonte Santa, you might make a stop by sights like Quarteira Beach and Vale do Lobo Beach.

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