Key Information About Vilamoura, Portugal
As one of the Algarve’s most sophisticated destinations, Vilamoura is a master-planned resort town built for upscale leisure. From its glamorous marina to its championship golf courses, the area offers a unique blend of relaxation and activity. To help you make the most of your visit, this guide highlights the top 10 experiences that define a trip to Vilamoura. For more in-depth travel guidance, including where to stay, eat, and explore, check out our full Vilamoura City Guide.
Quick Facts About Vilamoura
- Location: Southern Portugal, Algarve Region (part of the municipality of Loulé)
- Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October for pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
- Nearest Airport: Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 22 km from Vilamoura.
- How to Get There: By car, taxi, or pre-booked transfer from Faro Airport; regular bus services connect Vilamoura to Faro and other major Algarve towns.
- Currency: Euro (€)
Best Things To Do In Vilamoura, Portugal
Explore the Marina de Vilamoura
The heart and soul of the resort, the Marina de Vilamoura is a glamorous hub of activity and one of Europe’s premier marine destinations. Strolling the immaculate, palm-lined promenade provides stunning views of luxury yachts, and the waterfront is packed with a huge variety of upscale restaurants, chic bars, and designer boutiques. The marina is the town’s primary center for dining, entertainment, and shopping, offering a sophisticated atmosphere from morning until late at night.
- Location: The central point of Vilamoura.
- What to do: Walk the promenade, dine at a waterfront restaurant, shop for designer goods, or book a boat tour.
- Who it’s best for: Everyone – couples, families, and solo travelers.
- When to go: Lively both day and night; visit in the evening for the best atmosphere.
- Need-to-know: It is the main gathering spot and can be very busy during peak season evenings.
Relax on Praia de Vilamoura
Stretching east from the marina, Praia de Vilamoura is a wide expanse of pristine golden sand and calm, clear Atlantic waters. As the town’s main beach, it is impeccably maintained and backed by luxury hotels and stylish beach clubs offering sun loungers, cocktails, and fresh seafood. The gentle waves and clean conditions make it a safe and perfect spot for families and swimmers looking for a classic, relaxing beach day with every convenience close at hand.
- Location: Just east of the marina, connecting to Quarteira.
- What to do: Swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the amenities at a beachfront restaurant or club.
- Who it’s best for: Families, beach lovers, and anyone looking for convenience.
- When to go: Best from June to September for the warmest sea temperatures.
- Need-to-know: This is a popular beach that can get crowded during the peak summer months.
Play a Round of World-Class Golf
Vilamoura is a globally recognized golf destination, home to several of Europe’s most prestigious and beautifully manicured courses. The area has hosted the Portugal Masters tournament at the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course, cementing its status as a top spot for the sport. With a variety of layouts designed to challenge players of all skill levels amidst stunning natural scenery, playing a round here is an essential Vilamoura experience.
- Location: Multiple courses are located throughout the Vilamoura resort area.
- What to do: Play a full 18 holes, take a lesson, or enjoy a family-friendly round at the Family Golf Park.
- Who it’s best for: Golfers of all abilities, from professionals to beginners.
- When to go: The climate allows for year-round play, but spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures.
- Need-to-know: Booking tee times well in advance is essential, especially on the championship courses.
Discover the Roman Ruins at Cerro da Vila
Just a stone’s throw from the modern marina lies the archaeological site of Cerro da Vila, the historical foundation of Vilamoura. These well-preserved ruins of a 1st-century Roman maritime villa offer a fascinating window into the area’s past as a key producer of garum, a prized fish paste. Visitors can explore ancient mosaic floors, bathing complexes, and burial sites, providing a stark and interesting contrast to the contemporary luxury of the surrounding resort.
- Location: In the center of town, a short walk from the marina.
- What to do: Wander through the open-air ruins and visit the small museum for context on the artifacts.
- Who it’s best for: History enthusiasts, families, and anyone curious about the Algarve’s Roman past.
- When to go: Open year-round; check for specific opening hours as they can be limited.
- Need-to-know: There is a small entrance fee to access the museum and ruins.
Take a Boat Trip on the Atlantic
The Vilamoura Marina is the launching point for some of the best maritime excursions in the Algarve. Taking a boat trip is the perfect way to experience the region’s stunning coastline from a different perspective and create lasting memories on the water. Operators offer a wide variety of tours, from thrilling dolphin-watching expeditions to leisurely coastal cruises that visit famous sea caves like the one at Benagil.
- Location: All tours depart from the Vilamoura Marina.
- What to do: Join a dolphin-watching tour, take a coastal cruise to the Benagil Caves, or book a private charter.
- Who it’s best for: All travelers, especially families and nature lovers.
- When to go: Tours run multiple times a day; morning trips often have calmer seas.
- Need-to-know: Book in advance during summer, as the most popular tours fill up quickly.
Walk the Red Cliffs of Praia da Falésia
Beginning just west of the marina, Praia da Falésia is one of the most visually spectacular beaches in all of Portugal. It is defined by its magnificent and unique cliffs, which display a stunning spectrum of red, orange, and white hues. The beach itself is a long stretch of golden sand, perfect for long walks, while the clifftop paths of the Estrada da Rocha Baixinha offer incredible panoramic views of the coastline.
- Location: West of the Vilamoura marina.
- What to do: Walk along the beach, hike the clifftop trails, and take photos of the unique landscape.
- Who it’s best for: Nature lovers, hikers, and photographers.
- When to go: Late afternoon, when the setting sun illuminates the cliffs in a warm glow.
- Need-to-know: This beach is more natural and has fewer amenities than Praia de Vilamoura.
Have an Evening of Entertainment at the Casino
The Vilamoura Casino offers a full evening of entertainment that goes far beyond its gaming floors. It is a major landmark in the town and a hub of nightly activity, known for its glamorous dinner-and-show packages. These events combine a multi-course meal with vibrant live music and dazzling dance performances, offering excellent value. After the show, guests can try their luck at the wide variety of slot machines and table games.
- Location: Near the marina and behind Praia de Vilamoura.
- What to do: Play table games or slots, enjoy the dinner-and-show experience, or have a drink at the bar.
- Who it’s best for: Adults looking for a sophisticated and entertaining night out.
- When to go: The casino is open daily, with shows typically running in the evenings.
- Need-to-know: You must be 18 or older and present a valid ID (passport or driver’s license) to enter.
Stroll Through The Old Village
For a change of pace from the bustling marina, The Old Village provides a tranquil and charming escape. This beautifully maintained, self-contained resort is designed in a classic Portuguese style, with picturesque townhouses set among manicured gardens and quiet cobblestone lanes. The complex has its own selection of welcoming restaurants, cafes, and bars, creating a peaceful village atmosphere ideal for a relaxed afternoon stroll or a quiet evening meal.
- Location: Inland from the marina, surrounded by the Pinhal Golf Course.
- What to do: Wander the charming streets, admire the architecture, and enjoy a meal in a peaceful setting.
- Who it’s best for: Couples and families seeking a quieter alternative to the marina.
- When to go: Pleasant for a daytime visit or a relaxed dinner in the evening.
- Need-to-know: This is a purpose-built resort complex, not a true historic village.
Get Active with Water Sports
With its calm waters and sunny weather, Vilamoura is an ideal location for trying a variety of exciting water sports. Several operators, particularly along Praia da Falésia, offer rentals and lessons for all experience levels. It’s the perfect way to add a dose of adrenaline to a relaxing beach holiday. You can feel the thrill of speeding across the waves on a jet ski or get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning coastline while parasailing high above the ocean.
- Location: Operators are found on both Praia de Vilamoura and Praia da Falésia.
- What to do: Rent a jet ski, try parasailing, or go for a paddleboard session.
- Who it’s best for: Adventure seekers and active travelers.
- When to go: During the summer months when the sea is calmest and warmest.
- Need-to-know: Always use reputable operators that prioritize safety and provide instruction.
Experience the Upscale Nightlife
When the sun goes down, Vilamoura’s nightlife comes alive with a sophisticated and energetic vibe centered around the marina. The area offers a diverse range of options, from elegant rooftop lounges like Atlantic Piano Bar, perfect for cocktails with a view, to lively pubs with live music, such as The Brewery. Whether you prefer a quiet, classy drink or a more upbeat social atmosphere, the venues here cater to a discerning international crowd.
- Location: Primarily concentrated around the Marina de Vilamoura.
- What to do: Enjoy sunset cocktails, listen to live music, or visit a sophisticated late-night bar.
- Who it’s best for: Adults and travelers looking for a social and polished night out.
- When to go: The atmosphere builds throughout the evening, with most places getting busy after 9 PM.
- Need-to-know: Dress codes can be smart-casual in some of the more upscale cocktail bars.
Best Things To Do In Vilamoura, Portugal
This guide to the Top 10 Best Things to Do in Vilamoura highlights the resort’s most worthwhile experiences, each selected for its quality, popularity, or unique appeal. It is designed to help you focus on the standout activities that truly define a visit to this sophisticated destination. For a broader look at the area, including accommodation, dining, and transportation advice, visit the full Vilamoura City Guide.