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• Ultimate Guide to Vilamoura
• Town & Resort Guides

Vilamoura is a luxury resort located in the western part of the Algarve. Originally built around a small harbour which is now home to the biggest marina in Portugal, capable of berthing more than 1000 vessels, Vilamoura’s mostly privately owned territory has made sure that the town was designed in quite an opulent style.

Being one of the most popular and largest single tourist complexes in Europe, Vilamoura is home to six different Golf Courses, including the famous Old Course, a Lawn Bowling Club with two grass greens, a Tennis Centre, a Sports Club, a Shooting Club, 5 and 4 star hotels, tourist apartments, self-catering villas, night clubs, an international casino with glamorous shows and which also hosts the PokerStars Solverde Poker Season, an excellent Riding School and plenty of other leisure facilities.

There is also the historic site of Cerro da Vila, where the remnants of an ancient Roman village have been discovered.  After the Romans, the village was later occupied by Visigoths and Moorish forces until Christians reconquered the region of the Algarve.

Where to stay?

Marina de Vilamoura – Vilamoura’s Marina is probably the most popular place to stay in Vilamoura, being surrounded by many different hotels and touristic apartments. If you stay at the Marina, not only will you be closer to the vibrant nightlife of the town, with many restaurants, cafes and clubs nearby, as the proximity to the beach will grant you fantastic views over the ocean.

Old Village – The Old Village is another popular destination for those looking for accommodation in the area of Vilamoura. With plenty of apartments and some villas, this real estate compound offers 24 hour surveillance, and is located within 2 minutes of Vilamoura’s centre and 5 minutes away from the beaches.

Suburbs – In the suburbs of Vilamoura you are more likely to find large villas, ideal for big groups looking to spend a relaxing vacation not far from Vilamoura’s most popular attractions.

Quarteira – Another option for people wanting to spend vacations in Vilamoura, but wanting to be away from the more expensive prices of Vilamoura’s resort, is the town of Quarteira, located right next door.

What are the beaches like in Vilamoura?

Praia de Vilamoura – Vilamoura’s main beach, located in front of the town of Vilamoura, presents visitors with its golden sand and deep blue waters. In 2007, the beach went under constructions to renovate its main accesses and to build a new footpath. Nowadays, the beach also offers toilets, facilities suitable for wheelchair users, a tiralô (a free of charge tricycle for disabled bathers), first aid post, car park, sunshades, sun-beds with mattresses, hot and cold showers, paddleboats and kayaks.

Praia da Falésia – Probably the most famous beach in the Algarve, Praia da Falésia’s extensive coastline, thin warm sand, calm and safe sea and ravishing cliffs which shelter the beach from North winds, create for one of the most pleasant beaches for you to spend a full day relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the south of Portugal. During summer, this beach is also well known for the sunset parties that the bar NoSolo organizes.

Which beaches near Vilamoura have a Blue Flag?

All beaches in Vilamoura have a Blue Flag and lifeguards and, as you can see from the map below, there are other beaches located close to Vilamoura with a Blue Flag.

Blue Flag means that the beach has been assessed based on environmental standards, water quality and beach cleanliness, and also on important facilities including toilets and lifeguards.

In the Algarve, lifeguards usually work from July 1 st to September 30.

What is there to do in Vilamoura?

Vilamoura offers plenty of distractions and activities. At this luxury resort you can spend a day at the beach or sunbathing by the pool at the hotel. Vilamoura is also an excellent place for golf, tennis, parasailing, stand up paddle (SUP), mountain biking, snorkeling or scuba diving.

Aquashow Park – Aquashow is a water park located in the area of Quarteira, just a few minutes away from Vilamoura. This giant water park has one of the biggest water rollercoasters in the world, where you get to travel at more than 70km/h, and plenty of other slides and attractions. Visiting Aquashow will surely provide you and the rest of your family with a lot of fun.

Boat Excursion – A fun activity to do in Vilamoura is to take a boat trip around the caves and beaches of Algarve’s coastline. You can also rent your own private yacht with five star service, go on a party boat complete with DJ, or simply go fishing with your best mates on a private charter.

Casino de Vilamoura – Filled with more than 500 slot machines and gaming rooms with tables including Blackjack, Roulette and Poker, the casino awaits those ready to beat the odds. In walking distance to Praia de Vilamoura, the Casino treats its guests to live performances or cabaret shows. Be advised though that there is a dress code involving a tie and jacket for men and that visitors will be asked to present their passport or ID card.

Cerro da Vila – Cerro da Vila was one of areas chosen by the Romans to live due to its proximity to the sea and to being one of the places the Phoenicians and Carthaginians used to stop to trade their products. The ruins were first discovered in 1963 and are nowadays open to the public.

Portugal Masters – If you are a golf fan, then this is definitely an activity for you. Every year, around September, the best golfers competing in the European Tour head to Vilamoura to compete in the Portugal Masters . Come to the Portugal Masters to learn how to play golf with some of the best players in the world.

Buggy Safari – How about driving a buggy through the off-beaten tracks of the Algarve? These adrenaline rides will lead you to the most recondite and amazing places of the region and are guaranteed to be a lot of fun for you and your friends.

What is the best time of the year to visit Vilamoura?

Summer – Summer represents high-season for tourism in Vilamoura. From June to September, temperatures are at their peak, creating for some amazing days at the beach, which attracts thousands of visitors. Although it can get a bit crowded, this is one of the best times of the year to visit the town of Vilamoura. The whole area resonates with excitement and most restaurants, cafes and clubs stay open during the night and host live music shows.

Winter – Even though tourism in the Algarve has gained a new impulse during winter months, this is still the calmest season of the year, meaning this can be a good time for you to visit Vilamoura and to enjoy the best Algarve has to offer away from the hordes of summer tourists. The weather, with temperatures around 12ºC, allows for some nice walks by the sea, watching the sun set over the Atlantic.

Autumn/Spring – During autumn and spring, the weather is warmer (with temperatures even matching those of summer in some days), kids are still at school and most people have to work, allowing Vilamoura to be enjoyed by a handful of lucky visitors.

What is the weather like in Vilamoura?

Vilamoura has a warm and temperate climate.

The average annual temperature is 17.2ºC. The hottest month of the year is August with an average temperature of 23.4ºC and the coldest month is January with an average temperature of 11.8ºC.

July is the driest month of the year with the amount of precipitation being close to 1 mm and January is the month with the most amount of rain with an average of 87 mm of precipitation.

The following graph shows the monthly average temperatures and the monthly rainfall average for 2017:

What are the best places to eat in Vilamoura?

Oliveira Dourada – This cosy restaurant exhibits a menu with a wide variety of dishes from all over the world. This is also a family friendly place, where staff will make sure that your kids are comfortable and entertained.

Chilly Lounge – This charming friendly restaurant has excellent Asian food and a lovely staff. If you are a fan of spicy dishes, then we certainly recommend the pepper dishes from Chilly Lounge. With a central location, this restaurant strikes a fair balance between quality and price.

La Creperie Marina de Vilamoura – At Marina de Vilamoura there is a wonderful Creperie where the difficulty will be to choose from the tasty different crepes there. The service is great and the prices are quite moderate, especially considering that it is located in the heart of the luxury resort of Vilamoura. There are also delicious salads for you to try, in case you don’t fancy a crepe.

Willie’s Restaurant – Awarded with one Michelin star in 2006, this is one of the best restaurants in the Algarve.

What are the best places to go out at night in Vilamoura?

Families – Marina de Vilamoura’s many bars and cafes with live music or karaoke is a great place to go out at night with kids. There are as well ice-cream parlours which make for a pleasant and tasty evening.

Couples – The best romantic nightlife in Vilamoura can be found in the following bars: Atlantic Piano Bar, Julius Restaurant Wine Bar, Purobeach Vilamoura or the Old Navy.

Groups of Friends – Marina de Vilamoura is a great place to out at night with friends. There you will be able to find lots of pubs with live music and sports bars. Some of the trendy spots include the Irish Pub, Rui’s Carvery and Bar with live performances and karaoke, Jazz Club, 19 th Hole and Figo’s Bar owned by the famous Portuguese football superstar Luís Figo. Groups looking for the wickedness of splashing lights and loud music should try out some of the nearby clubs which host massive parties that are not for the faint-hearted.

How far is Vilamoura from…?

Faro’s Airport – 25 km (approx. 25 min drive)

Albufeira – 17 km (approx. 25 min drive)

Lagos – 70 km (approx. 50 min drive)

Portimão – 50 km (approx. 50 min drive)

Sagres – 100 km (approx. 1hr10 drive)

Tavira – 50 km (approx. 40 hour drive)

Lisbon – 270 km (approx. 2hr30 drive)

Seville – 215 km (approx. 2hr15 drive)

Spanish Border – 75 km (approx. 50 min drive)

All distances have been rounded up.

Where are the bus and train stations?

Vilamoura does not have a bus station, but there is one in Quarteira at Av. Francisco Sá Carneiro, 8125 Quarteira.

Vilamoura doesn’t have a train station either, with the closest train stations being located in Boliqueime or Loulé.

How much does a taxi from Faro Airport to Vilamoura cost?

The price of a 4-person taxi from Faro Airport to Vilamoura is usually around 25/30€ each way (50/60€ return).

If it is a private taxi or a van the price will tend to be higher, however, depending on the number of people it carries it might end up being cheaper per person.

Please note that if the trip takes place during the night, the price will be higher because a special night rate is charged.

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Vilamoura Holidays: Top Advice on Things to Do, Where to Stay and more

Why you should go to Vilamoura for your next resort holiday.

Looking for a safe, stylish and exclusive holiday resort town with all the amenities for a perfect vacation?

Then Vilamoura in Portugal’s southernmost Algarve region could be the right place for you.

A bit about Vilamoura

Founded in 1966, the resort town of Vilamoura features Portugal’s largest marina with 845 berths, as well as two gorgeous beaches.

You will be able to choose from staying in a range of four and five-star quality hotels, or for those wanting a more independent holiday, from various tourist apartments and self-catering holiday villas.

What’s the weather like in Vilamoura?

As Vilamoura is in the Algarve, you can expect beautiful warm weather. From May to the end of September, the temperature can reach 30°C (86°F) and even more than that.

Have a look at the Algarve weather all year round here:  Algarve Weather and Things To Do for the Whole Year

Vilamoura seven day forecast:

How to get to Vilamoura?

The closest international airport from Vilamoura is Faro (also known as the Algarve Airport). Particularly during the summer months, this airport is served by a large number of legacy, charter and budget airlines with connections from most major airports in the UK, Ireland, central Europe and Scandinavia.

If you want to find out more about destinations from Faro, you can find an updated destination map on the official Faro Airport website here .

Get an airport transfer

Getting from Faro Airport to Vilamoura is straightforward. You should first check if your hotel or package holiday provider if they already offer an airport transfer – in many cases it will be included in your trip.

If not, we suggest you use a private transfer to get from the airport to Vilamoura, particularly if you’re travelling in a group, as prices start at just about €7 per person if travelling by coach or €35 for a private car with space for up to four people with luggage.

One good option for booking a transfer is with Get Your Guide here . Enjoy a private and door-to-door transfers from Faro Airport to your accommodation. No shuttles, this vehicle is only for you and your party with an English-speaking driver. It’s only €28.40 for a group of four people!

Public transportation to Vilamoura

Although, considering the good availability of (low cost) transfers, it almost doesn’t make sense to opt for public transport, but you also have that alternative.

First you need to take bus 14 or 16 from Faro Airport (the bus stop is just outside the terminal building with a blue sign saying ‘Bus to Faro’). Exit at the final stop at Faro bus station.

Busses run roughly every half an hour during the day (you can find the schedule here: Line 14 and Line 16 ) , the ride takes about 20 minutes and a single ticket is €2.35, which can be purchased from the driver.

Walk from Próximo’s bus station ( Próximo is the local bus operator, their website is in Portuguese) over to the bus station of Eva bus (the company running the long distance coaches in the Algarve).

There are frequent services during the day, however since the last bus leaves Faro already at 6.45 pm, this is not a good option for flights arriving late. You will need to buy your ticket at the ticket office in the Eva bus station prior to departure, as the bus drivers do not sell tickets. A single ticket will cost you just €4.10 and the return €8.20.

By subscribing to our newsletter , you will never miss out on tips and advice about the Algarve and visiting Portugal.

Alternatively, for those looking to rent a car there are numerous car rental agencies located both directly in Faro Airport or within close proximity to it (usually offering a free transfer to their office). A good website to compare the prices of car rentals is Carrentals.com .

When searching for the right car, you should keep in mind that you will usually require a credit card to provide a deposit for any potential damages caused to the vehicle. For peace of mind, we would always recommend that you also take out comprehensive vehicle insurance. You may want to check out icarhireinsurance.com for cheaper insurance options, so that you don’t end up paying a substantial amount of money should there be any damage to the car.

You might like to read: Car Rentals in Portugal.

Driving in the Algarve

When driving to Vilamoura and generally in the Algarve, you have the choice between the free, but slow and usually very crowded N125 road and the A22 motorway. Please note however, that the motorway is subject to road tolls and that you will need to rent a toll device from your car rental company to pay for the charges.

Attention: Since the A22 is an electronic toll only road, there is no option to pay with cash or card at the entrance gates or exit the motorway, so make sure you rent the device if you intend to use the motorway.

If you’ve never driven in Portugal before, you may want to read our article: Driving in Portugal  for some handy tips and advice.

What to do in Vilamoura?

Vilamoura is one of the single largest tourist complexes in Europe, consisting of more than 2,000 hectares of land. Located around the famous Marina of Vilamoura, the resort town features activities for all tastes.

Swimming and other sports

Besides sunbathing on either of Vilamoura’s two beaches ( Praia de Vilamoura and Praia Rocha Baixinha Nascente ), you could try:

• Lawn bowls ;
• O Pinhal Shooting Grounds ; or

And, if you’re passionate golfer, you’ll find an excellent course at the Vilamoura Golf Club in the resort town.

Enjoy the nature

If, on the other hand, nature is what you’re looking for, Vilamoura is equally a great location for your holidays.

You could for instance join one of the boat tours and visit the many caves alongside the coast between Vilamoura and Albufeira, letting you explore the typical coastline of Algarve.

Go out on a boat

The tours with a duration of four hours cost of about €20 and are usually on a catamaran with an additional small boat, so you can enter the caves.

Get Your Guide is the best place to find great deals on boat tours in the Algarve. They have a brand new tour that you can take for only €35 per person. Explore the beauty and crystal-clear blue waters of the Algarve coastline and stop for a refreshing swim and enjoy some regional treats. To book this new tour, just click this link and pick your dates.

Try horse riding

Alternatively, if you would prefer to explore Algarve staying on land, why not visit Vilamoura’s famous horse riding school at the Vilamoura Equestrian Centre ? Besides learning a new sport, this is also a great way to explore the stunning countryside of the Algarve and the many beautiful beaches that surround the resort town.

Go out in Vilamoura at night

If you are looking for night time activities then you equally have lots of options to choose from.

In addition to many bars and restaurants for all tastes, Vilamoura also features some of the best night clubs in the Algarve, including the Disco Dice Club and the Seven Vilamoura club .

There is also an international casino in Vilamoura , where you could, with a bit of luck, earn some extra money for your holidays. But keep in mind, it could also go the other way round!

Like casinos? You might like:  Top 7 Casinos in Portugal.

Exploring the Vilamoura surroundings

As we discussed above, it is perfectly possible to reach Vilamoura without a car. However, for those preferring to combine their resort holiday with a bit of more freedom and independence, we strongly suggest renting a car , as this will allow you to visit some of the beautiful, more remote beaches that are situated around the resort town.

You could, for instance, visit the Praia da Falésia beach between Vilamoura and Albufeira, or go even a bit further to the west and visit one of Algarve’s most beautiful beaches: Praia da Marinha .

Where to stay in Vilamoura

Here are three of the best hotels that we recommend for you in Vilamoura.

Crowne Plaza Vilamoura

The Crowne Plaza Vilamoura is a five-star resort hotel and is a great place for couples and families alike. Located right in the centre of Vilamoura, just a short walk away from the Marina, the modern resort features all the amenities necessary for a truly great holiday, including an outdoor pool facing the sea, a kids club, a Spa and wellness centre and a great bar and restaurant with a sea-facing summer terrace.

Guests of this hotel particularly like the modern décor, the central location and the outstanding Continental European breakfast which is included.

Prices start at €210 per night.

Laguna Resort

For those seeking a more independent holiday style, the four-star Laguna Resort in Vilamoura could be the right choice. Located just outside of Vilamoura (about a 30 minutes’ walk or a 5 minute drive from the Marina), the resort consists of 13 villas and 24 apartments which are all fully equipped, self-catering, accommodation. There is the option to have your breakfast delivered to your door in the morning if you prefer.

While each apartment offers a spacious terrace with sea views, the private villas have both a private garden and a terrace. There is also a seasonal kids club for families and the Laguna Caffé, which includes a bar, restaurant, lounge and two terraces. It’s a quiet and relaxing atmosphere at this resort.

Prices start at €250 per night (for up to six people).

As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa

As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa five-star resort offers luxury suites for one, two or three guests. While all the rooms feature a fully equipped kitchen, there is also a restaurant onsite, offering for example, various breakfast options, including Continental European, English/Irish and American options.

While the hotel itself has six swimming pools and a gym, you can also use the facilities of the Hilton Hotel located right next door. Moreover, the resort also features a kids club that can entertain your little ones and give you (and your partner) some time for yourselves.

If you want to get out of the resort, you can easily hang out at the beach, explore Vilamoura’s city centre or play some golf using the hotel’s free shuttle service that serves the As Cascatas Beach Club, the Marina and Vilamoura’s various golf courses. It’s the perfect place for a romantic couple holiday.

Prices start at €240 per night.

Is a holiday in Vilamoura worth it?

As you can see, Vilamoura has a lot to offer and you can spend your well-deserved holiday in a lot of different ways. So, no matter whether you are a couple, a solo traveler or a family, you will easily find accommodation, restaurants and activities that fit to your needs and desires for a great holiday!

As you can see, whilst being a resort town, a vacation in Vilamoura still offers you all the flexibility to design and spend your holidays in the way that you want it!

Do you have any questions about Vilamoura? If you have been there before, let us know in the comments below.

• Places to visit

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Vilamoura Guide: The Best Things to See & Do

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Vilamoura is very different from the rest of the towns on the Algarve. While most of the others were originally fishing villages that were transformed into beach resorts, Vilamoura is a completely new development.

It’s characterised by carefully manicured lawns, modern apartment blocks, luxury hotels, golf-themed pubs, and of course the marina that the town is built around. You’ll also find plenty of beach clubs and golf courses, a casino, and plenty of companies offering boat trips.

Vilamoura has a long and spacious sandy beach, Praia de Vilamoura, with a pier on either side of the beach, and a lighthouse on each pier. The water in between is calm and welcoming, and behind the beach there are restaurants and bars where you can get refreshments or have a meal overlooking the sea. 

Praia da Falésia, one of the Algarve’s most picturesque beaches, is just a 15-minute drive from Vilamoura, and, from Vilamoura, it’s also fairly quick to get to other beaches like Praia dos Olhos de Água (17 minutes) and Praia de Vale do Lobo (20 minutes). 

Useful Resources for Your Trip to Vilamoura

Here’s our top tips and tricks for getting the best deals for your trip to the Algarve. 

• Accommodation: Booking.com and Airbnb are the two most comprehensive websites for finding hotels, hostels, apartments, and other types of accommodation in Vilamoura. 
• Car Rental: Discover Cars and Rental Cars are the two most useful sites for booking local car rental. 
• Airport transfers: There are taxis and Ubers at Faro Airport, but you can also pre-book an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups . 
• Tours & Things to Do: Both Get Your Guide and Viator list lots of local tours and activities in Vilamoura. 
• Luggage Storage:  Luggage Hero and Bounce are two great sites for finding places to store your luggage in Portugal. Be sure to read our article on luggage storage options in the Algarve for a full list of options. 
• Public Transport: Cp.pt is the main website for trains in Portugal. For longer distance buses, see Rede Expressos . Flixbus.pt often has cheap tickets between cities in Portugal. 
• Flights: Skyscanner and Google Flights are the two most useful websites for finding flights to Portugal. The nearest airport to Vilamoura is Faro Airport. 

Featured accommodation in Vilamoura

• Dom Pedro Marina – 4-star boutique hotel accommodation that’s located right next to Vilamoura Marina with an outdoor pool, hot tub, and an on-site restaurant. 
• The Lake Resort – Situated 300 metres from Falésia Beach, less than 5 minutes’ drive from Vilamoura, this resort offers luxury accommodation with 3 restaurants, 2 bars, and 3 swimming pools. 
• Anantara Vilamoura – A 5-star luxury resort with a boutique spa, 5 swimming pools, and within minutes of some of the Algarve’s best golf courses. 

Want more options?

• View a list of the best hotels in Vilamoura .
• View a list of all the 5-star hotels in Vilamoura .

Is Vilamoura right for me?

While Vilamoura has a lot of things going for it, it doesn’t have the “quaintness” that former fishing villages like Ferragudo or Alvor have. Even Albufeira , one of the largest resort towns on the Algarve, was once a fishing village and so has an old town and several historical attractions.

If quaintness is important for you, you may want to consider another nearby Algarve town. Of course, you don’t have to stay in one of those towns to visit them: the Algarve is a small place and it’s easy to get around by car or taxi. Many people choose to stay in Vilamoura, with its great restaurants and boutique shops, and to take day trips to each of these towns.

What Vilamoura does have, however, is high-quality options like high-end hotels and restaurants. There are also plenty of spas and beach clubs where you can pamper yourself as well.

If you’re planning on exploring the nearby towns and beaches, but don’t drive, Vilamoura may not be the best option for you. There is no train station in Vilamoura, and bus services often require you to go into Faro, so you’ll probably need to get a taxi to the nearest train station at Loulé to get around. 

Getting to Vilamoura

From faro airport.

Faro Airport , the Algarve’s regional airport, is less than 30 minutes away from Vilamoura by car, and there are plenty of ways to get from the airport to Vilamoura including airport transfer, shuttle bus, and public transport. 

• Airport transfer: An airport transfer is one of the easiest ways to get from Faro Airport to your accommodation: there’s no need to pick up the rental car, negotiate with taxi drivers, or navigate the local public transport system. You’ll find several companies, including Welcome Pickups , that offer Faro Airport transfers to Vilamoura.
• Rental car: If you want to explore the Algarve, especially its beaches, the best way to get around is by car.
• Shuttle bus: Because there isn’t a direct public transport link between Faro Airport and Vilamoura, the easiest affordable option is to book a seat on a shuttle bus. Tickets can be booked on hoppa.com.
• Taxi (or Uber): Taxis are available from outside Faro Airport, and Ubers are increasingly available as well.
• Public transport: There is no direct bus or train between Faro Airport and Vilamoura. If you’re taking public transport, the easiest option is to take the airport bus (bus #16) into Faro and then another bus onto Vilamoura.
• Bus: Buses are available from Faro to Vilamoura, and can be booked on Eva-Bus.com .
• Train: There is no train station in Vilamoura. You’ll need to take the train from Faro to Loulé, and then to take a taxi from Loulé to Vilamoura.

From Lisbon & the rest of Portugal

• Bus: Long distance buses are available between cities like Lisbon and Porto and Vilamoura and can be booked on rede-expressos.pt .
• Train: Vilamoura doesn’t have a train station, so you’ll need to take the train to Loulé and then get a taxi onto Vilamoura. Discounts are available if you book your train tickets are in advance, and tickets can be booked on cp.pt .

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• Things to Do

Best Things to Do in Vilamoura

Showing 1 - 11 of 11, 1. vilamoura marina.

Vilamoura, with its interesting archaeological ruins, was once an important Roman fishing centre. Today, tourists flock to the area thanks to the sandy beaches and year-round sunny weather. But Vilamoura also pulls in the yachting set and the marina here is the largest in Portugal.

Vilamoura Marina was inaugurated in 1974 and is capable of berthing more than 1000 boats. Unlike the majority of Portugal's other marinas, Vilamoura is known for its glitz rather than seaside charm. This makes it the popular choice for the super-rich looking for a place to berth their...

Read more...

2. Museu de Cerro da Vila

The Cerro de Vila museum is located near the Quarteira suburb of Vilamoura, on the Algarve coastline.  Some pretty interesting Roman archaeological excavations are to be found here, with most of the ruins located within the museum complex.

The site had been occupied by humans since the Bronze Age, but the Romans were the first to establish a large-scale, permanent settlement here in the year 27BC. Two large Roman villas were located at the site; today fragments of the walls can be seen alongside sections of mosaic. The ruins of the bath-...

3. Casino Vilamoura

If you fancy a flutter or a chance to rub shoulders with the footballers who have homes nearby, the Casino in the Quarteira coastal suburb of Vilamoura might be worth a visit. 

The casino has twelve live table games (5 roulette, 4 blackjack and 3 Portuguese dice) as well as an area with 4 tables of Texan poker.  The minimum bet at the roulette table is for €5. There are over 500 slot machines.

As well as the gaming on offer here, there are daily dinner cabaret shows, a restaurant, bars and the popular Blackjack Disco.  The food and drink here is quite...

4. Aquashow Park

Situated around 2km inland from Quarteira is the Aquashow Park, a huge complex centred around one of Portugal's largest water parks.

Aquashow is home to a good selection of water-based rides suitable for a range of ages. From adrenaline-fueled free fall slides to just bobbing around.

The rides themselves are all various combinations of slides, chutes and flumes with or without inflatable tubes. Where they vary is how high, twisty and fast they are but all finish with you shooting out of the end into a pool.

At the fastest end of the scale are the White Fall and new...

5. Albufeira Nightlife - The Strip, Kadoc and Kiss

Albufeira is probably as famous (or infamous!) for its nightlife as it is for its beaches . The Strip , in the Montechoro area of town is the heart of Albufeira's nightlife with a plethora of clubs and bars. In the summer The Strip becomes absolutely heaving with mostly young Northern European tourists and stag/hen parties pushing alcohol consumption to its logical limit! As the sun goes down and the neon lights come on Avenida Sá Carneiro turns into a kilometre of what is possibly Portugal's...

6. Igreja de São Lourenço

The 17th century whitewashed church of São Lourenço de Amancil is somewhat unusual in appearance having more features than most churches of its size. To one side there is a bell tower to which a long staircase rises from the front of the building. The corners of the roof are decorated with pinnacles and adjacent to the bell tower is a copula.

What really marks São Lourenço out though is the interior and particularly the azulejo work. These characteristic blue tiles are both noteworthy for their age and their quality - dating back to 1730 they have been attributed to one of the...

7. Loulé Castle

The castle at Loulé formed what would have been the northwestern corner of the city walls. What remains of the original castle are the gate tower and three further towers along with the walls that connect them. All seem in remarkably good condition, and this is largely due to the extensive restoration work during the 19th century.

Loulé Castle suffered extensive damage during the 1755 great earthquake and was again damaged by a much lesser earthquake in 1969.

Along with many of the Algarve's other castles, Loulé's dates back to...

8. Castelo de Paderne

Not a great deal remains of Parderne's castle, but given its antiquity this is not surprising. Built from sandstone and earth the castle sits on a promontory overlooking the Quarteira River around 10 kilometres inland from Albufeira.

The site was originally used by the Romans in the 2nd century but the castle we see today was constructed in the 12th century by the Berbers. The fort passed backwards and forwards between its muslim creators and the christian re-conquerors over the following century. 

In 1248 the castle was finally captured by the Portuguese forces who went on...

9. Albufeira Archaeological Museum

Located in Albufeira's old town, just behind the beach, is this archeological museum. The Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Albufeira is housed in, what was until the late 1980s, the town hall. Despite its diminutive appearance the museum is surprisingly spacious inside.

Much of the collection was excavated from the local area by Father José Manuel Semedo de Azevedo, a keen amateur archeologist. Objects were collected from nearby sites such as the castle in Paderne, Roman villa in Retorta, the necropolis of Morgado da Lameira and the old parish church. These include such highlights...

10. Igreja de São Sebastião

The aesthetically pleasing, whitewashed church of São Sebastião (Saint Sebastian) on Praça Miguel Bombarda is thought to date back to the early 18th century, having been re-built on the site of a 16th century church.

It features a mix of architectural styles, including a dome and a multi-coloured wooden altarpiece. The main doorway is of the Baroque style and there is a Manueline side door. The inside of the church contains a number of interesting statues, including an image of Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Our Lady of Piety), thought to date from the 16th century....

11. Igreja Matriz de Albufeira

The parish church (Igreja Matriz) in Albufeira is one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in the Algarve. Built in the late 18th century it stands on the site of an earlier church which was converted from a pre-existing mosque.

Inside there is a single nave with four neoclassical side altars which contain notable artworks featuring St. Louis and St. Peter. Also worthy of note is the filigree stucco-work on the barrel vault ceiling.

However, it is in the chancel, beyond an imposing triumphal arch with its Cross of Aviz, that you will find the main reason for...

Things to Do in...

Vilamoura travel guide »

Vilamoura is more of an area than a town in itself and has grown over the past couple of decades to more or less engulf Quarteira to the east. Located virtually in the middle of the Algarve coast, within 15Km...

• Things to do in Vilamoura
• Vilamoura Accommodation
• Vilamoura Beaches
• Photos of Vilamoura

Visit Vilamoura in the Algarve, Portugal

• Victor | Essencial Portugal

Book your holidays in 3 clicks all over Portugal using the button below. I have created for you a page that gathers the best rated and most recommended English speaking tours and activities throughout Portugal as well as the luxury hotels or villas classified by the most sought after and appreciated criteria.

To visit Vilamoura

Vilamoura is one of the most popular tourist destinations in southern Portugal and one of the largest luxury resorts in Europe. This town in Portugal is located in the famous Algarve region on the Atlantic coast.

Vilamoura in the Algarve has all the requirements for a first class vacation – there are many wonderful hotels, spa centers, beauty salons, restaurants, casinos, golf clubs and tennis courts. It is also home to the largest yacht club in Europe.

Vilamoura is particularly famous for its beautiful white sand beaches. They are equipped with everything you need – showers, sun beds, changing rooms, first aid stations. You can rent sports equipment, go water-skiing, motorcycle riding or motorboating.

Guided tours and activities in Vilamoura, Algarve

Below you will find my selection of guided tours and activities in Vilamoura in the Algarve but also below you will find different information that can help you if you decide to visit this beautiful city in the south of Portugal on your own.

There are many different guided tours in Vilamoura and it is sometimes difficult to choose once you are there. So my advice is to focus on the ones that have been enjoyed by those who have been there before you. My selection below are activities and guided tours in Vilamoura that can be cancelled for free in case of unforeseen events and have been rated the best. They are also conducted by an English-speaking guide, which will enhance your experience and facilitate communication.

Getting to Vilamoura

Vilamoura is the main and most developed tourist center in the Algarve. It is therefore logically located quite close to Faro airport. The distance between Faro and Vilamoura is only 29Km.

The different ways to get there are by car if you have rented one in advance, by cab once you arrive at the airport or by a private transfer service.

You will find in the column of this page direct links to rent a car or to hire a private service to take you to your hotel from Faro airport.

Given the distance, I personally advise you to turn to a transfer service: they will be waiting for you at Faro airport upon your arrival, they allow you to stay together if you are in a group, the rates are reasonable and they save you from worrying about transportation.

Best hotels in Vilamoura in Algarve

You will find all the hotels, villas, Airbnb, apartment or bed and breakfast you need for your vacation in Vilamoura in southern Portugal. This Algarve town is known for the quality of its accommodations.

For those who want only the best, I have made a selection of the best hotels in Vilamoura. Most of them have a swimming pool and have been rated as excellent by those who have stayed there before you.

If you are looking for luxury hotels or villas in Vilamoura, you can look directly at the best accommodations in the reservation section of Essencial Portugal. You will find luxury villas and hotels sorted by interest: 5 stars, heated pool, kitchen and cleaning staff, SPA, massages and others.

By clicking on the button below, you will be redirected to the booking site Booking with my selection of the most beautiful hotels in Vilamoura in Algarve.

Restaurants of Vilamoura

Rare steakhouse restaurant in vilamoura.

Akvavit Restaurant in Vilamoura

Indian Restaurant Mughal Clay in Vilamoura

Thai Beach Club Restaurant in Vilamoura

Fairways Restaurant in Vilamoura

Ancora Restaurant in Vilamoura

Weather in Vilamoura

The beaches of vilamoura.

A little more about Vilamoura

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Due to the complexity of this process, I have found only one serious english speaking service provider to assist you with the registration of your vehicle in Portugal. This is a law firm based near Lisbon that will take care of the registration application + the ISV exemption application to the customs . The price of this firm is 2000€ per vehicle and does not include the costs of the technical inspection, the registration and the registration fee.

Please only fill in this form if you are ok with this price to avoid unnecessary exchanges with this provider. If you wish to do this yourself, you will find a lot of information below on the dedicated page.

Once this form has been completed, it will immediately be forwarded to the english-speaking service provider who will contact you.

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By validating this form, you authorise me to forward your request to an English-speaking company in Lisbon who will contact you to discuss your project. Nothing is automated, these are people I know personally, who are serious and qualified to help you with your project.

The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for death insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best death insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new death insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

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The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for boat insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best boat insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new boat insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

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The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for dental insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best dental insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new dental insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

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The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for motorcycle insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best motorcycle insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new motorcycle insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for life insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best life insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new life insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

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The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for car insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best car insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new car insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for home insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best home insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new home insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for a mutual insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best health cover at the best price for you and your family. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new health insurance. This is a precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

The form below will be forwarded to an English-speaking architect based in Lisbon who specialises in the study and support of construction or renovation projects in Portugal.

He will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and discuss with you its feasibility and the best way to accompany you. Study of the file, analysis of the feasibility with the town hall, constitution of the best team or coordination of the building site are all steps that will allow you to carry out your project. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

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The form below will be forwarded to an English speaking company based in the Algarve and specialised in the purchase of new vehicles in Portugal.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and will accompany you through the whole process of buying a vehicle in Portugal: proposal of the best prices found in Europe, import of the vehicle, registration and delivery. A precious help to make your car purchase project in Portugal a reality.

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The form below will be sent to an English speaking company based in Lisbon and specialised in company buy-outs in Portugal. A company takeover is a meticulous operation for which it is essential to be accompanied in the research, selection, visits, financial analysis, negotiations or even the signature to make sure that everything is done correctly and in accordance with the legislation in force in Portugal.

Experts in business acquisition in Portugal will contact you directly to discuss your project, your needs and the best way to accompany you to make it happen. Valuable help from English-speaking experts to make your plans for setting up in Portugal a reality.

You can indicate in your message when you would like to be contacted to discuss it.

The form below will be forwarded to an English-speaking company based in Lisbon that specialises in assisting with administrative procedures in Portugal.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and accompany you through the process of obtaining your Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status in Portugal. They will accompany you to the authorities and will take care of the preparation and submission of your application. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

The form below will be forwarded to a firm of English speaking accountants based in Lisbon who specialise in all accounting activities for companies based in Portugal.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and how best to assist you with your personal or business accounting: bookkeeping, declarations, human resources, balance sheets, VAT recovery and other tasks essential to the smooth running of your Portuguese business.

Valuable English-speaking support for the development of your business in Portugal. You can indicate in your message when you wish to be contacted to discuss this.

The form below will be forwarded to an English-speaking company based in Lisbon that specialises in property searches throughout Portugal. These property hunters can assist you in your search for a property, but also in the search for building land, agricultural land or even the search for a business to buy.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and will accompany you throughout the process of research, negotiation, signing, translation of documents, installation and administrative procedures. A turnkey search and a precious help to concretize your project of personal or professional installation in Portugal.

Please provide as much information as possible about your project and your search. You can also indicate in your message when you would like to be contacted to discuss it.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and accompany you through the process of obtaining your NIF in Portugal. They will make an appointment at Finanças and accompany you to obtain your Portuguese tax number. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

You can indicate in your message when you wish to be contacted to discuss this.

The form below will be forwarded to a firm of English-speaking accountants based in Lisbon who specialise in business creation and accounting throughout Portugal.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project and will accompany you throughout the entire process of setting up your business in Portugal: administrative procedures, assistance with financing, opening your bank account, declarations, drafting the articles of association and accounting. A precious help to make your business project in Portugal a reality.

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The form below will be forwarded to an English-speaking company based in Lisbon that specialises in property projects throughout Portugal.

Rui will contact you to find out more about your project and will accompany you throughout the entire property purchase process, from research to negotiation, translation of documents, installation, administrative procedures and even accompaniment to the notary’s office for the signature. A precious help to make your real estate project in Portugal a reality.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * First Last E-mail * Phone * Type of property required * House Villa Apartment Location * Approximate date of real estate purchase Period of presence in Portugal Budget * Interior area in m2 * Outside surface area in m2 Number of bedrooms * Number of bathrooms Small works possible Yes No Major work possible Yes No Your project / Your needs * Email Send

Vilamoura  does not refer to a city of Portugal, but rather to an area located on the southern coast of the Algarve region, between Faro and Albufeira.

Located near the cities of  Quarteira, Loulé  and Albufeira , it is a touristic complex known by water sport lovers and golf players, due to the several clubs located in the area.

Things to do in Vilamoura

The  center of Vilamoura  is home to the Roman remains of  Cerro de Vila , an ancient thermal complex dating back to the I century A.C. where it is possible to see several mosaics, mostly portraying fishes. There is also a museum where you can learn more about the history of this region, including the time of its Islamic domination.

Being a very touristic area, Vilamoura doesn’t have much more to offer from a  cultural point of view . If you are looking for some more authentic Portuguese experiences, the best choice is to go on a  day trip to Loule , a traditional city that hosts a market everyday of the week except on Sundays.

The center of Loule  is pedestrian, and it is characterised by colourful houses and small shops. The atmosphere is unique and very quiet, offering a completely different experience from the chaos and the hotels of Vilamoura.

Visit  Vilamoura  if you are looking for a  beach holiday , relaxing walks along the coast of the Marina. If you love fishing, then Vilamoura is a great destination for deep sea fishing.

Nature lovers  have the chance to go on a  boat tour  to explore the caves along the coast. There are also several stables that offer the opportunity to go on a  horse ride in the Algarve  or to take private riding lessons.

The  nightlife of Vilamoura  gets animated around the area of the Marina, where there are several restaurants and bars where to spend the night. Many of these bars are famous around the whole Algarve region, attracting a large number of tourists, especially on summer time.

Where to stay in Vilamoura

The area where there are most of the hotels and tourist services is  Marina , and it corresponds to the  coast of Vilamoura , which is filled with a series of sandy beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean.

Within the last few years Vilamoura has been at the center of several investments that boosted the construction of a number of tourist facilities.

Recommended hotels in Vilamoura

Getting there.

The closest  airport  near Vilamoura is Faro, which is served also by low cost companies such as Ryanair. Once you have reached Faro, the easiest way to reach Vilamoura is to take a rental car or a taxi. The main road that connects the whole region is named  A2-IP1 ; it stretches all the way to Lisbon, which is located about 210 kilometres away.

If you want to  reach Vilamoura from Porto or from Lisbon by train , the closest station is  Loule , which is located about 6km from the city center. It can be reached by bus or taxi.

Where is located Vilamoura

Location around.

• Airport transfers
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• Best Things To Do In...

The Best Things to Do in Vilamoura, Portugal 

From family karting to sea safaris, there’s plenty to do in Vilamoura in Portugal’s Algarve region if you’re done sitting on the beach. Here’s our guide to the best activities Vilamoura has to offer.

You can be guaranteed sun – unless you’re very unlucky – as well as sea and sand on your Algarve holiday . But if you’re not smitten with the idea of lounging on Vilamoura’s golden beaches all day, there’s plenty to keep you on your toes, from boat rides to dolphin-spotting trips or a few rounds of golf at the Grande Dame of Algarve’s courses. Here’s our guide to the top things to do in Vilamoura.

1. Praia da Falésia

Natural Feature

Translated as the Beach of Cliffs, Praia de Falésia is characterised by its incredible red backdrop, giving you the impression you’re in a coastal Grand Canyon, faced with a crystal-clear ocean. Stretching all the way from Vilamoura in the east to Olhos de Água in the west, the coastal walk will take you two hours. At low tide you may spot people collecting small clams called conquilhas from the shoreline – they’re a local speciality.

2. Karting Almancil

Sports Center

Family-friendly Karting Almancil is the longest-running karting track in the Algarve, inaugurated by racing legend Ayrton Senna in 1992. Adrenaline junkies can whizz for 760m (830yds) around a replica of the Formula One Jacarepaguá track on high-performance karts, while less experienced drivers and mini members of the family have access to the Junior Karting circuit with mid-range 120cc karts, ideal for budding champions aged 6 to 12.

4. Family Golf Park

Sports Center, Amusement Park

Kids love the ancient Roman theme of the Family Golf Park and adults can join in the fun by trying their luck with mini clubs on the two 18-hole crazy golf courses. Each course is themed with Roman pillars, columns and centurions, which are a nod to Vilamoura’s history. The park also offers a tourist train through the resort of Vilamoura – from the park, along the marina, to the beach and resort centre – perfect if a day of putting has worn you out.

5. Tope Fixe – Cruzeiros de Pesca

It would be rude not to go fishing in the Algarve’s pristine waters, and you don’t even have to bring your rods. Join a boat trip with Tope Fixe from Vilamoura marina and local fishermen will whisk you out to the hotspots of the Algarve coast, where you are bound to catch something for dinner. The boats are equipped with sonar, GPS, radio and life jackets. The crew are on hand to help, however much – or little – experience you have.

6. Mercado do Peixe

Every seaside resort has a fresh fish market, and the Mercado do Peixe in Quarteira is where local restaurants get their daily catch. This bustling market is open at dawn when all the freshly caught fish is hauled back to land and put on ice. Every Wednesday the weekly market brings local people and tourists to check out the produce and perhaps pick up some shrimp or sole for the barbie.

7. Nauticdrive Water Sports Centre

This is the one-stop shop for all your aqua adventures, based on the sandy shores of Vilamoura’s central beach. You can book a romantic trip to the Bengali Caves at sunset or join a group of no more than 12 to explore the mysterious caves and spot dolphins. The professional staff can also instruct you on parasailing, airstreaming, flyboarding or aqua skiing. The Atlantic Ocean is a playground for watersports and Nauticdrive Water Sports Centre caters for all water babies.

8. Algarve Sea Safaris

It would be rude not to head out on a boat trip at least once in the Algarve – all that shimmering ocean is great for snorkelling, swimming and seeing wildlife. Algarve Sea Safaris are the original dolphin watching company and have been taking small excursions out to see the friendly creatures since 1999, so the tour organisers know where to find the nearest pod. The company is committed to marine preservation and ecology awareness so you can rest assured that your seafaring activities will not endanger the ecosystem.

Looking for somewhere to stay while in town? Book into one of the best hotels in Vilamoura or opt instead for a holiday rental for a bit more independence. And while you’re here, don’t miss out on the best restaurants for a true taste of the Algarve.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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16 Awesome Things to do in Vilamoura (Portugal) in 2023

Vilamoura is a wonderful resort town located on the Algarve coastline on the southern coast of Portugal and there are so many awesome things to do in Vilamoura it can be hard to find out how to fit the best ones in! Vilamoura is a centre for water sports, boat trips, shopping, nightlife, and family fun. It has a marina complex, two beaches, six golf courses, beautiful and luxurious hotels, villas, nightclubs, casinos, and many more tourist attractions.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 16 best things to do in Vilamoura, Portugal.  

Check out our where to stay in Vilamoura area breakdown!

1 – The Jet Boat Experience

Vilamoura is known for its many boating experiences – in fact, if you can hop onto it, you’ll find it on the water at Vilamoura!

If you enjoy high-speed, bumpy rides, and extreme sports, then this is the right activity for you. Over the course of 30 minutes, you will ride the waves on a jet boat driven by an expert pilot.

You’ll feel the wind in your hair at full speed, and be soaked with spray, and the captain will perform various tricks, spins, and power break stops.

This is basically a roller coaster on water and you will love it! Take your friends if they’re brave enough; if not, enjoy the fun by yourself.

It will be a bumpy ride filled with adrenaline, screams, and a good laugh at the end. 

Click below for more information!

2 – The Dolphin Safari and The Cave Tour

If you’re passionate about marine mammals, this day trip will be an unforgettable experience.

You will leave Vilamoura Marina and sail with an experienced captain in search of dolphins. Once you spot them, you will be able to observe these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat.

You can simply watch them or choose to feed them and take photos and videos. They are playful, intelligent, and very friendly and will make both kids and adults happy.

After the encounter, you will cruise to some wonderful caves and rock formations before cruising back to your starting point.

The guided tours last for about two hours and is one of the top things to do in Vilamoura. 

3 – Parasailing in Vilamoura

Another of the best things to do in Vilamoura is to parasail. It’s a an exciting, adrenaline-fuelled activity, yet a safe one compared to others.

The boat ride lasts for about an hour, while the “flying” takes about 10 minutes. You will go as high as 200 meters and get a great aerial view of the sea, beaches, and cliffs.

If you’re brave enough, you can even take a dive from the air straight to the ocean. 

4 – Massage and Foot Reflexology

After all the extreme adventures mentioned so far, you might be a bit worn out and need some relaxation; a one-hour foot reflexology and massage session might be very handy.

This special activity stimulates the flow of energy into problem areas of your body and will be done by a specialist trained to correlate your physical and emotional well-being to certain areas of your feet.

After this experience, you will feel more relaxed – yet still energized – and prepared for your next holiday adventure. 

5 – Action Pack in Vilamoura

f you are looking for a customized package that includes various activities for your group or family, this is the perfect thing to do in Vilamoura choice for you.

You can choose from a multitude of activities and customize the time for each one according to your personal preferences.

You can try parasailing, wakeboarding, water skiing, or just crazy rides with bananas, UFOs, and other inflatable items.

You’re totally in charge of everything, so if you decide you want to take a short break and just enjoy the scenery or take a quick dip, the skipper will oblige.

6 – The Best of Vilamoura Tour

If you get bored of crazy sports and water activities – or would rather skip them altogether – why not try a bike tour of Vilamoura to enjoy its wonderful scenery?

An experienced guide will take you to all the major attractions for an unforgettable Vilamoura trip.

You will gain a better understanding of the origins and history of the place by visiting the Old Village, and you’ll even get tips on the best places to eat, drink and be merry.

You don’t need to be in great shape, as the bicycle ride will be done at your own pace. The bike, a water bottle, a guide, and insurance are all included in the price. 

7 – Bike and SUP Ride

If you really enjoy physical activities and want to stay in good shape while on vacation, you can choose this package that includes both a bike ride and a SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) experience.

The entire activity lasts for four hours and begins with a bike ride to Albufeira, passing some of the beautiful places in Vilamoura along the way.

Once you arrive, you will have two hours to enjoy paddle boarding before returning to the resort.

All equipment and the guide are included in the price, but you will have to bring your own food and water.

8 – Jet Ski Rental

Another of the best things to do in Vilamoura is to go for a blast on a jet ski. You can rent a high-end Yamaha jet ski that offers power, comfort, and safety.

You will control the vehicle yourself in a safe place located outside of Vilamoura Marina – with no swimmers or tourists around to worry about.

If you haven’t driven a jet ski before, no worries – the instructor will teach you exactly what to do. You will get life jackets for your safety and be taken to the circuit by a shuttle boat.

This will be a fun ride – perfect for those that like speed and thrills. 

9 – Vilamoura and Quarteira Segway Tour

If you are tired from all the action and just want to enjoy the scenery without breaking a sweat, this Segway tour is perfect for you.

For an hour and a half, you will relax and watch the ocean, the cliffs, and the wonderful beaches of Vilamoura and Quarteira.

You can take your time and visit the local shops and restaurants – or just keep them in mind and come to check them out later.  

This activity is fun for people of all ages and levels of fitness. The helmet, Segway, and insurance are included in the price. 

10 – Private Speed Boat Hire

If you want to see places that aren’t included in any of the guided boat tours and escape the crowds, you can hire a speedboat driver and go wherever you want for one hour or more.

Explore uncharted territory, see the caves and the coastline, or go for a swim and get a tan on a private beach, far away from other tourists.

The driver is at your disposal and will stop wherever you want. Sit back, relax, and enjoy all the wonderful scenery that Vilamoura has to offer.

11 – Golf Integrated Academy

Golf is one of the more popular things to do in Vilamoura.

There are five golf courses in Vilamoura and both locals and tourists are very passionate about this game. these are the Old Course, Pinhal, Millennium, Vila Sol, and Victoria.

But what if you’ve never played golf in your life?

This is where the Golf Integrated Academy comes in, teaching you the basics so you can have fun and make the most of all the wonderful golf courts in the area. Learn more at this link.

12 – Private Yacht Hire

For those that can afford more than just a speedboat, renting a yacht can be a great activity for your family or group; two expert crew members will take you wherever you want.

Besides enjoying all the lovely scenery, you can do parasailing, wakeboarding, water skiing, or ride inflatable bananas.

You will travel in luxury aboard a high-end Atlantis Gobbi 47 yacht, which looks great and offers superior comfort. Read more about this awesome activity at this link .

13 – Reef Fishing

Whether you are passionate about fishing or have never tried this activity, you can now make the catch of your life with the help of a professional skipper.

Some of the fish that you can catch include mackerel, congro, snapper, grouper, and more. You don’t need to worry about anything – all the fishing equipment is included in the price. 

14 – Visiting Cerro da Vila

After visiting Cerro da Vila (at the edge of the Marina complex), you will get an idea of how Vilamoura was thousands of years ago.

You will see well-preserved mosaic floors and foundations of buildings dating to the Roman Empire – these mosaics are one of the best sights for history buffs when you’re not enjoying Vilamoura’s water activities.

For only 3 Euros as the entrance fee, you’ll be amazed by how well-organized and sophisticated their system of heating, pools, and saunas was.

Tourists find cerro da Vila very interesting; you can read more about it at this link .

15 – Shark Fishing

For a more adventurous trip to Vilamoura, if fishing for small fish is too boring for you, try this unique experience that can last for six hours or more.

There are various types of sharks in the waters surrounding Vilamoura, and you will get all the equipment you need – plus directions and useful tips.

If you don’t like fishing but want to see a shark up close, tag along as a spectator on these exciting open-water boat trips. Don’t worry about the sharks – they will all be released after the catch in order to preserve this fascinating species.

16 – Hang out at Vilamoura’s beautiful beaches

There are of course miles and miles of golden beaches in the Algarve and right next to the Vilamoura marina is Praia da Rocha Baixinha – Praia da Falesia, and also Praia da Gaivota (Seagull beach). Here are two favourites:

Praia da Vilamoura 

Coming from town, before you reach the marina, you’ll find yourself on the best-known part of Vilamoura – its main beach, Praia de Vilamoura.

Every visit to Vilamoura includes family summer holiday fun at the beach and simply hanging out with your kids is one of the enduring memories of your trip that you and they remember for years.

For those of us who don’t take the whole family with us (and for parents with baby sitters), Praia de Vilamoura, the very chic PuroBeach Club is a lot of fun.

You can choose between the seaside and poolside areas (in the Tivoli Marina gardens) of the beach club, depending upon the music being played at the time by Purobeach’s resident DJs.

Praia de Quarteira

There is a boardwalk at Praia de Quarteira and a great range of cocktail bars.

The other attraction is 1.5 km of sandy beach fronting the calm and crystal clear waters of the Atlantic.

It’s no wonder this is an extremely popular spot for locals and holidaymakers alike.

So there are some of the best Vilamoura activities. Have great fun, enjoy your holiday, and let us know all about it when you return in the comments area below!

Related reading

Check out the other best towns and places to visit in the Algarve Beautiful Lagos is only 1 hour away from Vilamoura – Best Things to do in Lagos Or in under two hours, you can get to stunning Vila Nova de Milfontes – Best Things to do in Vila Nova de Milfontes And see all the best things to do across the Algarve region

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information centre

we extended our vocation for 2 more days because of this tourist office point. they provide really usefull information about vilamoura.

We are happy that we could help you in your vacations in Vilamoura. Best regards

Popped in for a bit of information on bike hire and best places to cycle to, very helpful, he showed us best places on the map to visit and eat. Bike hire very reasonable. Very helpful. Thanks.

Im glad you had a nice experience with us. You are always welcome to Algarve. Best regards

very helpful and friendly staff . they gave us good information about what to do in villamoura. i will recommend to everyone.

Thanks for your kind review. Best regards

Dropped in to enquire about a Tech store in the vicinity and was giving great directions by the guy behind the counter. Very friendly and helpful . Would recommend to anyone .

Noel B with was a pleasure to help you. You are welcome. Best regards

On recent visit to Vilamoura we found Jorge at the Information Office so helpful. He gave great tips on sites to visit, the best value restaurants, great bars and also recommended the boat trips - we took the 4 hour trip along the coastline - fab! Jorge also recommended hiring bikes (which he has available at good rates). With the high standard cycle paths and cycle lanes, the bikes were a brill idea. Jorge also can arrange bike tours. Give Jorge a shout!!

Thanks for your kindly review. I hope to see you next year when com back to Algarve. Regards

In some parts of Portugal ,( Quarteira library) ,english is not always spoken. My best portugese apologises for not speaking portugese and asking if they speak english. I got full info and good welcome here . If you need to know anything call in here .

Thanks for you kindly review. Best regards

Vilamoura Portugal: An Overview

Updated: March 18, 2024

Vilamoura, Portugal, has established itself as a chic, fashionable, and popular location to live in Portugal. Indeed, even the rich and famous have staked their claim in this bustling resort in the Algarve region, where the sun beckons, the sandy beaches invite you to enjoy yet another day in paradise, and there is always some activity to get involved with, should you so desire.

In this article, we’ll dive into what makes Vilamoura such a desirable area in Portugal before running over some practical information you may not be aware of. We will also delve into some of the best things to do in and around Vilamoura.

Why Vilamoura?

This is without mentioning two excellent beaches nearby with golden sands — Praia de Vilamoura (Vilamoura Beach) in the east and Praia da Falésia (Falesia Beach) to the west, plus the many more beaches you’ll find hugging the Algarve Coast in either direction. It is not difficult to see why Vilamoura is so popular with expats. Those who like to shop in style will also be happy with the wide range of options, from authentic, local craft stores to the most prestigious international brands.

For those who come alive in the evenings, there are many nightclubs, bars, and excellent restaurants to choose from. The best DJs also haunt Vilamoura, and the Vilamoura casino offers a thrill for those who are looking for an adrenaline rush.

There are also many activities to choose from, which we’ll run over later in the article – from water sports like scuba diving to yoga and live music, there is something for every taste.

Alongside these factors, arguably the biggest draw is the climate of Vilamoura. Perfect, sunny days and high temperatures await, even in the winter months. Plus, you are conveniently located close to Faro Airport, making international transport easy. Indeed, it is not difficult to see why Vilamoura has fast become a favorite with expats.

Vilamoura Portugal Real Estate

Vilamoura is renowned as a haven for expats from all walks of life. However, you’ll also come across real luxury in this region, with some of the most luxurious properties in Portugal found here.

In this section, we’ll uncover Vilamoura’s real estate secrets, from what you can expect in terms of property prices to the types of properties that you can expect to come across.

Property prices

Vilamoura lies in the Loulé municipality, which is one of the more expensive real estate areas in the Algarve. The average asking price for property in Loulé stood at €5,191 per square meter in 2023. If you were to look for property for sale close to Vilamoura Marina or the city center, this would cost you more than buying in a less in-demand area.

Property types

You can find many options if you’re interested in Vilamoura, Portugal, real estate, from modern apartments to quaint townhouses. Vilamoura is known for its luxury properties, and for both lifestyle buyers and investors, there are ample opportunities. Bear in mind that luxury properties in Portugal are generally very good value for money. You should be able to find exceptional properties that are significantly cheaper than their equivalents in other Western European countries.

Investment potential

Many tourists choose this city as a base to explore the Algarve. This is because of Vilamoura’s strategic location in the center of the region, plus the fact that you will find all the amenities that you could possibly want, from some of the finest beaches to top-quality restaurants.

Property prices are continuing to increase here. Brick and mortar has always been a safe investment, and should you be looking to invest in a property to sell in the future, you should be able to secure a nice return on your investment.

You can find out more about investing in the Algarve in our article: Algarve Portugal Real Estate: Your Ultimate Guide .

Cost of Living Vilamoura

Can those on a tight budget live here? Yes, it is possible since many Portuguese people reside here and make an average monthly income of between €850 and €1,200. Here is an example of an average monthly budget for a couple living in the Algarve.

Keep in mind that the price varies according to your budget, whether you’re living alone or with someone, and whether you live a more modest or luxurious lifestyle.

Health insurance is another expense that can vary substantially depending on factors including age, pre-existing diseases, and the extent of the policy. Frequent eating out, and extensive use of the air conditioner or heater add to a budget because Portugal has quite a high electricity cost.

Lifestyle in Vilamoura

In Vilamoura, Portugal, golf courses are of world-class quality, so avid golfers will have everything they need. Vilamoura boasts six golf courses, all of which host pro golf tournaments throughout the year. There is also an Equestrian Centre that hosts horse show jumping competitions.

With over 300 days of sunshine every year, the Algarve boasts one of the best climates in the world. It is very easy to live an active life. You could use one of the many well-maintained trails to walk, run, or cycle, or head to the Atlantic Ocean to swim, surf, or even try paragliding.

The cuisine is generally very healthy – think fresh fish and seafood, vegetables, and hand-picked fruits. You’ll definitely want to pair the excellent food available with some of Portugal’s top-quality wine. Portugal has one of the best winemaking climates and practices in the world, thanks to the country’s microclimates, soils, and winemaking traditions. After a long day of activity, you might want to slow down and enjoy the sunset with a plate of local produce and a glass of delicious Portuguese wine.

Vilamoura itself provides buyers with an exquisite taste of real luxury – a grand casino, a large marina, and many outstanding properties to choose from, whichever type of property you are after. Indeed, the rich and famous come to call Vilamoura home, and there are several reasons why Vilamoura is one of the most sought-after parts of Portugal.

Aside from this, you will have outstanding fine-dining experiences. This resort is a place where you can forget about time passing by and just embrace each day as it comes.

If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, Vilamoura does not disappoint. Choose from a variety of different cuisines, including American fast food, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Swedish, and Thai food. You’ll even find options for different dietary requirements.

Vilamoura, Portugal: Things to Do

Vilamoura has a lot of things to do, and those who reside here year-round can benefit from much from it. Additionally, some of these tourist destinations offer locals discount pricing of up to 50 percent off during the fall months after the majority of visitors have left.

Vilamoura offers a variety of dining options for every price range, from gourmet dining to family-friendly meals. Most restaurants along the Vilamoura Marina are expensive, but if you head a few streets away from the tourist streets, the costs are much lower. If you’re looking for some typical Portuguese food like grilled sardines or bacalhau , a salted cod dish, visit one of the many family-owned restaurants called tascas . These are some of the best restaurants in the area.

If you do not like seafood, try the hot, African-inspired piri piri chicken instead. If you want some plant-based foods, just ask for them in cafes and restaurants, and they will likely offer you a few options. After dinner, some places may provide guests with a complimentary liqueur or cocktail.

Want more activities in Vilamoura, Portugal? Things to do in this area include:

• Enjoy a day on the water by going to the Vilamoura Marina, renting a jet ski or kayak, going on an adrenaline-pumping speed boat experience, or feeling the sea spray on your face as you take a relaxing boat trip. You can also take a short walk along the marina, perfect to soak up the sun and people watch.
• You can catch your own dinner by going on fishing trips for a half or full day of deep sea fishing.
• Join a tour to see the well-known Benagil Caves and partake in dolphin-watching
• Learn how to bodyboard, surf, or parasail to enjoy the very best of watersports in the Algarve region.
• Sail on the Condor de Vilamoura, a 34-meter ship with two masts.
• Explore the influences of the Moors and Romans close by, for example, with the Roman Villa, Cerro da Vila.
• The Aquashow water park is close to Vilamoura, perfect for a family weekend trip.
• Check out the fantastic views and dramatic landscapes in Lagos and Sagres, a short drive to the western part of the Algarve.

Other Charming Cities to Consider

The cities of Albufeira, Silves, Alte, and Loulé are close to Vilamoura and are overflowing with Portuguese culture and traditional charm. Each is a popular destination in its own right. Whether you are looking to make a day trip from Vilamoura or are considering relocating to a city or town close by, here is a little information on some of the best options.

Albufeira is the biggest and most vibrant city in the central Algarve. Here, you can walk around the charming old town and enjoy the tiled streets and countless family-friendly cafes. The marina in Albufeira boasts a lively yet peaceful atmosphere where you can enjoy a romantic dinner for two at a reasonable price. If you want to party, go to The Strip, which is filled with cafes, chic bars, and nightclubs where you can dance the evening away.

From the ninth through the twelfth centuries, this city served as the Algarve’s Moorish ancient capital and stronghold. As a reminder of the past, the massive red brick castle towers over the city. Today it is a thriving city of whitewashed homes set on a hillside and encircled by the old wall that served as the castle’s defense. In Silves, many enjoy a stroll through the old town in search of coffee and pastries.

Visit the town of Alte, which some people believe to be the most Algarvian town out there, and travel back in time. The village, which dates to Roman times, is a rainbow of brightly painted homes. Alte’s main attractions are two springs where locals used to meet to wash their clothes in the clear, fresh water. Today, the well-known springs provide a refreshing retreat from the summer heat, or you can have a beverage at a cafe beside the river.

One other Portuguese town to visit, perfect for a day trip, is Loulé. The bustling market town with Arabic influences in the town’s center sells daily food, fish, and handicrafts. On Saturday mornings, locals visit the gypsy market selling a wide range of goods. A visit to the town’s castle is a must for anybody visiting this classic Portuguese town.

The Climate in Vilamoura

Vilamoura has a warm temperature climate, typical of the Mediterranean. The rain falls mostly in the winter, with little rain during the summer months. The hottest month is in July, with an average temperature of 24 Degrees C (75 Degrees F), and the coldest is January, with an average temperature of 12 Degrees C (54 Degrees F).

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You  

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process .

If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal , don’t hesitate to get in touch . Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.

Why choose Goldcrest?

• Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
• Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
• Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
• Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
• Network of partners: Lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vilamoura, Portugal

Is vilamoura, portugal, a good place to live.

Yes, for lifestyle buyers, Vilamoura is excellent, and many expats from all walks of life have come to call Vilamoura home. It is, in many ways, a key focal point of the Algarve. With many exceptional golf courses, watersport activities, and beaches, there is always something to do. You’ll also find some of the best hotels in the Algarve region here. The fine dining scene is excellent, and the Vilamoura Marina and casino are both popular attractions. Key amenities in Vilamoura are within walking distance, plus further afield, Faro Airport is just over an hour away, making international travel incredibly easy.

Is Vilamoura, Portugal real estate affordable?

While the properties in Vilamoura in the Loulé municipality are the most expensive in the Algarve, compared to other Western European countries, properties are often veré good value for money. 

The average asking price for property in the Loulé municipality of the Algarve (in which Vilamoura is located) was €5,191 in 2023.

What is the weather like in Vilamoura, Portugal?

In Vilamoura, Portugal, the weather is typically sunny and temperate, with more than 300 days of sunshine each year. It is possible to enjoy the outdoors even in the depths of winter. July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 24 Degrees C (75 Degrees F), and January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 12 Degrees C (54 Degrees F).

Is Vilamoura in Portugal expensive?

Even though Vilamoura is pricey by Portuguese standards, the cost of living is greatly affected by the people’s lifestyle. Budget-conscious people might opt to look for cheaper property outside of town, select smaller homes, or avoid eating out frequently.

If you buy outside the city center, you will find that property prices drop considerably.

Is Vilamoura worth visiting?

Vilamoura lies at the heart of the Algarve and is a great destination if you’re seeking something entertaining to do. You’ll never get bored with Vilamoura’s gorgeous beach areas, fantastic shopping, and traditional markets. You can also choose from going to a water park or heading on a fascinating day trip to places like Faro and the town of Loulé.

Faro Airport makes it easy to fit a weekend abroad into your international trips.

What is Vilamoura known for?

Vilamoura is one of the most well-known and largest single European tourist complexes since it has six golf courses, including the renowned Old Course, a lawn bowling club with two grass greens, a tennis center, a sports club, a shooting club, some of the best hotels, vacation rentals, self-catering villas, nightclubs, an international casino featuring dinnertime shows which also hosts the PokerStars Solverde Poker Season, a top-notch riding school, and plenty of other attractions. The Don Pedro Victoria Golf Course is also a top-quality course. 

The Vilamoura Marina, the largest marina in Portugal, is the main hub of entertainment for those who visit Vilamoura. It is an award winning marina, having gained a five Gold Anchor Platinum accreditation. Many visitors opt to go on boat tours, shop for international brands, and enjoy the many dining options, all within walking distance. 

Vilamoura is also known for its stunning beaches. Praia de Vilamoura (Vilamoura Beach) and Praia da Marina (Marina Beach) are particularly lovely.

Is Vilamoura a party place?

Yes, it is. Vilamoura is well-known for its nightlife. If you are looking for popular hotels, you will also find some of the best hotels and resorts in this part of the Algarve, such as Dom Pedro Portobelo, the Portugal Hilton Vilamoura Golf and Spa Resort,  and the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Resort. 

Is Vilamoura safe?

Yes, Vilamoura is safe. Some helpful tips for you are to not visit the beach after sunset and to be sensible with your belongings like you would anywhere else in the world.

What to see in Vilamoura?

There is plenty to see when you visit Vilamoura, making it a great holiday destination. This includes:

• Vilamoura Marina
• Museu de Cerro da Vila
• Casino Vilamoura
• Aquashow Park
• Albufeira Nightlife – The Strip, Kadoc, and Kiss
• Sail on the Condor de Vilamoura, a 34-meter ship with two masts
• Soak up the natural beauty of the Algarve Coast and enjoy the golden sand at the sandy beaches. Two beaches that come to mind are P raia da Falésia (Falésia Beach) and Praia de Vilamoura (Vilamoura Beach), both excellent options, although there are many other beaches to explore in the area. 

Explore Vilamoura Marina, the largest marina in Portugal, and you’ll find plenty to see and do close by. If you are looking to play golf at a world-class golf course, you’ll find many in the region, such as t he Don Pedro Victoria Golf Course and the Old Course. You can also go on boat trips, go deep sea fishing, or enjoy a wide range of watersport activities. 

Vilamoura is also somewhat of a market town, whereby on Saturday morning, you can score fresh produce at the Farmer’s Market.

What property types can you find in Vilamoura?

Regarding properties for sale in Vilamoura and Quarteira, you will find many different property types, from spacious, modern apartments to beach houses with stunning ocean views. You will also come across repossessed property for sale in Vilamoura that could be a good option.

How can I find property for sale in Vilamoura, Portugal?

A basic search for “property for sale Vilamoura Marina” or “apartment for sale Vilamoura Marina” will provide you with a general overview of the real estate market in Vilamoura. Following this, you can work with a buyer’s agent who can assist you throughout the process, from finding your dream property to negotiating the best price possible.

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Silves, Portugal; a tourism guide for 2024

Silves is a historic town that was originally the ancient capital of the Algarve. During the Moorish era (9-12th century), Silves was a major stronghold and important trading centre. From the solid red-brick castle, the Moors defended the entire region, while from the harbour, boats sailed down the Arade River to trade with North Africa.

Today, Silves is peaceful and unhurried, but remnants of this illustrious past can be seen scattered throughout the town. This includes the imposing Castelo de Silves, heavily fortified gateways and the Gothic Se cathedral.

For your day trip, Silves is a joy to explore and has a distinctly Portuguese ambience, with open-air cafes, cobbled streets and a relaxed pace of life. Along with its rich history and fascinating sights, Silves lies within a scenic region, set along the banks of the slow-flowing Rio Arade and surrounded by the rolling hills of the Algarve countryside.

Silves is the best day trip of the central Algarve region and is highly recommended during your holiday or tour of the Algarve. This article will show why you must visit Silves and how to get the most from your trip here. Related articles: Algarve top 10 – The best day trips in the Algarve

Highlights of Silves

The Castelo de Silves – The most impressive castle of southern Portugal, and from where the Moors ruled over the entire Algarve.

The Portas da Cidade – The heavily fortified gateway that leads into the historic centre of Silves, which sits on the delightful Largo do Município plaza.

The Se cathedral - The mighty Gothic cathedral that was constructed on the site of a Moorish Mosque, and was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1755.

The Portuguese ambience of Silves – The town has an authentic Portuguese atmosphere and a relaxed pace of life compared to the touristy resort towns.

Why Visit Silves?

Silves may only be a small town, but there is a lot to see, and it is a great destination for a day trip. No other place in the Algarve can rival Silves' long and varied history, while the castle is a truly unique attraction of southern Portugal.

Silves has a completely different ambience to the hectic coastal towns, and is a great location to experience typical Portuguese daily life. There is the daily market with stalls selling local produce, there are bustling cafes filled with locals, and restaurants serving traditional Portuguese dishes. It may not take long to fully explore Silves, but you will enjoy all of your time spent here.

At the entrance to Silves castle is the statue of King Sancho I, who attacked and stormed the castle in 1189

A day trip to Silves

Silves is one of the best destinations in the Algarve for a day trip, and there is decent public transport from the major tourist centres of Lagos, Portimão and Albufeira.

It takes three hours to fully see Silves. Usually, a day trip is longer to include lunch or to reduce the pace of sightseeing under the intense summer sun.

The historic centre of Silves is compact and can be easily explored on foot, but there are steep cobbled streets leading up to the castle. As with all sightseeing in the Algarve, it is best to start earlier in the day, when temperatures are slightly lower.

Silves is an excellent day trip, but it rarely gets that crowded with tourists. It will be significantly less busy than the other popular day trip destinations such as Lagos, Faro or Albufeira.

If you are driving to Silves, there is a large car park to the southwest of the town (GPS: 37.1848, -8.4420). Never try to drive in the historic centre as the roads are narrow and there is almost no car parking.

The main bus stop of Silves is next to this car park and close to the tourist information (see the map in the following section). Silves train station is 1.5km to the south of the town, and the walk is not very pleasant as part of it follows a busy road with no footpaths. Insight: Other recommended day trips in the Algarve include Faro, Loule and Olhão. Related articles: Faro guide - Loule guide - Olhão guide

A suggested 1-day tour of Silves

The interactive map below shows a suggested tour of Silves. The grey line is the route from the train station to the historic centre. Note: Zoom in or out to see all of the markers.

Sights of the tour: 1) Tourist Information office 2) Mercado Municipal (market) 3) Ponte Romana bridge 4) Rua Elias Garcia (shopping street) 5) Praça do Município 6) Portas da Cidade (gateway) 7) Câmara Municipal de Silves 8) Museu Municipal de Arqueologia 9) Igreja da Misericórdia de Silves 10) Silves Cathedral 11) Castelo de Silves 12) Muralhas da cidade (town walls) 13) Cruz de Portugal (a medieval cross)

The name of the Ponte Romana (3) (Roman Bridge) implies the bridge was constructed during the Roman rule of Portugal, but was actually constructed in 1445. The bridge spans the Rio Arade, which is a tidal river even though it is 13km upstream.

The Portas da Cidade (6) gateway has a narrow entrance that immediately turns left. This was to prevent a large-scale attack or a charge by horses.

The Rua da Sé that is the main street up from the Portas da Cidade to the castle

The Moorish ruins within the castle walls

The town walls (12) to the east of the Largo do Município, are very scenic and rarely get any tourists.

The Cruz de Portugal (13) is a 15th-century medieval cross, which is historically significant but is only a minor tourist attraction.

A small group tour of Silves?

Small group tours are a great way to explore the Algarve and are a chance to meet fellow travellers. These tours remove the hassle of public transport, provide knowledgeable guides and pack a lot of sightseeing into a single day. We have worked with GetYourGuide.com for the previous six years, and some of their best tours of Silves include:

A holiday to Silves

The majority of visitors to Silves are day-trippers, and very few even consider a night's stay within the town. This is a shame, as the town offers a peaceful setting, numerous restaurants and a true Portuguese experience, which is difficult to find in the Algarve.

If you are touring the Algarve, do consider Silves in place of the chaotic resort towns along the coastline. Silves offers excellent value for money, with all restaurants and cafes priced for locals and not over-inflated for tourists.

Accommodation in Silves and the surrounding area tends to be much cheaper, and this is due to the distance from the coastline, 12km to the south. For a holiday in Silves, it is best to have a car.

The map below shows the best accommodation and rental rooms in Silves. If you adjust the dates to your trip, it will display current prices and availability.

The history of Silves

Silves was founded by the Romans, but it flourished under the North African Moors. The zenith of this era was in 1054 when Al-Mu'tamid commanded over the entire Algarve and parts of southern Spain.

During the 12th century, Silves was subjected to continued fighting, as the newly established Catholic Portugal tried to drive the Muslim Moors from the Algarve.

The castle was the focus of numerous battles; it was sacked by King Leon in 1160, sieged by King Sancho I in 1189 and then recaptured by a powerful Moorish army led by Amir al-Mu'minin in 1191. The final defeat of the Moors was in 1243, but this ultimately led to the demise of Silves, with the severing of trade routes to North Africa.

In 1755 the town was badly damaged by a massive earthquake, which destroyed much of the castle and cathedral. The earthquake also caused huge landslides that altered the flow of the Arade River and prevented it from being a navigable port. Since then, Silves has remained a minor town, and a centre for agriculture.

The cobbled backstreets of Silves

Travel to Silves

The easiest method to travel to Silves is by car. There is a large car park to the southwest of the town (GPS: 37.184949, -8.441779) and it is just a short walk to the historic centre.

Public transport within the central Algarve is very limited, but it is possible to travel to Silves from all of the main tourist areas (Albufeira, Lagos, Lagoa and Portimão).

Advice: Before your day trip to Silves, check and plan the route by public transport, as services can be very intermittent.

The train is the best option from Lagos, Faro and Portimão, but Silves train station is 1.5km south of the town. For the latest train timetable, please visit the Comboios de Portugal (CP) website: www.cp.pt/ StaticFiles/ horarios/ regional/ comboios-regionais-vila -real-s.antonio -lagos.pdf (This is a pdf and may download on mobile phones)

There is a direct bus service from Albufeira to Silves (45min, €4.10), but it has only a few daily departures. For the latest bus timetables, please see the Vamus bus website: vamusalgarve.pt

The Algarve regional railway in the central Algarve follows a bizarre route and doesn't connect to any of the major towns.

Silves Castle

The finest tourist attraction of Silves is the imposing castle that dominates the skyline. The castle dates from the 7th century, but the red sandstone brick battlements seen today originate from the 12th century, at the height of the fighting between the Christian Crusaders and the African Moors.

This constant fighting led to the construction of the castle's massive fortifications and ingenious methods to survive an extended siege. These features included a rain-fed cistern, which was so effective it was used by the town up until the 1920s.

Within the castle, there have been extensive archaeological excavations, and from the battlements, there are wonderful views over the town. At the entrance to the castle is a statue of King Sancho I, who led the first significant victory by the Portuguese in the Algarve by storming the castle in 1189.

Insight: You may wonder how the castle has remained in such a great state of preservation for so long. This is due to a major "restoration" project in the 1940s, which rebuilt most of the towers and battlements.

The Castelo de Silves sits on the highest point of the town

Silves or Loulé?

Silves and Loulé are both popular day trips for visitors who are based along the Algarve coastline. Both are historic towns and provide a chance to experience typical Portuguese daily life, but they are very different and will appeal to varying groups of tourists.

Loulé is much larger, being a bustling city, with a lively daily market and more shops. Silves has more character and charm, with an extensive history and impressive tourist attractions. In our opinion, Silves is the better destination for a day trip.

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