Vilamoura

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.

Nightlife

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.