Vilamoura is a glamorous location with a taste for gorgeous, long beaches, authentic Portuguese restaurants and elegant bars. It’s one of the main tourist destinations in the Algarve and visitors will find themselves in the lap of refined luxury on a holiday to Vilamoura. Golf courses, pine tree forests and water sports are all on offer here along with the relaxing coastline, stylish marina and warm Portuguese sunshine.
Vilamoura is essentially a modern area, founded as a tourist centre in 1966, but built on land not far from Roman ruins. It, therefore, acts as a classic example of the Algarvian trend of taking historic land and developing it for modern needs. Visitors here can happily dwell in the past at the Cerro da Vila ruins, or enjoy bang up-to-date pursuits like parascending or jet skiing.
With it being part of the Algarve’s so-called ‘Golden Triangle’ and one of its wealthiest areas, you would be forgiven for thinking that cheap Vilamoura holidays are hard to come by. This isn’t the case, however, and this tourist-centric resort remains one of the most rewarding places to visit for those on a budget.
Here in Central Algarve, the weather is kind to tourists all year round, although rainy winters make it wise to pack some suitable clothes. Temperatures are always favourable though, with high twenties and low thirties commonplace in the summer.
One of the biggest attractions of Vilamoura are the beautiful beaches bordering this resort. The two beaches of Praia da Marina and Praia de Falesia tempt back visitors year after year with their soft sands and dramatic cliffs which are typical of the Algarve. For some water sport activities, venture out onto the ocean where you can pick up a pedalo, jump on a jet ski or go bonkers on a banana boat!
From walking and biking trails through Vilamoura’s wild countryside, this Portuguese resort is a haven for those who love the outdoors.
The climate of the area makes it perfect for sport too, whether it’s leisurely green bowling, high-octane watersports or less familiar pastimes like show jumping. Golf, whether the miniature or serious variety, is very much par for the course.
Boat trips let visitors explore the coastline from the ocean while history buffs can seek out Vilamoura’s past at ruins of an ancient Roman fishing village. Holidaymakers might also be tempted into nearby Quarteira to see either of the two quaint churches in the town. Further afield, a day trip can take you to the pretty village of Loule or the nearby bustling town of Faro.
The marina in Vilamoura is the bustling centre of this cosmopolitan resort. Bars and restaurants come with views of million-dollar yachts and the food served ranges from Italian to the traditional Portuguese.
The climate of the Algarve makes it perfect for rearing meat and harvesting fruit and vegetables, not to mention the culinary treats that come straight from the Mediterranean Sea. Delicious fish kebabs are a staple here, and it’s a great place to try less familiar delicacies like turbot, as well as the clams synonymous with the area.
An evening meal might be best accompanied by a delicious cocktail or local beer and for dessert, there’s a restaurant in Vilamoura that claims to make the “best chocolate cake in the world”. That’s enough of a reason to visit, isn’t it?
The modern image of Vilamoura is particularly apparent once the sun goes down, and visitors are able to enjoy a range of evening and late night activities to suit their tastes. Among the most common ways to start off the night is at a restaurant, as they tend to double up as bars in Vilamoura, allowing diners and drinkers to mingle.
Visitors might then move on to one of the English or Irish bars in the area, where they will be able to enjoy a pint or two of their favourite beers from back home, but without the weather that often puts a dampener on things. Those looking to really make a night of it will be drawn to the marina and clubs like Kadoc, which offers several floors of music and allows revellers to dance until the morning light.
2-3 hrs
(from London)
Euro
Portuguese
GMT +0
€2
€18
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