Visit Vilamoura
Vilamoura is a large private tourist complex which covers 2 hectares in total and is one of the largest in Europe. It is one of the most prestigious in Portugal and is very popular with visitors to the Algarve.
Vilamoura is about 20km from Faro which is the capital of the Algarve and home to the nearest airport.
Explore Vilamoura
If you are visiting Vilamoura your main focus is likely to be the marina which is dominated on one side by the large 5 star Tivoli hotel and on the other two sides by lots of restaurants and bars. These range from Portuguese cuisine to a large range of international cuisines including Indian, French and Thai.
Its busy harbour is full of boats including lots of luxury yachts as well as smaller vessels. The marina can hold 1000 boats and draws many wealthy and celebrity guests.
A wander round the marina is popular in the daytime but at night it really comes into its own as it attracts both visitors staying at the many Vilamoura hotels and appartments and the towns and villages nearby.
Close to the marina is a shopping centre with many designere shops.
Vilamoura has its own beach and also popular is the nearby Praia da Falesia beach which is a nice sandy beach backed by cliffs of the typical red coloured rock of the area.
Purobeach is a beach club that is popular with the hip crowd. It is located in front of the Tivoli Marina Hotel of Marina beach and you can rent sunbeds or a private Nomad tent to enjoy drinks on the beach and sunset views over the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. DJs provide music during the day and the night.
If you are staying in the Vilamoura complex there is a large range oh hotels, villas and appartments to choose from. Many visitors come for the golf which has a world class reputation and there are four golf courses to choose from.
The complex is also very popular with sports enthusiasts and as well as many water sports there are also tennis and squash courts and even lawn bowling greens.
Boat trips to admire the red cliffs of the Algarve coast and its many caves can be organised at the Marina as well as dolphin watching and sea fishing.
The complex may be new but there is proof of habitation dating back to the bronze age and there is a museum containing finds from the local area over many centuries.
All in all whilst not a traditional Portuguese experience Vilamoura is fun, vibrant and with lots to do and is a particularly good holiday spot for families.
Places to Visit Nearby
Heading inland Loulé is a popular market town which has a 14th century castle. It has daily markets but on Saturday has a gypsy market making it a particularly good day for a visit.
Faro has an interesting old town and has retained more of a traditional Portuguese flavour than much of the Algarve.
To the west of Vilamoura is the bustling town of Albufeira which is another popular tourist town.
You can find more local travel ideas in and the Algarve guide.
Photos of Vilamoura
Click any picture to start the gallery
Map of Vilamoura and places to visit
Vilamoura places to visit
Faro
Faro is the capital of the Algarve and has a charming old town. It is close to the Ria Formosa natural park
Faro guide
Praia da Marinha
The Praia da Marinha is a fabulous beach on the Algarve with beautiful rocky cliffs.
Praia da Marinha guide
Benagil Cave
The Benagil Cave and other caves on the Algarve coast can be seen on a boat trip from Benagil
Benagil Cave guide
Silves
Silves is a historic town and home to the Castelo de Silves - the best preserved castle on the Algarve
Silves guide
Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro is a fishing village and resort on the Algarve popular with families
Carvoeiro guide