Vilamoura, Algarve - Things to Do, Restaurants, Marina and more

Vilamoura is one of the Algarve's most prestigious and well-loved resorts — and it's easy to see why. Purpose-built in the 1970s, this glamorous coastal destination has grown into a world-class leisure hub with something for everyone: a stunning award-winning marina, six championship golf courses, beautiful sandy beaches, excellent water sports, great restaurants, and a buzzing nightlife scene. Whether you're visiting for a week or living here year-round, Vilamoura delivers.

VILAMOURA MARINA 
At the heart of everything, Vilamoura Marina is one of the largest and most impressive marinas in southern Europe, with berths for over 800 vessels. It has been awarded the title of International Marina of the Year by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) on multiple occasions, and one stroll around it will tell you why.
Day or night, the marina is alive with atmosphere. The waterfront is lined with restaurants, bars, boutiques and boat charter companies, making it the perfect place to people-watch over a long lunch or enjoy a sundowner as the yachts catch the last of the evening light. Keep your eyes peeled too - Vilamoura has long been a favourite haunt of celebrities.



THINGS TO DO IN VILAMOURA
Golf
If you're a golfer, Vilamoura might just be your dream destination. There are six superb golf courses to choose from, all within easy reach, including the championship Victoria Golf Course - famous for hosting the Portugal Masters leg of the European Tour. If mini golf and krazy golf is ore your speed, the Family Golf Park is a great option for a fun day out with the kids.
 
Boat Trips & Watersports
The ocean is Vilamoura's playground, and there's no shortage of ways to enjoy it.
There are plenty of companies offering water sports and boat trips - from fishing charters and dolphin watching, to sunset cruises aboard luxury yachts.

Ocean Quest Algarve offers super boat trips on a large and comfortable catamaran, as well as a thrilling, exciting Parasailing experience for the more adventurous.

AlgarExperience runs boat trips all year round from Vilamoura, including boat parties, dolphin watching, and sunset trips

From Vilamoura there are boat trips to take you to the famous Benagil cave, and magical sunset at sea experiences. For the ultimate on-the-water experience charter a private yacht.

Bliss Luxury Yacht Charters - board a classic luxurious yacht for a special day at sea. Soak up the sun and views on the sunpads, or lounge in style on the sunken sofa in the salon. Bespoke charters are available for 3 hours to 8 hours, allowing you to explore the coast at leisure.

Vilamoura Dreams Cruises offers private cruising to Benagil cave as well as sunset trips and private celebrations at sea on spacious catamarans.

Atlantic Quest Algarve offers luxurious private charters on two sleek and elegant yachts. Sip champagne, sample some sushi, soak up the sunshine and explore the coast in style

Beach yoga in Vilamoura
Join an open-air, seaside yoga class on the beach! Led by el Sol - Lifestyle, this is connection with yourself, the ocean and nature all at once. There are beach yoga classes, as well as private yoga sessions available throughout the summer.

Tennis & Padel
Vilamoura has its own tennis academy with multiple hard courts as well as multiple covered padel courts, offering coaching for all levels from experienced professionals. With this excellent facility, Vilamoura is a very good destination for tennis holidays. Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and if you are in Vialmoura, this is your chance to play padel in the Algarve.

Casino
If you're feeling lucky, check out Vilamoura Casino, where you can play a wide range of table games such as Blackjack and Roulette, plus there are over 600 gambling machines. If you're not a gambler, it's still worth going along to experience the upbeat atmosphere, music and entertainment. 

Equestrian Centre
The Vilamoura Equestrian Centre is a well-regarded venue that hosts equestrian events throughout the year and welcomes both horse riders and spectators. It's a lovely slice of authentic Portuguese leisure culture.

Lawn Bowls
Vilamoura Lawn Bowling Club is the European Leading Bowling Holiday Centre and is welcoming to visitors and complete beginners. A wonderfully sociable way to spend a morning

History: Discover Roman Ruins
Just a short walk from the marina, Cerro da Vila is a fascinating archaeological site and museum displaying the remains of a Roman villa alongside relics from Roman, Visigoth and Moorish civilisations. A surprising and rewarding stop that many visitors miss entirely.



Walking and Cycling
The local landscape is largely flat, making it ideal for walking and cycling. The Vilamoura Nature Trail is a beautiful 5km route that winds through the Vilamoura Environmental Park, passing cereal fields, lakes and reed beds - excellent for birdwatching.

You'll find companies offing bike rentals and Vilamoura operates a Public Bikes Scheme, with over 300 bikes that can be rented and returned to any of its 35 stations. Any tourist staying in Vilamoura may use the Vilamoura Public Bikes system. If you rent a property and do not have a water supply contract with Inframoura, you may use the property owner's card. If you are a hotel guest you can ask for a card at the hotel reception.

VILAMOURA BEACH
Vilamoura's beaches are among the finest in the Algarve - and that's saying something.
Praia de Vilamoura is the most central beach, nestled between the marina and the fishing port of Quarteira. It's a wide, beautiful stretch of soft golden sand with calm, clear waters. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the high season, and you'll find sun loungers, parasols, beach bars and all the facilities you need. The beach carries the Praia Acessível flag, meaning it meets full accessibility standards — ramps, adapted toilets, designated parking and amphibious chairs are all available for those with reduced mobility (contact the lifeguard on arrival to arrange an amphibious chair).

For something with a bit more drama, Praia da Falésia is just to the west and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Portugal. A sweeping 6km arc of golden sand backed by striking red and orange sandstone cliffs, Falésia is spectacular - especially at sunset. It's more exposed to Atlantic swell, making it better for surfing and bodyboarding, but calmer sections are still suitable for swimming. If you want space, fresh air and one of the Algarve's most photogenic backdrops, head here.
You can reach Praia da Falésia from the very western tip of Vilamoura marina.

Praia de Quarteira is the beach that runs along the seafront of the neighbouring town of Quarteira, just East of Vilamoura. It has the same wide golden sands and clean water, a lovely promenade along its full length, and is popular with Portuguese visitors and families. The town has excellent seafood restaurants worth seeking out.
A few things worth knowing about Vilamoura's beaches:

• The sea temperature reaches around 20°C in summer - refreshingly cool rather than warm, due to Atlantic currents. If you plan to spend extended time in the water, a light wetsuit is worth considering.
• The best beach weather runs from May to the end of September.
• Main beach can get very busy in July and August - head to Falésia if you want more space.
• Sun loungers and parasols can be hired on the main beach (around €15/day) - a good idea in the summer heat.

Where to eat
You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in Vilamoura - you can find everything from fine dining restaruants to stylish beach clubs and family-friendly restaurants.

Eat, drink & be merry: From chic restaurants to chill out beach bars, laid back cafes and live music hot spots, there's no shortage of places to simply eat, drink and enjoy the lifestyle.
 
For a special experience
Willies - If you're looking for an eatery that can serve up a gourmet meal, yo're looking for Willies. Experience fine dining in an elegant and refined atmosphere. An excellent choice any time of year and superb on warm Algarvean summer nights!
Akvavit - a long time favourite and one of the best restaurants on Vilamoura marina. Enjoy a range of international cuisine and scandinavian delicacies.

Day to Night Pool Club
Honório Pool Lounge is a welcoming day to night pool club and restaurant. Enjoy cocktails and fresh food, with regular live entertainment throughout the summer at the restaurant. Day passes are available to spend the day poolside.

Great for families
Capriccio - fabulous Italian restaurant and Gelataria, serving delicious homemade ice creams.
BJs Oceanside - offers a wide choice of dishes in the perfect setting for a long lunch or relaxed dinner, with live music Friday and Sunday afternoons.
O'Neill's Irish Bar - a great place for lunch or a quick bite by day and a fantastic music venue by night.
NewsCafe  - A welcoming restaurant, pizzeria and lounge bar - perfect any time of day.
 
Getting Around Vilamoura
All the roads in and around Vilamoura are driver-friendly and an efficient traffic management system is in place in the town. There are plenty of designated parking areas in the town and close to the beaches. You'll find a large car park behind McDonald's and several alternative free parking areas. However, Pay & Display parking is in force on many streets, so do check before you leave your vehicle, as you will be fined if you park without a ticket, or in a disabled or loading bay.

Accessible Vilamoura
If disabled access is a priority for you, Vilamoura is a good choice. The layout of the town, beaches and marina provide excellent access for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and for those with reduced mobility. Vilamoura Marina and beach, and neighbouring Quarteira beach carry the Praia Acessivel flag, meaning that they comply with access requirements such as ramps, footpaths and walkways, adapted toilet facilities and parking places. Vilamoura and Quarteira beaches also offer amphibious chairs so people with reduced mobility can enjoy bathing in the sea. If you would like the use of an amphibious chair, you need to contact the local lifeguard when you arrive at the beach.

Tourist info
There's a tourist office in where you can ask for help and information and pick up the current guide to what's on in the region.
T: (+351) 289 389 209

Local services
Transport
Taxis operate from official taxi ranks. There's a rank outside the casino and one on Rua do Clube Nautico. Alternatively, hotels, resorts and restaurant will be happy to call a taxi for you. If you need transport to and from Faro Airport, you'll probably get a better deal by booking ahead with one of the transfer companies.
 
There's a good public transport service in Portugal. EVA offers a regular bus service across the Algarve and to Lisbon, and is a cheap way to get around. The EVA website is available in English.

The local council operates a loop bus route around Vilamoura and Quarteira called the Linha Verde (Green Line).  Buses run about every 30 minutes and you buy tickets from the driver - it's a cheap and convenient way to get around.

And of course, Uber, Bolt and others ride share companies operate in the area.

Vilamoura has its own tourist train service, which operates from the beginning of March to the end of October. The tourist train starts at Praia da Marina (Hotel Vila Galé) and stops at a number of key locations. The service runs on the hour from 10am.

Portugal has an excellent rail network too, which offers a low cost way to travel. The nearest train station is in Loulé - about 20 minutes by taxi from Vilamoura. You can get more information and use the easy online booking system on the Comboios de Portugal website (available in English).

If you'd rather hire a vehicle, there are numerous hire companies offering good deals.

Supermarkets  - Pingo Doce is the largest local supermarket. It's located on the A369 just as you leave Quarteira and stocks a broad range of goods including fresh fish, fresh meat and bakery products. It also sells good take-away food. Pingo Doce is open from 8.30 am until 9pm daily.
 
There are many smaller supermarkets and stores in Vilamoura: Jafers Supermercardos have shops at Aldeia do Mar, Old Village and Marina Mar. Opening times are 8am to 8pm in the winter and until 9pm in the summer. 
 
Banks - There are a number of banks in Vilamoura; most have cashpoint facilities. Santander Totta on the Marina has an external ATM.
 
Police Station - The GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) office is situated on Rua das Laranjeiras (north of the marina) T: 289 381 780.
 
Medical care - The local Centro de Saúde is located in Quarteira on Rua da Paz. The Centre is open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.
The nearest accident and emergency unit is in Faro - Centro Hospitalar do Algarve.
If you're visiting from an EU country, always remember to carry your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) which entitles you to emergency treatment in all EU countries.

There are also a number of private clinics in Vilamoura, including Cl­nica Particular de Vilamoura, Rua das Amoreiras, nº 1, which is open from 9am to 8pm daily and has an emergency department. T: 707 28 28 28. Primary healthcare provider The Orange Medical Centre in Albufeira, offers a multi-lingual GP service and access to a range of medical specialists and tests, and offers a home or hotel visit service.

Veterinary care - If you're travelling with pets, you may need a vet. There are a number of veterinary surgeries in Vilamoura that are open during normal working hours. Cl­nica Veterinaria de Vilamoura on Av, Eng João Meireles provides a full veterinary service including a 24 hour emergency service.
Consultations T: 289 312 709. Emergencies T: 919 004 050.
 
Post Office - There is a post office in Vilamoura (CCT Vilamoura) on Praça Copertino Miranda (at the top end of Av Tivoli). It provides all the normal mail services and you can also pay A22 Toll fees over the counter - just take your vehicle registration number.
 
 
Enjoy your visit!

For information on other areas of the Algarve read our Algarve Travel Guides.