The 11 essential things to do in Vilamoura

Are you going to visit the Algarve for your holidays? Here is our list of the 11 essential things to do in Vilamoura!

In the extreme south of Portugal, the Algarve region is renowned for the annual mildness of its climate, its enchanting beaches and its red cliffs along the Atlantic Ocean. Today, the region is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations!

In the centre of the Algarve, Vilamoura is one of the largest seaside resorts on the coast. It is also one of the most sophisticated. It was built in the 1980s to be a meeting place for golfers.

Sometimes nicknamed "Portuguese Monaco", Vilamoura is best known for its golf courses and its large marina. It welcomes an easy clientele in search of farniente and sun. Whether you are planning a road trip or a sedentary stay in this beautiful region of Portugal, discover the 11 essential things to do in Vilamoura!

1. Swimming on the beaches of Vilamoura

The Algarve coastline is full of long sandy beaches and idyllic bays. The region has won several times World Travel Award (WTA) as " best seaside destination in Europe ".

Considered one of the largest seaside resorts in the region, Vilamoura has two beautiful beaches. The Praia de Vilamoura, in the east, extends to Quarteira, a meeting place for fishermen.

The immense Praia da Falésia beach is at the foot of imposing ochre cliffs and extends over five kilometres west of Vilamoura. Larger and less frequented than the Praia Vilamoura, this beach is ideal for swimming and long walks in the water.

2. Golf courses

For more than five decades, the Algarve has more than thirty golf courses, most of which are located in protected areas, with exceptional views.

Vilamoura is a popular destination for amateur and professional golfers, its incomparable golf courses are known worldwide! In fact, the Victoria welcomes 6 courses each year: the Portugal Masters , the Millenium, the Laguna, the Pinhal, the Vila Sol and The Old Course, which snake along impressive pines.

The Family Golf Club, for its part, is a super mini-golf composed of two 18-hole courses specially designed for families, with a 10,000 m2 garden composed of more than 200 species of plants and shrubs.

Whether you want to perfect yourself or initiate yourself to this address sport, you will have the embarrassment of choice!

3. Roman Ruins of Cerro da Vila

Located near the marina, the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila are among the must-see places to visit during a stay in Vilamoura. It was in the Roman times a villa bordered by the sea.

Inside the villa you will discover mosaics, funeral monuments and public and private baths. You can also visit the small museum that exhibits mosaics and ceramic objects. A journey through 5,000 years of History to make with family!

4. Explore it Ria Formosa Natural Park

Known for its sublime beaches, the Algarve also has a natural paradise, which you will not miss visiting if you spend several days in Vilamoura!

Considered as one of the seven wonders of Portugal, the Ria Formosa Natural Park is composed of dunes, salt marshes and picturesque islands where many fishermen live. It houses an impressive diversity of fauna and flora. On foot or by bike, trails will take you through marshes, pine forests and salt marshes, to meet emblematic species such as pink flamand, sultane chicken or chameleon.

You can also take a guided walk or a boat trip to this park which covers 60km and covers more than 18,000 hectares.

5. Aquashow water park

Want a family getaway, both playful and disappointing? Aquashow Direction where you can enjoy adrenaline! This giant water park located 6km from Vilamoura is the largest in Portugal.

You will devaluate the slopes of huge slides, where you will feel like flying literally in the air and shivering on the Russian water mountains. The less adventurous will be prelaunched in the lazy river, Jacuzzi or wave pool. As for the youngest, they will be able to sail in the Aqualandia area.

6. Zoomarine

At 20 minutes from Vilamoura, Zoomarine Park is a flagship attraction of the Algarve and an ideal family trip. Known for its acrobatic shows of dolphins, seals and sea lions, it offers various animations adapted to all ages.

You can discover the mysteries of marine life, attend the voyage of sea turtles during a surprising 4D projection, or swim with dolphins... This unprecedented experience is undeniably part of the park's success!

7. Observe the dolphins

The waters of the Algarve are a natural environment for many marine animals, such as dolphins, sharks, whales, and turtles. To discover the dolphins in their natural habitat, embark on a boat that will take you to the nearest of these most famous cetaceans in the Algarve.

If you are lucky, you can see the dolphins jump, just a few meters away from your boat. Enjoy this sea trip to admire the landscapes, coastal reliefs, caves and beaches that make the reputation of the coastline. An unforgettable experience to share with family!

8. Visit the village of Olhao

This small fishing town located 15 minutes from Faro and 35 minutes from Vilamoura is a must-see if you intend to visit the Algarve. Here, fishing remains the main activity. Walk in the fishermen’s area with small white houses and dive into the colorful atmosphere of the market, where fish is sold just out of the sea.

Olhao is a starting point for a trip to the islands of Culatra and Armona. If you are a seafood lover and are planning to visit the village in August, you will not miss the seafood festival that takes place mid-August.

For 6 days, you can enjoy specialties of the sea, regional products and applaud national and international artists during live concerts.

9. Turn around the casino

Want to have fun at a party? Push the Casino Gate and dare the silver games! Located in one of the largest entertainment centres in the Algarve, the Casino de Vilamoura houses more than 500 slot machines and a games room with about 20 tables, including Blackjack, American Roulette, French, and Poker.

10. Enjoy nightlife

Nightlife lovers will be filled by visiting Vilamoura. Indeed, the city has many clubs and night clubs. The most popular nightclub: Lick, is 10 minutes from the marina. Located inside the casino of Vilamoura, the Balckjack is, on the other hand, another nightclub open in the summer.

On the side of the bars, the Sete Cafe is a trendy sports bar belonging to superstar footballer Luis Figo. Other fashionable venues, Irish pubs with live music O’Neills Bar and O’Shea’s Irish Pub and Ruis’s Carvery Bar. The 19th Hole and the Atlantic Pinao Bar are also places of the noctambule.

11. Faro

In conclusion, it is impossible to visit Vilamoura without passing through Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Its charming historic centre ( La Cidade Velha ) is surrounded by medieval ramparts and has pretty paved streets and authentic small squares.

Take the time to visit the Fé Cathedral with its gothic bell tower, built in the 12th century. Inside, you will discover a wide variety of architectural styles ranging from Romanesque to Gothic to baroque.

Do not hesitate to climb the tower to enjoy the magnificent view of the fortified city and the natural park of the Ria Formosa. In terms of gastronomy, sit at one of the small restaurants to enjoy the most famous meal in Faro, the Cataplana, a mix of fish and seafood.

How to go to Vilamoura?

Various means of transport allow you to visit the Algarve. Vilamoura is 30 km from Faro International Airport. There are direct flights from Paris , Bordeaux , Nantes and Marseille .

Count two-40 hours between Paris and Faro. You can also choose to make a stopover Lisbon . To find a flight, do not hesitate to consult a flight comparison such as Skyscanner , to find the offer that matches your criteria and your desires.

Where to stay in Vilamoura?

If you want to visit Vilamoura, you will find a wide variety of holiday rentals and high-end hotels, some of them even have a golf course! This is Compare hotels guide you in your selection. To make your choice, you can also visit the site Airbnb .