6 November 2026
Vilamoura is one of the best-known names on the Algarve coast: a large, purpose-built resort of around 2,000 hectares, centred on its marina. It is livelier than the Golden Triangle resorts next door, and an easy trip from them for a day out, a round of golf or dinner by the water. Here is our guide, from our team in nearby Almancil. Where it is and getting there Vilamoura is in the municipality of Loulé, west of Vale do Lobo and just beyond Quarteira. The drive from Faro Airport takes around 30 minutes in normal traffic, and longer at busy times in summer. From Vale do Lobo it is less than half an hour by car. See our guide to getting from Faro Airport for arrival tips. The marina The marina is the heart of Vilamoura and is described as the largest in Portugal. It opened in 1974 and marked its 50th anniversary in November 2024, when it also launched Nova Marina, three new pontoons with 68 berths for yachts of about 20 to 40 metres. It holds a 5 Gold Anchor Platinum rating from The Yacht Harbour Association and flew the Blue Flag in 2026. You do not need a boat to enjoy it. Restaurants, bars, shops and hotels line the waterfront, and an evening stroll around the boats is a pleasure in itself. Choose a table on the day, or book ahead in July and August, when the marina is at its busiest. Many places change their hours outside summer, so check first in the winter months. The beaches Praia de Vilamoura: about a kilometre of sand between the marina's pier and the harbour at Quarteira. The water is generally calm, it flew the Blue Flag in 2026, and lifeguards are on duty in summer. The end nearest the marina is the busiest, so walk east for more space. Praia da Rocha Baixinha: just west of the marina, across the Quarteira stream by a footbridge. Wide, long sands lead on towards Falésia, with sunbeds and umbrellas to rent. Our guide to the best beaches near Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Dunas Douradas covers these and the beaches closer to Almancil. Golf Golf has long been part of the Vilamoura story, and the resort's courses are now sold together as Vilamoura Golf. The Old Course: the first course here, designed by Frank Pennink, with umbrella pines guarding most of the fairways. Pinhal: opened in 1976, tree-lined and a test of accuracy. Laguna: opened in 1990, more open, with water in play on many holes. Millennium: opened in 2000, with a narrow, pine-lined front nine and a more open back nine. The former Victoria course, once home to the Portugal Masters, has been rebuilt by Ernie Els as The Els Club Vilamoura. It is a private members' club, so do not count on playing it as a visitor. Our article on golf in the Golden Triangle compares Vilamoura with the courses around Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. Cerro da Vila: Roman Vilamoura Close to the marina, the Cerro da Vila museum and archaeological site shows that people were using this coast long before the yachts arrived. It was a Roman settlement, discovered in 1963, with the remains of houses, baths, fish-preserving tanks and graves, along with fragments of mosaic pavements. Check current opening times before you go. It makes a good change of pace on a cloudy day. Evenings and families Vilamoura has more nightlife than its neighbours, with the marina bars, beach bars and a casino near the waterfront. It is more geared to adults than Vale do Lobo or Quinta do Lago, though families are welcome. Children may enjoy a day at one of the water parks or at Zoomarine, about 25 minutes' drive away. Most water parks open only in the warmer months, so check before you plan a trip. Staying nearby If you like the idea of Vilamoura for a day but would prefer somewhere calmer to come home to, look at our villas in Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, including larger villas for golf groups. For a villa in Vilamoura itself, or advice on where to base yourselves, contact our team in Almancil.