Holiday in Vilamoura

What makes Vilamoura special as a destination?

Vilamoura is the glamorous heart of the Algarve, combining one of the largest marinas in Europe with top-notch golf courses, golden sandy beaches, and a vibrant nightlife. The town in the Central Algarve was developed as a tourism project in the 1960s and has since become Portugal's most elegant holiday resort. The marina, with its over a thousand berths, is the social center - here, one strolls along luxurious yachts, dines in harbor-view restaurants, and enjoys cocktails in chic bars while the sun sets behind the Atlantic. Vilamoura is a paradise for golfers. Six championship golf courses are just a short drive away, including the Old Course, considered one of the best courses in Europe, and the Victoria Golf Course, which regularly hosts the Portugal Masters. The gently rolling fairways overlooking the sea, the pine-lined holes, and the mild climate year-round make Vilamoura one of the top golf destinations worldwide. Many hotels offer special golf packages with preferred tee times. Praia da Marina and Praia da Falésia are the two main beaches. The Falésia cliffs, stretching six kilometers in vibrant shades of red, orange, and ochre, are among the most spectacular coastal landscapes in Europe. At the foot of these cliffs lies a wide, fine sandy beach that never feels overcrowded, even in the peak summer season. Water sports enthusiasts will find everything from jet skiing to parasailing and dolphin watching tours in Vilamoura. The old town of Vilamoura practically does not exist - the place is entirely geared towards tourism. However, nearby Loulé, with its Moorish old town and famous market hall, offers an authentic contrast. The Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila, located right next to the marina, showcase mosaics and baths from the 1st century and surprise as an archaeological gem amidst the modern resort. From Germany, Vilamoura can be reached in just under three flight hours to Faro and a short 20-minute drive. The season lasts almost all year round thanks to the mild climate, with golf and beach being best enjoyed from April to November. Prices are above the Algarve average but still offer good value for money in a European comparison.