Things to do in Vilamoura in Portugal – 10 attractions and experiences

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | Vilamoura is one of the Algarve's most modern holiday resorts and is best known for its exclusive marina, golf courses and long sandy beaches. We visited the resort during our trip along Portugal's south coast and discovered that there is much more to it than just luxury yachts. Here are our top tips.

Vilamoura – one of the Algarve's most exclusive holiday resorts

Vilamoura was developed in the 1970s as a planned holiday resort and is therefore different from many other resorts in the Algarve. There is no old town centre here, but the focus is on the marina, beaches, golf courses and modern hotels.

At the same time, the town is considerably greener than many people think. There are nice walking trails, plenty of restaurants and several interesting excursion destinations within a short distance.

What is there to see and do in Vilamoura?

There is a lot to see and discover in Vilamoura. You can stroll in the marina, but also visit attractions and beaches. Here you will find tips for your trip.

1. Walk around the marina

The marina in Vilamoura is home to hundreds of sailboats and luxury yachts, along with restaurants, cafes and small shops. It is lively both during the day and in the evenings, and during our visit this is where we spent most of our time.

2. Relax at Praia de Vilamoura

The long sandy beach Vilamoura Beach is one of the Algarve's finest. There is plenty of space, sunbed rentals and the opportunity to try various water sports, such as windsurfing, jet skiing and parasailing.

3. Visit the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila

The Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila are an attraction that many people miss. Here you will find the remains of a Roman villa with baths, mosaics and a small museum that tells the history of the area.

4. Go on a boat trip

Many different boat trips depart from the marina daily. For example, you can join a cave tour, dolphin safari, fishing trip or sunset cruise.

5. Play golf

Do you like to play golf? Vilamoura is considered one of Europe's premier golfing areas and there are several well-known courses that attract golfers all year round.

6. Walk to Quarteira

The beautiful beach promenade in Vilamoura leads all the way to the neighboring town of Quarteira. Here you can walk or take a bike ride - a perfect excursion.

7. Visit the nature reserve around Vilamoura

Just east of the marina are wetlands where you can see many different species of birds. This is a peaceful area that is a clear contrast to the bustling resort.

8. Enjoy the restaurant life

Vilamoura has an unusually wide range of restaurants, from simple Portuguese taverns to exclusive seafood restaurants. You can enjoy everything from traditional Portuguese food to luxurious seafood platters.

9. Take a trip to Loulé

The charming small town of Loulé is only about 20 minutes away. Here you will find a market hall, cobblestone streets and a much more authentic Portuguese atmosphere.

10. Discover more beaches in the Algarve

If you have a car, there are many nice beaches within a short distance, such as:

• Falesia Beach
• Gale Beach (our favorite)
• Salgados Beach

Our experience of Vilamoura

We found Vilamoura to be exclusive, and perhaps a bit stiff at the same time. Here you won't find the charming historic quarters that are found in many other Portuguese resorts on the Algarve coast, and that is why Vilamoura was perhaps not a favorite for us. On the other hand, there are nice beaches and a lot to see and experience in the area.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

Want to see and experience more during your trip to Portugal? Here you will find tips, reports and more reading:

• Things to do in Tavira
• Things to do in Lagos
• Things to do in Albufeira
• Cabo de Sao Vicente - Europe's most south-western point