Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal

  Vila Real Santo Antonio

Centred around a 1,000 berth marina, Vilamoura in the central Algarve is possibly one of the best well-maintained locations you will find in southern Portugal, though also one of the youngest.

Vilamoura is a purpose-built resort covering 2,000 hectares and was the brain child of wealthy banker Artur Cupertino de Miranda. The resort of Vilamoura began construction in the early 1970s and was an instant hit with holiday makers from around the world, keen to golf, sail and sunbathe.

Vilamoura expands out from the marina, which is lined by a variety of top quality restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels providing visitors and day trippers to the resort with an overwhelming choice of where to eat, drink and stay. There is a definite up market feel to Vilamoura with landscaped avenues leading to a maze of equally well tended, palm lined streets where there are any number of villas.

Vilamoura has become a Mecca for golfers keen to practise their swing on one of the six courses within the resorts boundaries. In addition to the marina and golf courses, Vilamoura also boasts a tennis centre, countless hotels and self catering villas and apartments, a casino, horse riding centre, sports centre and beach.

Vilamoura quay side cafes

Boats in the Marina

Although there is plenty to keep you busy at Vilamoura if you fancy venturing further afield on your holiday in Portugal, there are plenty of activity excursions on offer at the marina including sailing trips to the many coves and grottoes along the coast. You can even try your hand at deep sea fishing, scuba diving or water skiing. Booths located at the western end of the marina provide information and schedules on a daily basis.

Despite Vilamoura's young age as a resort, the area does have a rich history, dating back to the Bronze age and for history lovers there is a preserved Roman site, Cerro da Vila close to the centre.

In Roman times Vilamoura was an important fishing town, specifically for the production of garum, which is a type of fish paste. The ruins of a once grand villa (Cerro da Vila) provides an insight into the time Vilamoura was a Roman fishing port. At the site there are also the remains of a Roman bath along with mosaics and other artefacts found during excavations.

Quay side walks

Vilamoura Marina

Vilamoura is located 23 kilometres west of Faro, the capital of the Algarve and the international airport. Most hotels will provide airport transfer services to Vilamoura, which does not boast a train station, though there are regular buses which arrive and depart from outside the casino.