To visit Vilamoura
Vilamoura is one of the most popular tourist destinations in southern Portugal and one of the largest luxury resorts in Europe. This town in Portugal is located in the famous Algarve region on the Atlantic coast.
Vilamoura in the Algarve has all the requirements for a first class vacation – there are many wonderful hotels, spa centers, beauty salons, restaurants, casinos, golf clubs and tennis courts. It is also home to the largest yacht club in Europe.
Vilamoura is particularly famous for its beautiful white sand beaches. They are equipped with everything you need – showers, sun beds, changing rooms, first aid stations. You can rent sports equipment, go water-skiing, motorcycle riding or motorboating.
Guided tours and activities in Vilamoura, Algarve
Below you will find my selection of guided tours and activities in Vilamoura in the Algarve but also below you will find different information that can help you if you decide to visit this beautiful city in the south of Portugal on your own.
There are many different guided tours in Vilamoura and it is sometimes difficult to choose once you are there. So my advice is to focus on the ones that have been enjoyed by those who have been there before you. My selection below are activities and guided tours in Vilamoura that can be cancelled for free in case of unforeseen events and have been rated the best. They are also conducted by an English-speaking guide, which will enhance your experience and facilitate communication.
Getting to Vilamoura
Vilamoura is the main and most developed tourist center in the Algarve. It is therefore logically located quite close to Faro airport. The distance between Faro and Vilamoura is only 29Km.
The different ways to get there are by car if you have rented one in advance, by cab once you arrive at the airport or by a private transfer service.
You will find in the column of this page direct links to rent a car or to hire a private service to take you to your hotel from Faro airport.
Given the distance, I personally advise you to turn to a transfer service: they will be waiting for you at Faro airport upon your arrival, they allow you to stay together if you are in a group, the rates are reasonable and they save you from worrying about transportation.
Best hotels in Vilamoura in Algarve
You will find all the hotels, villas, Airbnb, apartment or bed and breakfast you need for your vacation in Vilamoura in southern Portugal. This Algarve town is known for the quality of its accommodations.
For those who want only the best, I have made a selection of the best hotels in Vilamoura. Most of them have a swimming pool and have been rated as excellent by those who have stayed there before you.
If you are looking for luxury hotels or villas in Vilamoura, you can look directly at the best accommodations in the reservation section of Essencial Portugal. You will find luxury villas and hotels sorted by interest: 5 stars, heated pool, kitchen and cleaning staff, SPA, massages and others.
By clicking on the button below, you will be redirected to the booking site Booking with my selection of the most beautiful hotels in Vilamoura in Algarve.
Restaurants of Vilamoura
Most of the restaurants, bars and other such establishments in Vilamoura in the Algarve are concentrated in the marina area, with of course a few cafes on each beach and the hotels offering their own restaurants. Vilamoura’s cuisine is very cosmopolitan, so almost every restaurant (except for the themed ones like Japanese or Italian) will offer you a wide selection of European cuisine and several national dishes.If you are looking for typical Portuguese cuisine, you can also go to the nearby villages.Rare Steakhouse Restaurant in Vilamoura
In Vilamoura, steakhouses abound, but few are as popular as the Rare Steakhouse. As you might expect, the specialty is the meat and it is usually served rare. All steaks are barbecued on a charcoal grill and you can choose from a variety of sides.It’s not surprising that this establishment is recognized as one of the best restaurants in Vilamoura, as the service is courteous and attentive.Akvavit Restaurant in Vilamoura
If you want a little more variety on your plate, go to the Akvavit restaurant in Vilamoura. This Algarve restaurant specializes in fresh seafood with a Swedish twist. Try the “Toast Skagen”, a Swedish shrimp toast with dill, or the “Marstrand”, a creamy seafood and fish soup.This quality Swedish seafood restaurant does not list prices on its website, so expect a hefty bill, but seafood lovers will certainly not be disappointed.Indian Restaurant Mughal Clay in Vilamoura
Perhaps an Indian lunch will tempt you when you decide to try one of Vilamoura’s restaurants. If so, go to Mughal Clay, which is known for its delectable curries and excellent service. Try the garlic and chili chicken, chicken korma or chicken Madras.Many guests return to this Vilamoura waterfront restaurant several times during their vacation, a testament to the exceptional quality of the food. Or maybe it’s the free beers and shots that are regularly offered to entice customers that keep them coming back!Thai Beach Club Restaurant in Vilamoura
Although the Thai Bech Club is not technically located at the Vilamoura harbor (it is on Falesia Beach), the delicious food served there, along with the beautiful views, make this place too fantastic not to mention among the best restaurants in Vilamoura.The Thai Beach Club, which is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serves a variety of aromatic Thai dishes. You can also choose from a selection of Mediterranean-style dishes, all served in a fantastic beachfront setting that can be reserved for weddings and other events.Fairways Restaurant in Vilamoura
Vilamoura’s Fairways restaurant offers a meat and seafood-centric menu in a modern setting with rump steak, lamb chops, sea bream, shrimp and other delicious tastings to choose from.The staff is very knowledgeable about the menu and how each dish is prepared, and despite the low-key appetizer, customers are generally delighted with the quality of the food, making Fairways one of the best restaurants in Vilamoura.Ancora Restaurant in Vilamoura
The Ancora Douro restaurant is located above the Marina “square”, which is lined with restaurants. Each restaurant in the square has its own appeal, but Ancora, with its upscale cuisine, is a must.Vilamoura’s Ancora restaurant may seem smaller than the others, but if you have the talent to spot exceptional cuisine, you’ll find that it’s one of the best places to eat in Vilamoura, if not in all of Portugal.Weather in Vilamoura
Summer vacations in Vilamoura peak between July and August, when most European tourists have planned their vacations. Temperatures in Vilamoura reach a maximum of +30°C during this period. Vacationers enjoy playing golf, relaxing on the beaches or diving and other activities.Those looking to spend the Christmas vacations in the resort should check the Vilamoura weather forecast for the week, as winter is the rainy season, with generally cool weather and strong winds, especially in the morning.Depending on vacation preferences and expected weather, a visit to Vilamoura will appeal to even the pickiest of tourists. For those traveling to Portugal for the sun and sea, I recommend visiting the city during the summer months. In general, the hot season lasts from May to September.Those for whom swimming is not the main thing can visit Vilamoura in early spring, late fall or on a chilly Christmas day.The beaches of Vilamoura
The city has three popular beaches: Vilamoura, Marina and Falesia. Each of them has been awarded the blue flag for the quality of its water and is equipped with everything you need: changing rooms, showers, sports equipment and sun loungers, watchtowers.
The marina is close to the legendary cove and yacht club, allowing you to enjoy the local cuisine without distracting you from your beach vacation. In addition, this beach offers more water sports facilities.Falesia Beach gets its name from the long stretch of golden cliffs that surround it.If you have transportation, Quinta do Lago beach is a short drive from the Ria Formosa nature reserve, just east of Vilamoura. The beach is not remarkable but can only be reached by crossing the long wooden bridge that spans the mouth of the marshy river. This bridge offers a breathtaking view of the area covered by white salt lakes and allows you to observe the local fauna, mainly birds, which are used to tourists, despite the protected status of the place.
