Algarve

Vilamoura enjoys a central Algarve location, close to Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Albufeira and Almancil. Distance from the airport at Faro is approximately just 25 minutes by car. Carvoeiro can reached within a 30 minute drive, whilst Loulé is only 10 minutes inland and the town of Quarteira is literally next door. Both of these towns have excellent weekly markets, Loule on a Saturday and Quarteira on a Wednesday.

One particular asset that Vilamoura boasts is the splendid Marina de Vilamoura. With the capacity for 1,000 yachts, the marina has an air of exclusivity, with a choice of fashionable bars, designer shops and both Portuguese and International restaurants to match. The marina is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the chic lifestyle of the resort, whilst enjoying a cool drink or a superb meal in one of the numerous waterside bars, cafes and eateries that look out over the luxury boats and yachts. The marina is flanked either side by two glorious golden sand blue flag beaches, Marina beach to the east and the majestic Falesia beach to the west.

As a beach holiday destination Vilamoura is pretty hard to beat. Either side of the stunning marina offers miles of soft sand, with easy parking and accessibility, making them a great choice for families with young children or elderly members.

With Praia Vilamoura (or ‘Praia da Marina’) to the east of the marina and Praia da Rocha Baixinha to the west, the only decision for those lazy beach days will be to turn left or right? Both of these beaches have sun loungers, lots of fun water sports and beach bars for meals and refreshments. With all these facilities and being within easy walking distance of the town centre makes these beaches especially popular in the summer.

If you want to escape the crowds a little then head a few kilometres west to the vast expanse of beach that is Praia da Falésia. You're sure to find a spot to yourselves on this beach because, at a length of 6km, Praia da Falésia is one of the larger beaches in the Algarve. A day on the Praia da Falésia can seem almost lonely, even in August, as the bathers are scattered over a wide area.

Day or night the beaches of Vilamoura have something to offer. In the evenings music is laid on in the chic beach bars and there are regular events where you can party into the small hours.

Just a stone’s throw from the Pinhal golf course the Michelin starred Willie’s Restaurant offers a different dining experience to what you usually find in Vilamoura. A favourite among golfers it is considered by some as a ‘treat’ restaurant, perfect for romantic dinner dates or special family gatherings.

Al Quimia is the signature gourmet restaurant at the luxurious Epic Sana Algarve Resort near the village of Olhos de Agua. Strictly for fans of fine dining and certainly not for kids Al Quima is perfect if you’re looking for something private and romantic away from the crowd.

Meat lovers will love Wildfire Smokehouse and Grill which is brought to you by Natural Group, the same team behind the phenomenally successful Gourmet Natural, Parrilla Natural and Parrilla Beach restaurants.

There are so many options to eat, drink and be merry in Vilamoura you will find something for every taste.

Vilamoura Marina is the main centre of activity with a huge range of restaurants and bars. The lively Irish pubs O’Neill’s and Irish Bar can be found here and The Punter and Oshea’s just a street or two away. The upmarket Atlantico Piano Bar and Luis Figo's 'Bar Sete' (bar seven) are also on the Marina front with Cool Cod Cocktails Bar just one street back. During the day, although it can get quite busy, it's an interesting place to explore and stroll around. By night Vilamoura Marina is a great location for a relaxed evening of people watching on one of the big restaurant terraces. On the strip of beach next to the marina you will find the swanky beach club and pool lounge Purobeach Vilamoura. This high end venue screams seaside chic and is popular both day and night.

Away from the Marina there are a number of fine dining options within a 10-15 minute drive from the resort. In the quiet setting of the Old Village Le Rendez Vous is a beautiful restaurant offering modern French Cuisine.

Vilamoura has six golf courses. The Laguna, Pinhal, Millenium, Old Course and Victoria courses, and the nearby Vila Sol golf resort.

Each of the Vilamoura courses differ in character and all have their own unique challenges and the kind of facilities you would expect from championship golf courses. The Laguna course is quite a flat, open course with water featuring prominently. By contrast, the Pinhal course is set amongst the pine trees that are characteristic of the area and the landscape is a little hillier. The celebrated Old Course is often described as the Grande Dame of Algarve courses and the Millennium Course has also undergone complete refurbishment to produce a course of real character. The newest of the Vilamoura courses is the sophisticated Victoria GC, which has hosted the Portugal masters since 2007.

Vilamoura is widely regarded as Portugal’s leading leisure destination. There is a laundry list of things on offer for active holiday makers and those who enjoy being pampered.

Being the Algarve there are obviously superb golf courses or if you want to have a round where everyone can play, the Family Golf Park has two 18-hole mini golf courses. The park is designed for all the family to be enough of a challenge for older guests while remain achievable for younger golfers. Elsewhere for the family the nearby Aquashow waterpark brilliantly mixes water and amusement park attractions like slides, pools, waves, exotic birds and a top notch roller coaster. In Vilamoura itself is one of the largest kids clubs in Europe Paradise Island.

If you are looking to keep fit or experience a therapeutic treatment Browns Sports and Leisure Club has an excellent range of facilities both nearby and on site. For the rest of your wellness needs 7 Spa at Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa, Portugal's largest spa, has a full menu of treatments including healing water treatments, facials, body treatments, holistic treatments and beauty therapies.

For tennis fans looking to grab some tuition or just enjoy free play with friends and family Vilamoura Tennis & Padel Academy is flushed with facilities. In addition to a bunch of courts there is a mini football pitch for kids under 12, a pro shop to buy or rent equipment, a playground and restaurant. Or you can try the fast growing Padel that mixes elements of tennis, badminton and squash.

Water sports are available up and down the coast and if you are looking to enjoy the Algarve by horseback or on a bike there are facilities in nearby Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Albufeira.

Being a purpose built leisure resort located virtually in the middle of the Algarve, Vilamoura has plenty to explore.

The Vilamoura Marina is undoubtedly the centrepiece of the region and has a number of cruises operating out of there. The likes of Algarve Seafaris Cruises are on hand offering coastline excursions for those looking to explore the caves, dive off a glass bottomed boat or go on a sunset cruise. The Condor de Vilamourais and sister sailer Catamaran Vital are also great ways to experience the pleasure of taking a comfortable catamaran to visit the nature and old fishing villages along the coast.

With over 20 years’ experience operating from the Marina, Cruzeiros da Oura is one of the longest established cruise, sailing and big game fishing companies in the Algarve. They offer a range of cruises and fishing programs that can be enjoyed alone or in large groups with a discount for children up to 12 years old. Then there is the Champagne Cruises Luxury Boat Charter Service who let you explore the coastline in style on one of their fleet of 3 luxurious yachts. Champagne Cruises gives your tour of the golden beaches, awesome caves and stunning rock formations a touch of glamour.

Looking inward from the coast a trip to Loule will give you the chance to experience the real, authentic Portugal. Usually an unhurried peaceful place this market town comes alive on Saturday mornings when the daily market expands to include a farmer’s market. If this is your first trip, or you want to be fully immersed in Loule Market life, half day tours are available. Your local guide shares insider tips for you to enjoy Loulé's culture plus you’ll learn a bit about the history of Loulé and about its Roman and Arabic legacy.

History fans should also check out the archaeological site of Cerro da Vila with its uncovered Roman ruins. The artefacts found there have helped people discover insights into the daily life of the former inhabitants of the Algarve in ancient times.

Unlike the majority of Portugal's other marinas, Vilamoura Marina is known for its glitz rather than seaside charm. Modern, lively and sophisticated, Vilamoura developed around its marina. The largest in the country with 1300 berths, Vilamoura Marina is the main hub of entertainment, not only for those who arrive by boat, but for everyone spending a holiday in the area who come here in the late afternoon or evening to enjoy an ice cream or dinner.

At the marina tourists are well catered for. Boats can be hired for fishing trips; there are four golf courses in the immediate area, a pine forest, and a water park. A museum can be found next to the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila, giving visitors an insight into the history of the area.

It’s also the right place for shopping, with a wide range from local craft stores to the most prestigious international brands. As for the nightlife, there are many bars and clubs with the best DJs and the Vilamoura Casino promises to really get the adrenaline running.