Holidays to Vilamoura
In the poshest part of the Algarve, Vilamoura holidays are simply dreamy. Expect your itinerary to include lounging on swish beaches, hiking along winding coastal trails and teeing off on luxury golf courses.
The heart of the glitz: Vilamoura Marina
Get a taste of the high life at Portugal’s biggest marina. Lined with plush hotels, cool apartments and waterfront shops, with yachts gleaming in the harbour, it’s a top spot to check out how the 1% live. Indulge in some people watching and enjoy the buzz of live music, al fresco restaurants and supercars cruising around as the sun sets. Shmancy!
Putt on a show (and that’s not all!)
Vilamoura is a top-notch golfing destination, with five courses – from The Old Course to the Laguna – designed to challenge players of all levels. If you’re not quite up to par, you can get a tailored lesson at Lester’s Golf.
Beyond the course, channel your inner Nadal or try your hand at padel on the courts of Vilamoura Tennis & Padel Academy. Kids will love Zoomarine, a sea-themed theme park, and the Slide & Splash water park.
Awesome watersports and coastline tours
Strap in for surefire fun and games on the North Atlantic, from kayaking and paddleboarding to dolphin watching. You can just chill on a catamaran with Ocean Quest Algarve or book a fishing tour with Cruzeiros da Oura to net some big game. Tours to the famous Benagil Caves – one of Portugal’s most iconic natural wonders – often include a beach BBQ and stunning sunsets. And the surf at Praia de Vilamoura is ideal for beginners and intermediates alike.
Day trips beyond Vilamoura’s luxury bubble
Vilamoura Nature Trail is a picture-perfect 5km (3 miles) route that meanders through farmlands, past bird observatories and around lakes within the lush Vilamoura Environmental Park.
Alternatively, head along the coast for oodles of charm in Faro’s Old Town and get your fix of Roman baths, villas and colonnades. Loulé’s historic centre is 100% worth a mooch too, with an iconic red castle and lively market on Saturdays. To the west, Silves is classic Portugal, with a cracking café culture along cobbled streets.
Sneak Peek
Best for... Lovers of glitz, glamour, great food and family-friendly fun ✨
Go... In June or September, for lush heat with slightly smaller crowds 🇵🇹
You have to... Spend a swanky, sunny day waltzing around Vilamoura Marina ☀️
Vilamoura holiday deals
The Residences Vilamoura
4.5
Excellent
- 31 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Stansted
Prices from
Pinhal da Marina
4.3
Very Good
- 25 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Manchester
Prices from
Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort
4.7
Excellent
- 10 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Stansted
Prices from
Hotel Apartamento do Golfe
- 27 Jun 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Liverpool
Prices from
Details
Currency
Euro
Language
Portuguese
Time difference
GMT +0
Cost of a beer
€2
3-course meal
€18
Flight time
2-3 hrs
Top beaches: Pure Algarve gorgeousness
With sweeping, super-soft sands and banging bars ideal for sunset tipples, Vilamoura takes the beachy basics and kicks them up a notch. In your smartest swimwear, head to popular Praia de Vilamoura, which is surrounded by luxury hotels and beach bars. Or spend a more natural beach day on Praia da Falesia, a 5km (3 miles) stretch of golden sand that’s backed by distinctive orange cliffs.
Nightlife: Live music and cracking clubs
Vilamoura holidays are sophisticated without being boring. Lounge bars like Purobeach are perfect for daytime drinks with a chilled soundtrack. Later, enjoy the tunes at Atlantic Piano Bar or headbang to rock anthems at The Brewery. Albufeira is also nearby if you want full-on buzzy resort vibes. Back yourself at the casino? Try out niche Portuguese dice games at Casino Vilamoura. Good luck!
Food and drink: Sizzling seafood
Local flavours, international faves and seafood galore – that’s Vilamoura. Restaurante O Marisco plates up elite seafood with marina views, while Rafael Restaurante is another welcoming local joint, with spicy grilled chicken and shrimp risotto on the menu. Or, push the boat out for some stunning scran and a wine list to match at Willie’s Restaurant, which is recommended in the Michelin Guide.
When to go to Vilamoura
Vilamoura’s true high season is July and August when the beaches are buzzing and the bars spill out into the streets around the marina. Of course, visiting at this vibrant time of year comes with a higher price tag.
Generally, you’re likely to enjoy a sun-soaked holiday if you go between May and October. Tours are in full swing, and you can be too at the glistening golf clubs around the resort.
Visiting in the off-season will save you some coin, but it will be cooler and there might be a drop of rain. Still, it’s worth a punt for some peace and quiet amid the bobbing boats.
