Vilamoura in the Algarve Portugal
The Cosmopolitan Jewel of the Algarve
Although Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe, the resort town of Vilamoura offers something totally different. Here the Portuguese charm is replaced with manicured perfection that has turned it into one of the most visited resorts in Europe.
As you drive down the entrance road into Vilamoura you can feel you are entering somewhere special. The vegetation changes from a barren and dry landscape into a lush vibrant green. A natural path winds through a pine tree-lined central reservation that is now a popular walking route. Dotted with public exercise stations, there’s nothing like being fit and healthy to get motivated on your holiday.
Vilamoura is a luxury resort located in the central Algarve. Built around a small harbour which is now home to the biggest marina in Portugal, capable of mooring more than 1000 boats and yachts. Vilamoura is, for the most part, privately owned which has led to the town being designed into a playground for the rich.
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Vilamoura Voted "Best Tourist Destination"
According to many tourist magazines, Vilamoura is the best tourist destination in Portugal and some even say Europe. It is a high-class destination, associated with a sophisticated lifestyle, but at the same time relaxing. Only 30 minutes from Faro International Airport, Vilamoura meets all the criteria for a great holiday destination, or for the more fortunate, a place to call home.
Enjoying such a privileged position, Vilamoura is a quiet and peaceful resort suited to all tastes. Complemented by numerous natural attractions, beaches, and the beautiful white sandy coastline that stretches for miles. However the centrepiece has to be the manmade “Marina de Vilamoura” inaugurated in 1974, it was built around a natural harbour and is quite rightly considered the most beautiful place in town, particularly when lit up in the evening.
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During the summer months, large crowds of people come to visit and spend time along the pier, there are numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes serving a wide variety of foods from classic English Breakfast, fish, and chips, pizza, or kebabs to fine dining, it has something for everyone. Indian, Thai, Chinese, Portuguese, Swedish, Italian, steaks, vegetarian, and even a Macdonald’s, it is all here.
With many chic bars that overlook a harbour filled with million-pound yachts it really is the place to be seen. Vilamoura is unlike any other Portuguese town, gone is the traditional charm, to be replaced with striking perfection, the expectation of the super-rich who frequent the marina.
The Perfect Holiday Location
Located right in the middle of the Algarve, Vilamoura is just a twenty-minute drive from the larger cities of Albufeira, 15 mins from Loulé, and 30 mins from Faro. Nearby are mega-shopping centres, a designer name outlet mall, large home stores like Ikea, and some of the best hospitals and private clinics in the country. The central Algarve has it all, we should mention that many ex-pats from the United Kingdom have been living here for a long time making English almost as common as the Portuguese language.
Nearby you will find Aquashow Park one of the best waterparks in Europe, now with an indoor winter park for the colder months, a must-visit place for both families and friends. With many other varied activities and fascinating day trips, such as the historic city of Faro and the market town of Loule. These attractions and activities make Vilamoura the ideal year-round holiday destination for families, young couples, or groups.
A modern, resort-friendly, and sophisticated location, Vilamoura is a trendy town with easy access to several pristine beaches. There are plenty of high-class hotels in town, but many tourists prefer to take advantage of the high standard of rentable private apartments instead.
But no matter where you stay, you will always find plenty of trips and attractions to keep you busy. Some of the best excursions are those from the Vilamoura Marina, with daily boat trips along the coast. Try the Sunset Champagne Cruise on a private yacht with your closest friends or family, it is an experience never to be forgotten.
Beautiful Beaches and Top Class Golf Courses
Vilamoura is situated on a picturesque coastline of beautiful sandy beaches famous for its warm waters and its golden sands. The main beach, Praia de Vilamoura, is the busiest beach, while to the west of the marina, is the Praia da Falésia, an 8km stretch of golden sands and distinctive orange clay cliffs.
A boulevard now stretches from Vilamoura into the quaint fishing town of nearby Quarteira and is a great place to stretch your legs with a brisk walk before breakfast or a gentle stroll in the evening to walk off the calories. As the town is geared toward the greener side of life you will find many trials for walking, running, or biking. All are perfectly maintained and framed with colourful tropical flowers, palm trees, and pines while others take you along the beautiful waterfront.
Famous for its golf courses there are six to choose from in Vilamoura alone with another 30 within easy reach, the courses at nearby Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago are only 15 minutes away. With several championship courses including the Victoria Course which is home to the Portugal Masters every year.
With such a high-quality cluster of some of the finest golf courses to be found anywhere, it’s no wonder it is considered one of Europe’s most visited golfing destinations. The mild weather and more than 300 days of guaranteed sunshine make Vilamoura a truly all-year-round golfers’ paradise.
Vilamoura's Historical Past Unveiled
Among its former rulers, the Romans had the greatest influence on the landscape however despite the name translating to ‘Moorish Town’, in terms of history there is very little to see in Vilamoura, hardly surprising as it has only really existed for about 50 years.
Having said that there is the Museu Cerra da Vila museum an archaeological site revealed during the construction of the marina. Consisting of Roman ruins that include baths, a mosaic, and the foundations of some ancient Roman villas. The place has been a must-visit for the historical and avid travellers who come to visit Vilamoura.
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I have lived in the Algarve for over 20 years and love the experience. Now writing about and photographing the Algarve experience to share with others.
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