Vilamoura is a little bit of luxury in Portugal and is a wonderful place to visit on holiday. One of the largest tourism resorts run on a private basis in Europe, it is a rather exclusive establishment much removed from the traditional Algarve holiday destinations. The purpose built resort has something to suit everyone and includes luxury hotels, villas and apartments, either close to the beautiful marina or on the golf complexes. Here is our introduction to Vilamoura.
The Marina
This is where it all happens in Vilamoura. There is a great selection of bars, restaurants and of course designer shops at the marina. This is a great place to wander during the day, when you can join locals and tourists alike relaxing in the shaded cafes and meandering round the shops. At night, when things liven up a bit, this is also a fun place to be, as people start coming out to enjoy the bars and restaurants.
The marina itself is quite a spectacle as it is home to yachts, golfers, celebrities and the well heeled set that enjoy holidaying in beautiful places in the sunshine. There is plenty to do here including boat trips, walking, cycling and shopping.
The Golf Scene
The golf in Vilamoura is known the world over and if you enjoy the sport this is the place to be. With several fabulous championship courses, Vilamoura attracts all manner of avid golfers.
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The Beach
The two beaches here are Praia da Marina and Praia da Falesia. Both are stunning and the latter one runs all the way along the coast to Olhos d’Agua so makes a nice spot for a long beach stroll. There are sofas and beds with canopies on Praia da Marina which are moved in the evening to the shores of the lake in the grounds of Tivoli Marina Hotel. When they are on the beach in the daytime you can use them to relax and enjoy a massage or soak up the sunshine, and in the evening, when they are moved to the lakeside, you can lay back on one and listen to the live music.
Casino Action
Vilamoura Casino has evening entertainment on a regular basis so even if you don’t want to get involved in the gaming rooms, you can enjoy shows and dances most evenings.
Vilamoura is a wonderful holiday destination and whether you want to get your golf clubs out, relax on the beach or try your hand at parasailing, there really is something to keep everyone happy here. There are some other great places within easy reach and a trip to Loule, with its 14th century castle and Saturday gypsy market, is a must. Equally, a visit to Alte, a typical Algarve village with a delightful centre and charming atmosphere, nestled into the foothills is perfect for a very pleasant change from the glamour of Vilamoura.
How to Get to Vilamoura
Faro is the closet airport to Vilamoura and is in the process of being expanded to help with the influx of tourists it sees year on year. Flying into Faro is easy as it is well served by flights from most European cities. And, only a short drive from Vilamoura, a Faro airport transfer is very convenient. We, here at Shuttle Direct, offer Faro airport transfers direct form the airport to your hotel and back again too.
Book with us and you can guarantee a reliable and competitively priced service that is run by an experienced and professional team on the ground. Let us get your holiday in the Algarve off to a great start and whisk you straight to your hotel as soon as you get through arrivals. We provide shared and private transfers so the choice is yours.
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Where to Stay
Parque das Amendoeiras – For basic yet reliable and functional accommodation in Vilamoura, Amendoeiras is the ideal option. Only a 10-minute stroll from the main beach, this apartment complex is perfectly situated and is close to the famous golf courses too. Every apartment boasts a kitchen area and private balcony and although décor is simple, the apartments have private bathrooms and a bath. A restaurant on the complex serves traditional dishes alongside international favourites and Parky’s bar has live music every night.
Verde Pino – If you are looking for a slightly more upmarket accommodation option in Vilamoura, Verde Pino is a lovely choice. There is an on-site bar here and beautiful green areas ideal for relaxing. Every room has a TV, a coffee machine and some rooms offer a seating area too. Complete with lovely private bathrooms, this hotel is only 1.2 miles from the Marina in Vilamoura.
The Lake Resort Hotel – For real five star treatment, head to The Lake Resort Hotel. Only a short stroll to Falesia Beach, this resort is a stunning combination of chic and comfort. With a natural sandy beach pool and a rather unique floating restaurant, The Lake Resort Hotel is a definite luxury choice. Rooms all have balconies and are bright, airy and spacious. A Moorish style dome dominates the lobby and sets the elegant precedence that resonates throughout the hotel. With a spa area, three restaurants (one serving fabulous fresh fish in the garden and one offering Oriental cuisine), two bars, a kids’ club and a library, this hotel has something for everyone.
