Vilamoura is one of the most beautiful destinations on the Algarve and arguably in all of Portugal. A stylish town, Vilamoura is built around a charming marina and is surrounded by delicious dining options, fabulous hotels, fashionable shopping outlets and of course – plenty of opportunities to get active.
The enviable climate coupled with the gorgeous sandy beaches make this the perfect destination for a summer holiday, and Vilamoura offers a diverse range of activities for you and the family to enjoy. Read on to find out more!
Beaches and Water Sports
Head to the east of the Marina to discover Praia de Vilamoura, a beach offering wonderful white sand, crystal-clear water and a great reputation for safety, too. Here you’ll also find the Puro Beach Club, an uber-chic and exclusive beach club providing excellent refreshments.
On Vilamoura’s beaches you can also enjoy all the classic water sports including paragliding, banana boats and a number of other inflatable options. There really is something for everyone.
Top Tip: Organise your visit to the beach well in advance of your departure date so you can book your favourite water sport activities before they sell out.
Day Trips
Loule
Head out for the day to nearby town of Loule, a place featuring some truly stunning architecture from gothic churches to impressive castles. This is the ideal escape from the tourist-heavy coastline and offers something a little more historic and cultured for those who want to enjoy another side of Portugal.
Loule Castle will be a real highlight of your visit here, with the story of this stunning building beginning over 2,000 years ago. Whilst it may look like just another medieval fortress, you’ll be surprised to learn of its secrets.
Faro
Since you’ll be flying into Faro airport, it’s definitely worth taking a day trip to the main city itself at some point during your trip. Enjoy an authentic Portuguese experience as you make your way through some of the delicious dining options available, taking in the rich history and colourful culture as you go.
Top Tip: Head to the Ria Formosa Natural Park for a taste of the diverse and colourful wildlife of the Algarve, including beautiful birdlife and the fascinating shellfish of the region.
Boat Trips
There is a wide range of boat trips on offer from Vilamoura, so make the most of them! From dolphin watching and coast tours to exciting deep-sea fishing, you and the family really will be spoilt for choice.
Top Tip: If you’d like to take in a stunning sunset cruise, charter a private yacht for a truly special evening out on the Algarve coast.
Zoomarine & Other Waterparks
The waterparks in Vilamoura are seriously impressive. A great activity for kids and big kids alike, you’ll find everything from fantastic flumes to rubber ring rides and the all-important daredevil vertical slides for those who want to take on something a little less, well, relaxing!
The Waterparks
- Slide and Splash
- Aqualand
- Aquashow
Where to Stay
Dom Pedro Marina – With an excellent location right in the heart of Vilamoura, Dom Pedro Marina is a charming and inviting boutique hotel which makes for a great family-friendly option. Situated on the beautiful Algarve coast, the hotel overlooks the International Yacht Marina – a postcard-perfect view.
Hotel Parque das Laranjeiras – An easy twelve-minute drive from Vilamoura’s famous sandy beaches, Hotel Parque das Laranjeiras offers two outdoor pools as well as an inviting private garden. Each room has a balcony offering breath-taking vistas of the region, and you’ll also find a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and free Wi-Fi.
How to Get There
The best way to reach all of these fantastic activities out in Vilamoura is to take a flight from one of the UK’s airports direct into Faro Airport. Once you land, take a pre-booked private shuttle transfer straight through to your accommodation. Booking this well in advance of your departure date will guarantee you the best possible price on your journey and will give you the peace of mind to know that all your travel arrangements are sorted.
You’ll be greeted when you land by a friendly and professional driver who will be on hand to help in any way they can, taking you from door to door without any hassle at all. It’s the ideal stress-free way to kick off your holiday!
Overview
- UK to Faro Flight Time: 2 hours 35 mins
- Transfer Time: 30 mins
- Transfer Distance: 28 km
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is a leading provider of airport transfers to tourists and travellers all over Europe and North Africa. Our drivers are professional and friendly and are guaranteed to take you from door to door without any hassle, meeting you when you land and being on hand to help in any way that they can.
