Things to Do in Vilamoura and Quarteira

Vilamoura is the Algarve’s polished, purpose-built resort: a big marina lined with restaurants and yachts, world-class golf, a casino and long beaches, with Roman ruins and a nature park thrown in. Here are the best things to do in Vilamoura and next-door Quarteira.

Quick answer: stroll the marina, play golf, relax on Praia da Falésia (its eastern end) or the beaches either side of the marina, take a dolphin or coastal boat trip, visit the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila (about €4), and see birds in the Environmental Park. Next door, Quarteira has a long promenade and a Wednesday market.

Why go

Vilamoura is easy. It’s close to Faro airport, the beaches are long and sandy, and everything from boat trips to golf starts within a short walk or drive of the marina. It suits couples, families and golfers who want comfort more than old-town character. For that, Loulé and the smaller villages are close by.

Things to do

The marina

One of the largest marinas in Portugal, ringed with restaurants, bars and shops. Lovely for an evening stroll and dinner by the yachts. It’s busiest on summer evenings, when the terraces fill up.

Beaches

Long sandy beaches stretch either side of the marina, and the eastern end of the stunning Praia da Falésia, with its red cliffs, is just to the west. The beaches next to the marina are lifeguarded in summer and have sunbed hire and beach bars. Falésia is wilder and better for long walks. See Praia da Falésia.

Golf

Vilamoura has several golf courses, including the Old Course. In 2025 the Old Course, Pinhal, Laguna and Millennium courses were rebranded from Dom Pedro to Vilamoura Golf. The former Victoria course is now the private Els Club Vilamoura, which hosted the first Portugal Invitational, a PGA Tour Champions event, in summer 2026. Book tee times ahead, especially in spring and autumn, which are the busiest golf seasons. See the best Algarve golf courses.

Boat trips

Dolphin-watching trips (usually about €35 to €45 for adults), coastal cave trips and sunset cruises leave from the marina. Most last two to three hours. Sightings are likely but never guaranteed, and trips can be cancelled when the sea is rough. See Vilamoura boat trips.

Cerro da Vila

The remains of a Roman villa and fish-salting factory right next to the marina, with mosaics and a small museum. The site was later used by the Moors, and the museum displays finds from all its periods. Tickets are usually about €4 for adults, free for children aged 13 and under. It’s usually open on weekdays only, roughly 9:30am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm, so check times before you go. Allow about an hour.

Vilamoura Environmental Park

A large area of wetland, reedbeds and farmland west of the marina, with a nature trail of just over 5km and bird hides for spotting herons and other water birds. The reedbed is said to be the largest in southern Portugal and attracts purple herons, little bitterns and marsh harriers, especially during migration. You can walk or cycle the trail. Go early or late in the day for the best birdwatching.

Casino Vilamoura

The casino has gaming, shows and restaurants, and hosts poker tournaments. Take photo ID, as casinos in Portugal check it at the door.

Quarteira

The neighbouring town has a long seafront promenade, a busy fish market and a big weekly market on Wednesday mornings. The Aquashow water park is here too. See water park tickets.

Quarteira feels more Portuguese and less polished than Vilamoura, and it’s usually cheaper to eat there. You can walk or cycle between the two along the seafront in about half an hour. See Quarteira.

Nearby

• Loulé: a Moorish-style market hall and a big Saturday market, 15 minutes inland.
• Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo: upmarket resorts and beach restaurants. See Algarve beach restaurants.
• Albufeira: 20 minutes west. See things to do in Albufeira.

Getting there and around

• From Faro airport: about 25 minutes by car or taxi. Transfers and ride-hailing apps are the easiest options.
• By car: the A22 motorway runs just inland and has been toll-free since January 2025. Marina car parks fill up on summer evenings, so arrive early or come by taxi.
• By bus: Vamus Algarve regional buses link Vilamoura and Quarteira with Loulé, Albufeira and Faro. Line 55 runs a few times a day between Vilamoura, Quarteira, Almancil and Faro airport, taking about 45 to 50 minutes. Check current timetables, as services are thinner in winter.
• By train: there’s no station in Vilamoura. The nearest stations on the Algarve line are a taxi ride inland.
• Getting around: the resort is spread out, so a bike, the seafront path or a short taxi ride helps. See getting around the Algarve.

How long to spend

One day covers the highlights. Stay three or four nights if you want beach time, golf and a day trip or two.

A one-day plan

• Morning: Cerro da Vila on a weekday, then the beach next to the marina.
• Afternoon: a dolphin or coastal boat trip from the marina, or a walk on Praia da Falésia.
• Late afternoon: the Environmental Park trail as the light softens.
• Evening: dinner by the marina, or fish by the sea in Quarteira.

Food

The marina leans towards international menus. For Algarve food, look for grilled fish and seafood, cataplana (a seafood stew cooked in a copper pan) and arroz de marisco (seafood rice). Quarteira’s seafront is the place for simple grilled fish. Try the local sweets made with almonds, figs and carob. See cataplana in the Algarve.

When to go

• May, June and September: warm, sunny and calmer than peak summer.
• July and August: hot and busy, with the most boat trips and nightlife. Book ahead.
• Spring and autumn: the best months for golf.
• Winter: mild and quiet, but some marina restaurants and boat trips close or cut their hours.

Practical tips

• Book boat trips a day or two ahead in summer, and have a backup day in case of rough seas.
• Prices at the marina are higher than in Quarteira or Loulé.
• Markets: plan around Quarteira on Wednesday morning and Loulé on Saturday morning.

Where to stay

See luxury hotels around Albufeira and Vilamoura (including the former Anantara, now Victoria Golf Resort) or browse Vilamoura and Quarteira stays. Getting here: about 25 minutes from Faro airport. See Faro airport transfers.

FAQ

Is Vilamoura good for families?

Yes. The marina beaches are sandy and lifeguarded in summer, and Quarteira has the Aquashow water park.

How far is Vilamoura from Faro airport?

About 25 minutes by car or taxi, or about 45 to 50 minutes on the Vamus Algarve bus.

Is there a train station in Vilamoura?

No. The nearest stations on the Algarve line are inland, so you need a taxi or bus from there.

Can you play golf at the Els Club Vilamoura?

Usually not. It is a private club, open to members and their guests, plus a limited number of guests staying at the Victoria Golf Resort & Spa. The other Vilamoura Golf courses take visitors.

See also: Loule, where to stay in Vilamoura and Quarteira.

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