A mighty corner of the Algarve that boasts the biggest marina in Portugal, Vilamoura oozes an upmarket atmosphere, with high-spirited nightlife and white sandy bays that stretch as far as the eye can see. From laid-back sunset beach bars to friendly local restaurants and a big bustling marina to explore – there’s something for everyone on these sun-soaked shores.

Why we love Holidays to Vilamoura in 2026

• ⛵ Portugal's biggest marina - this isn't just any old harbour, it's a glamorous affair with luxury yachts, waterfront restaurants, and that sophisticated Mediterranean vibe

• 🏖️ Two stunning beaches - Praia da Falésia with its dramatic red cliffs stretching for 6km, and Praia de Vilamoura right by the marina with calm waters perfect for families

• ⛳ Golf heaven - six world-class championship courses including the famous Old Course, making it one of Europe's premier golfing destinations (even if you've never played, the scenery's gorgeous!)

• 🏛️ Surprisingly historical - Roman ruins at Cerro da Vila Museum right in the heart of town prove this place has been popular for over 2,000 years!

☀️ Good to Know for your Vilamoura Holidays

• ☀️ Over 300 days of sunshine a year with summer temps hitting 29°C – proper scorchio territory with barely any rain from May to September

• 💶 Pricier than some Algarve spots (it's the posh end) but a pint's still only around €4-5 and seafood platters won't break the bank

• 🍽️ Foodie paradise - fresh seafood pulled straight from the Atlantic, Michelin-worthy dining, and everything from beachside chiringuitos to elegant marina restaurants

🌞 When should you visit Vilamoura?

Vilamoura's blessed with over 300 days of sunshine a year, so you're pretty much guaranteed good weather whenever you rock up. Here's the lowdown on each season:

• Spring (April–June) - Temps climbing from 20°C to 26°C with warm, sunny days perfect for golf, exploring and getting your beach game started early. Fewer crowds, better prices, and the sea's warming up nicely by June.

• Summer (July–August) - Peak season with temps hitting 29°C+ and the marina absolutely buzzing. Best time for beach days, boat trips and making the most of those long, warm evenings. Book early – this is when everyone wants to be here.

• Autumn (September–October) - Our secret weapon. The sea's still bath-warm from summer, temps hover around 23-26°C, and the summer crowds have headed home. Perfect for couples and golfers who want the good weather without the queues.

• Winter (November–March) - Mild and sunny with temps around 16-17°C – still loads warmer than the UK! Quieter beaches, lower prices, and ideal conditions for golf. The odd rainy day, but mostly clear skies and gentle sun.

🏖️ Best Beaches for your Vilamoura Holidays

Vilamoura's got two crackers, split by the marina in the middle:

• 🏖️ Praia de Vilamoura – Right next to the marina with golden sand, calm waters and all the facilities you need. Sunbeds, beach bars, lifeguards – sorted. Perfect for families who want everything on tap.

• 🧡 Praia da Falésia – The showstopper. Six kilometres of golden sand backed by dramatic orange and red cliffs that look unreal at sunset. A bit more of a walk from the marina but absolutely worth it for the views and space.

Both beaches have Blue Flag status, so the water's crystal clear and well looked after. Falésia's better for long walks and clifftop hikes, while Vilamoura beach is ideal if you want to nip back to the marina for lunch.

🏨 Where to Stay in Vilamoura

Whether you're after a swanky five-star escape, a family-friendly resort with all the bells and whistles, or a spot that's perfect for exploring the marina, Vilamoura's got you sorted.

For Families

• Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort - Five-star luxury right on the sand with two pools, a kids' club, playground and family rooms sleeping four. The Purobeach pool is a stunner and there's a spa for when the grown-ups need five minutes' peace.

• Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa - Five-star resort with indoor and outdoor pools, kids' club, playground and five restaurants to choose from. The cascading pools are Instagram gold.

• Vila Galé Ampalius - Just 100m from the beach with a kids' club, playground, pool and ping-pong tables to keep everyone entertained. Buffet restaurant means fussy eaters are sorted.

For Couples

• Domes Lake Algarve - The exclusive one. Private lake, sand-bottom pool, adults-only pool area and direct access to Falésia Beach. Three restaurants including neo-Greek seafood – proper romantic.

• Crowne Plaza Vilamoura - Five-star beachfront with an on-site spa featuring hammam, sauna and indoor heated pool. The sea views from your balcony are hard to beat.

• Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort - Overlooking Victoria Golf Course with three pools, a beautiful beach club and that famous Anantara service. Peaceful and seriously luxurious.

Luxury Picks

• Domes Lake Algarve - Five-star with private lake access, three swimming pools including a sand-bottom pool, Soma Spa, and the only hotel with direct access to Praia da Falésia.

• Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort - World-class luxury overlooking Victoria Golf Course with three outdoor pools, beach club, kids' and teens' clubs, and a spa that'll leave you feeling like royalty.

For Golfers

• Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa - Surrounded by championship courses with direct access to some of the Algarve's best greens. Five restaurants, spa and those famous cascading pools.

• Four Seasons Vilamoura - Overlooks an 18-hole championship course with putting green, driving range and Club House. Lagoon-style pools, spa and themed dinner nights.

Budget-Friendly Picks

• Pinhal da Marina - Set in a pine forest with two pools, kids' pool and free sports courts. 20-minute walk to the marina – great value for self-catering families.

• Algamar - Self-catering apartments 600m from the beach and a short walk to the casino and marina. Pool on-site and loads of restaurants nearby – solid value.

Your Holidays to Vilamoura 2026 / 2027 Travel Guide

For families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• 💦 Aquashow Park & Zoomarine - Portugal's massive water parks are right on your doorstep with slides, dolphin shows, and all-day entertainment. The kids will be absolutely buzzing!

• 🏖️ Beach days at Praia de Vilamoura - calm, shallow waters perfect for paddling and sandcastle building, with lifeguards on duty so parents can actually relax

• ⛳ Family Golf Park - crazy golf with Roman-themed obstacles and even air conditioning on some holes. Fun for all ages and you'll probably beat Dad!

• 🐬 Dolphin watching tours - set off from the marina on a family-friendly boat trip to spot dolphins in their natural habitat. Proper magical stuff

• 🏛️ Cerro da Vila Museum - ancient Roman ruins that are surprisingly fascinating. It's educational without being boring, and admission's cheap as chips

For couples 💕

• 🛥️ Sunset cruise with champagne - sail along the Algarve coast as the sun sets, sipping bubbly and taking in dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. Proper romantic!

• 🍽️ Fine dining at the marina - waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood, Portuguese wines, and candlelit ambiance overlooking luxury yachts

• 💆 Couples spa day - book treatments together at one of Vilamoura's luxury hotel spas. Massages overlooking the marina? Yes, please!

• 🐴 Horseback riding on the beach - ride along Falésia Beach at sunset or explore the countryside. Romantic, scenic, and brilliant for Instagram

• 🍷 Wine tasting tour - jeep safari through the Algarve countryside visiting local wineries and traditional potteries. Educational and delicious!

• 🎰 Casino night - dress up, try your luck at the tables, and enjoy cocktails in glamorous surroundings. Even if you don't gamble, the atmosphere's class

For groups & friends 🎉

• 🚤 Jet boat adventure - 30 minutes of high-speed, wave-jumping madness around the bay. Proper adrenaline rush and you'll all be screaming!

• 🏖️ Benagil Cave tour - boat trips to the famous sea cave with stops for swimming and BBQs on secluded beaches. Legendary day out with the crew

• 🏄 Jet skiing & water sports - rent jet skis and race around the bay, or try wakeboarding and water skiing. Brilliant fun and perfect for competitive banter

• 🎣 Deep-sea fishing - charter a boat and try to catch tuna, bass, or even sharks. Land the big one, then celebrate at a marina restaurant

• ⛳ Golf day - six championship courses including the famous Old Course. Even if some of your group are rubbish, everyone can have a laugh

• 🍻 Marina bar crawl - sundowners at waterfront bars, cocktails overlooking yachts, then lively late-night spots. The marina comes alive after dark!

• 🪂 Parasailing - take turns flying above the bay. Incredible views and bragging rights for whoever stays calmest (or screams loudest)

🗺️ More Algarve Holidays

Looking to explore more of the Algarve? These spots are all within easy reach:

• Albufeira – The Algarve's party capital with legendary nightlife on The Strip, plus stunning Old Town charm and brilliant beaches. 20 mins west.

• Quarteira – Vilamoura's quieter, more local neighbour with a lovely promenade, weekly fish market and great value restaurants. Walking distance.

• Faro – The Algarve's capital with a beautiful Old Town, Ria Formosa lagoon access and the airport. 25 mins east.

• Lagos – Dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, lively bar scene and some of the Algarve's most stunning beaches. 45 mins west.

• Portimão – Bustling fishing port with excellent seafood, Praia da Rocha beach and a more authentic Portuguese vibe. 30 mins west.

• Carvoeiro – Charming clifftop fishing village with a picturesque beach, great restaurants and a more relaxed pace. 35 mins west.