Free walking tours in Vilamoura and what to see

Must-sees

Vilamoura is a large Algarve resort built around one of the biggest marinas in Portugal. The marina, ringed by restaurants, shops and terraces, is the centre of life, with moored yachts and sunset strolls. Around it spread several internationally renowned golf courses.

Marina beach, next to the harbour, and Falésia beach, to the west, with its reddish cliffs, are the best known. By the marina are the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila, with the remains of a villa and baths. To the east, Quarteira keeps its seafront promenade and fish market.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Vilamoura. What people book from the marina is dolphin watching, sunset catamaran trips and outings such as the tour of Carvoeiro, Benagil and Ferragudo with wine tasting.

There are also 4x4 routes through the Algarve interior, bike tours and a tourist train around the resort. Golf is the other big activity, with courses open to visitors.

How long to spend

Vilamoura is a place to stay several days or a week. An afternoon is enough for the marina and the ruins. From here it is a short trip to Albufeira, Loulé, with its market, and Faro, whose airport is about twenty minutes away by car.

Where to stay

The hotels by the marina and the beach let you walk to restaurants and the sea. Around the golf courses there are resorts and spacious villas, quieter, for those travelling by car. Quarteira, next door, has cheaper places to stay and a small-town feel with a seafront promenade.