Vilamoura sits on Portugal’s sun-splashed Algarve, a purpose-built resort town with a glamorous marina, golf pedigree, and easy access to wild, rust-colored cliffs and hidden coves. Just 25 minutes from Faro Airport, it’s an ideal base for coastal boat trips, seafood feasts, and day jaunts to whitewashed villages.

History runs deeper than the sleek yachts suggest: the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila reveal mosaics, salt tanks, and a harbor settlement that once traded across the Mediterranean. Today’s pleasures are simpler—golden beaches, Atlantic breezes, and cataplana bubbling with local shellfish.

Expect Mediterranean-Portuguese cuisine, casual marina promenades, and nightlife that ranges from live piano bars to DJ-backed beach clubs. Spring and fall bring mild weather and calmer seas for cave cruises, while summer means long beach days and warm evenings. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a light layer for breezy nights.

Vilamoura

Vilamoura revolves around its world-class Marina, lined with restaurants, gelaterias, and late-night bars, with Praia da Falésia’s burnt-orange cliffs stretching west. It’s equally loved by sailors and families, golfers and beach-goers, first-timers and Algarve regulars.

• Top sights: Marina de Vilamoura, Cerro da Vila Roman ruins, Praia da Falésia (Rocha Baixinha), Quarteira promenade, Family Golf Park (mini-golf), nearby Loulé market town.
• Signature experiences: Benagil cave cruises, dolphin spotting, sunset sailing, parasailing, reef fishing, wine tasting inland near Loulé and Silves.
• Where to stay: For Marina views, waterfront hotels and apartments; for value, Old Village and Quarteira; for tranquility, golf-side villas along Dom Pedro courses.
• Dining notes: Order a seafood cataplana to share, try piri‑piri chicken at local grills, and finish with Dom Rodrigo or almond-based sweets from the region.

Where to book your stay: Browse villas and apartments on VRBO Vilamoura or compare hotels on Hotels.com Vilamoura. For a mid-range budget, consider marina-adjacent 4-star hotels or self-catering apartments in the Old Village.

Getting there: Fly into Faro (FAO). Compare Europe flights on Omio Flights; for long-haul options, check Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Faro Airport to Vilamoura is ~25 minutes by taxi/ride-hail. From Lisbon, trains to Loulé/Faro take about 3–3.5 hours—compare on Omio Trains—and express buses are similar in time and often cheaper via Omio Buses.

Day 1: Arrival, Marina Stroll, Sunset Under Sail

Afternoon: Arrive in Faro and transfer to Vilamoura (about 25 minutes by taxi). Check into your hotel or apartment—use Hotels.com or VRBO to match your mid-range budget. Stretch your legs along the Marina, ogling classic yachts and browsing boutiques. For a sweet pick‑me‑up, grab gelato and espresso at Nosolo Italia on the waterfront.

Evening: Cast off on a golden-hour cruise: Sunset Tour on a Luxury Sailing Yacht from Vilamoura. Sail past Praia da Falésia and Tomatoes Beach as cliffs blush at dusk; it’s a relaxed way to set your Algarve rhythm.

After docking, dine marina-side at Akvavit (Nordic-leaning seafood; try the fish soup and grilled dourada) or The Fisherman’s Shack (cataplana for two, rustic and hearty). Nightcap at Atlantic Piano Bar with live tunes or O’Neills Irish Bar for lively craic.

Day 2: Bike the Backstreets, Falésia Beach Time, Cocktails by the Water

Morning: See beyond the marina with a guided ride: 3H Guided Bike Tour in Vilamoura. You’ll weave past pine groves, the Old Village, and Cerro da Vila’s Roman site—great context and photo stops without the hills.

Fuel up beforehand with a galao and pastel de nata at Pastelaria Beira Mar in nearby Quarteira (casual, local, and affordable).

Afternoon: Roll out your towel on Praia da Falésia (Rocha Baixinha Nascente), where saffron cliffs meet teal water. For a comfy setup and lunch, book a lounger at Thai Beach Club—order the sea bass ceviche or a green curry and a chilled vinho verde. Families or groups can add a round at Family Golf Park (Roman-themed mini‑golf that’s more fun than it sounds).

Evening: Dinner in the Old Village at Le Rendez-Vous (laid‑back garden terrace; octopus rice and lamb shank are standouts). Then head to Purobeach Vilamoura at the Tivoli for DJ-backed cocktails around the pool; it’s mellow early, more social later.

Day 3: Roman Ruins, Dolphins and Caves, Marina Dining

Morning: Step into antiquity at Cerro da Vila Museum. The on-site ruins show Roman baths, mosaics, and fish-salting tanks that once fed an empire. It’s compact—plan about 60–90 minutes—and right in the resort core.

Afternoon: Board a fast RIB from the marina for a photogenic coastline run: Benagil And Dolphins Tour. Skim beneath honeycombed arches, peek into sea caves—including the famed Benagil dome—and watch for pods of common and bottlenose dolphins playing in the boat’s wake.

Back at the marina, grab an espresso or fresh juice and browse for local cork goods.

Evening: Reserve at News Restaurante & Bar for sunset-facing tables and a menu that spans fresh seafood to aged steaks (their tuna tataki is a good starter; save room for Algarvian almond tart). Gelato stroll after dinner along the lit-up boardwalk.

Day 4: Jeep + Boat + Wine Tasting in the Algarve Hinterland

Day tour (no time splits): Trade the coast for hills and vineyards on the Benagil Adventure: Jeep and Boat Tour with Wine Tasting. You’ll bounce along off‑road tracks through cork oak and orange groves, stop for regional nibbles (try local marmalades and “medronho” firewater), cruise to dramatic sea caves, and unwind at a winery for an Algarve tasting—spot‑on for your wine-interest and “something unique.”

Return to Vilamoura pleasantly tired. Keep dinner simple: The Fisherman’s Shack for grilled sardines and clam bulhão pato, or Il Lamparo for wood-fired pizzas and a kid-friendly vibe.

Day 5: Market Morning, Last Beach Hugs, Departure

Morning: Pop over to the Mercado Municipal de Quarteira to watch fishmongers prepping the day’s catch alongside stalls of figs, almonds, and local cheeses—great for edible souvenirs. Coffee at Pastelaria Beira Mar or a quick bite on the marina if you prefer a shorter stroll.

Afternoon: Squeeze in a final beach walk on Falésia, then transfer to Faro Airport. If you’re continuing by rail, Loulé and Faro stations connect to Lisbon (~3–3.5 hours on the Alfa/Intercidades; check schedules and fares on Omio Trains). For buses, compare operators and prices on Omio Buses. Flying onward? Compare options on Omio Flights, and for long-haul consider Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you’re coming via Lisbon and want a direct car service, you can also prebook a door-to-door option here: Transfers (Lisbon - Algarve) / (Algarve - Lisbon).

Extra Eating & Drinking Shortlist

• Akvavit (Marina): Scandinavian-Portuguese seafood; polished service and harbor views.
• The Fisherman’s Shack: Local favorite for cataplana and charcoal-grilled fish—good value for groups.
• Il Lamparo (Marina): Casual Italian; reliable for families and late lunches.
• Le Rendez-Vous (Old Village): Garden setting; slow-braised meats and daily catch.
• Thai Beach Club (Falésia): Loungers, decent Thai dishes, and a front-row seat to the Atlantic.
• Purobeach Vilamoura: Poolside cocktails and light bites; DJs on select evenings.
• Nosolo Italia (Marina): Gelato and espresso for your evening passeggiata.

Budget & Practical Tips

• Mid-range stay: Target 4-star marina hotels or 1–2 bedroom apartments a 10–15 minute walk from the water for better rates.
• Save on meals: Opt for set lunch menus (pratos do dia) and share a cataplana for dinner—portions are generous.
• Sea conditions: Caves depend on swell and tides; morning departures are often calmer. Bring a light windbreaker on boats.
• Transport: Ride-hailing is widely available; for intercity moves, compare trains and buses on Omio for the best deal.

Featured Vilamoura Activities (aligned to your interests):

• Sunset Tour on a Luxury Sailing Yacht from Vilamoura

  

• 3H Guided Bike Tour in Vilamoura

  

• Benagil And Dolphins Tour

  

• Benagil Adventure: Jeep and Boat Tour with Wine Tasting

  

Five days in Vilamoura balances sea-spray thrills with slow, sunlit moments—dolphins and caves, crisp wines, and marina evenings. With easy access from Faro and plenty of mid‑budget stays and eats, it’s a stress-light way to savor the Algarve’s best coastline and cuisine.