This is a designed town/complex which was once spacious and un-crowded. Today it has large numbers of hotels, apartments and villas for the tourist. The area does show an underlying plan, but this seems to have been somewhat overwhelmed in places by the tourist apartments.

The central marina is full of expensive private yachts and cruisers but for those less well off a wide range of boat trips can be purchased. It is advisable to ask around those finishing a trip before making ones own choice of excursion as the quality and price varies considerably some are brilliant whilst some are no more than mediocre. Tourists are 'coached in' several times a day to the marina to go on these trips. If you feel that you would like to purchase one of these vessels then perhaps you should visit Vilamoura's casino.

The visiting fisherman has two choices at the marina, to book a deep sea game fishing trip or to just walk about and stare at the large numbers of giant mullet around the pontoons. Although fishing is not allowed in the marina this doesn't seem to stop the spectacular local kingfishers.

The area is also popular with golfers as there are a number of excellent courses (a 27 and two 18 hole) surrounding the town centre and horse riding is available nearby at a large well equipped centre.

See also the surrounding areas of Quarteira, and Vale do Lobo/Quinta do Lago

Accommodation (A-Z)

• Few Entries - can you help?
   
• Planalto - 1995
  "This is an excellent complex of privately owned 1 - 3 bedroom villas. Some of which are available for rental. As it was built about 15 years ago, it is well established and does not have any high rise apartments. It is located about one mile from the centre of Vilamoura. There is an excellent restaurant and it also has a good manager, Mrs. Vidal, who looks after everything very well. There is also a swimming pool. The complex itself is quiet and very relaxing".
  The telephone number of Planalto is 302805 Fax: 302167
   
• The Old Village  -2000
  "My family and I visited the Old Village to the North of Vilamoura in May 1997. The Old Village is made up of a collection of privately-owned apartments and also contains a Disco as well as three lovely restaurants. Sitting on a hill overlooking the resort (the access road runs between a golf course) it's a quiet location. There are two pools within the confines of the Old Village itself. Vilamoura sits about a kilometer or so away though there is a "short-cut" through some relatively flat, rough ground to the left of the tennis courts. Well worth a visit, the accommodations being very well presented indeed".

Eateries (A-Z)

• Bella Italia - 2003
  (Apr 2003) "on the marina - great food and very reasonable considering the location. When very busy you have to join the queue to get in. Try the Vegetarian Pizza - I can vouch for this. Also have one of their fabulous ice creams -try the yoghurt cone if watching the weight - otherwise have a concoction".
   
• The Canoa - 1997
  (In the Villa Lusa Centre - just across the road from the Marina). "The food is varied, and extremely good value for money and the service is first class".
   
• Cocoloco Restaraunt - 2000
  "A very good menu at reasonable prices. The surroundings are pleasant + the service is excellent although some dishes have a waiting time approx 30mins but it is well worth the wait.
  I can personally recommend the Chicken Curry + King prawn salad ( big helpings of both)". (About 50 meters away from the Parque Mourabel complex). 
   
• The Crows Nest - 1997
  (At the top end of the Vilamoura Marina). "Particularly recommend the Garlic Tiger Prawns (approx 2700 esc.(13.468€)). A little pricey but a good main menu selection with a range of International dishes (good seafood, other Portuguese dishes limited) and Children's Menu too. Sweet menu a little disappointing though".
   
• The Fornaretto - 1997
  (Above "The Canoa"). "An Italian Pizzeria which is also very popular".
   
• Leonels - 1999
  (in the marina). "Excellent food, good decor inside with live music (piano or guitar) playing softly in the background. Slightly higher prices but worth it- we typically paid around 9000 esc (44.892€) for a three course meal with wine for two. Good range of dishes - fish, seafood, steak, rack of lamb. Steak especially recommended - flambéed at your table. However - be prepared for extremely slow service - we've been going here since it opened five years ago and always have to wait ages. Relax and enjoy watching the crowds go by and you'll have a good night".
   
• Ostra D'Ouro - 2003
  (Apr 2003) "Good food and great entertainment for kids and adults alike. Definitely worth a return visit. Fresh fish had by our party of 8 - excellent. Try ordering a large beer and see what happens".
  
  (Oct 02) " Located just behind the marina by the Sunglass hut. You laugh from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. The waiters are more like entertainers than waiters. Check this one out, good food and giant beers..."
   
• Romarina - 2002
  (July 02) "Opposite Mc Donalds, excellent food from snacks to main meal and beautiful pastries to finish off with. The staff were very helpful and friendly, we went at lunch time on the three times we visited Vilamoura".