Travel to Vilamoura

Travel to Vilamoura

On the Algarve coast in southern Portugal, the purpose built resort of Vilamoura is one of the largest of its kind in Europe, attracting many visitors every year. Vilamoura is a great place for leisure and relaxation and as it has some splendid golf courses; it is especially popular for golfing holidays. There are some interesting towns and villages in the surrounding area with plenty of opportunities to discover more about the culture and history of the Algarve.

Transportation to Vilamoura

Most people reach Vilamoura flying into Faro airport, a short drive from the resort, or by car from other destinations in Portugal or Spain. The Algarve is a popular destination and there are flights to Faro from all across Europe with 14 daily flights from up to 20 different UK airports in the high season.

Roads in Portugal vary a great deal in quality, but the major routes from the Algarve to Lisbon and further afield to Seville in southern Spain are excellent. Car hire is popular here and allows you the freedom to explore some of the interesting towns and villages, as well as the great beaches of the Algarve.

It is also possible to reach Vilamoura by rail or bus services to one of the nearby towns.

What to see

The most popular sightseeing attractions in Vilamoura are the Roman ruins at Cerro da Vila where there is also an interesting museum. Excavations here have proved that the area was once on the Roman Empires trading network and there have since been many archaeological finds.

The nearby village of Querena is a traditional Algarve village with bright white painted houses and an interesting 16th century church. There are also some nature trails and good opportunities for bird watching in this area. The village of Almancil, just six miles from Vilamoura, is also worth a visit with its chapel and small art gallery.

Day trips

There are plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding area of the Algarve, with one of the most popular day excursions being a trip to Sagres and the southwest tip of mainland Europe. It was in Sagres that Prince Harry established a school of navigation over five centuries ago. This school was home to some of the greatest Portuguese explorers.

Activities and leisure

Vilamoura is a great place for sport and leisure, with golf being the most popular activity here. The resort itself is home to some splendid courses including the Old Course that has hosted the Portuguese Open. The seas around the Algarve offer some of the best deep sea fishing in Europe and one day and half day trips are popular and fun for experienced fishermen and beginners alike.

Safety issues

Visits to Vilamoura are usually trouble-free, but as with any popular tourist resort, it is important to be aware of the risk of petty crime and to always take care of your belongings. If you explore the area by car then be careful when driving on some of the regions smaller, less well maintained roads.