Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Portugal / Algarve / Vilamoura
 |  | Travel Reviews : Vilamoura |
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| | | | Review by Helen Raphael from London
Villamoura is definetely worth visiting; I liked it especially as we visited out of peak season in early October - I would dread to imagine how busy it is in peak season and have absolutely no intentions of attempting to find out - maybe the younger generation would appreciate it at this time!
Never-the-less a really lovely place to stay with plenty to do while your out there...great place to take the family as the Portuguese are family-oriented!
Prices vary from good value to very expensive but don't let that put you off...it works out about 50/50...so prices to suit all budgets!
Review by Phyllis Ward from Clanfield, Hampshire, UK
The Old Village is a superb development, offering safe, convenient, clean and quiet accommodation with a full range of facilities for visitors.
Review by Esther myles from Crossgar
This is my second time in Vilamoura, and one gets a different experience depending on the time of year you go. In September it was very hot, busy, but still very enjoyable eating out in the evenings in the many lovely restaurants overlooking the marina. It is quieter,pleasantly warm and more relaxing in the golfing seasons. Like many hot countries it doesn,t have the natural scenic beauty of home, nevertheless the culivated areas in parts of the city and in and around the apartments and hotels are beautiful
Review by Rose Williams from Winsford
We always hire a car as there are so many different places to see, you can relax all day and use the early evening to visit different villages, we went to Tavira, Pera to the sand festival sculptures. There is Port St Vincente and the Mountains Lagos and Faro itself for shopping. We visited the Marina on our last evening for a meal and a drink, usually we go further into the town to the restraunts and we always try to go where the locals go as the food is good. There are lovely eating places in the Vilamoura old town where the food is great. If you dont have a car the road train runs constantly to and fro from the town to the local hotels and Villas. The local bar owners etc are always willing to get a taxi for you and they are quite reasonably priced. The shopping is also good in Villamoura and the local supermarkets stock some English foods and not too far away is Algarve Shopping which is well stocked not just for food but luxury items as well. You will find plenty of free maps in some of the shops these are of the local areas and are very good. You can also pick up the Algarve News printed in English which is informative and interesting. Portugal is a very friendly place the people are friendly and helpful and we have been comming to portugal for ten years now, staying in different towns and villages, and we love it.
Review by Rose Williams from Winsford
We always hire a car as there are so many different places to see, you can relax all day and use the early evening to visit different villages, we went to Tavira, Pera to the sand festival sculptures. There is Port St Vincente and the Mountains Lagos and Faro itself for shopping. We visiten the Marina on our last evening for a meal and a drink, usually we go further into the town to the restraunts and we always try to go where the locals go as the food is good. There are lovely eating places in the Vilamoura old town where the food is great. If you dot have a car the road train runs constantly to and fro from the town to the local hotels and Villas. The local bar owners etc are always willing to get a taxi for you and they are quite reasonably priced. The shopping is also good in Villamoura and the local supermarkets stock some English foods and not too far away is Algarve Shopping which is well stocked not just for food but luxury items as well. You will find plenty of free maps in some of the shops these are of the local areas and are very good. you can also pick up the Algarve News printed in English which is informative and interesting. Portugal is a very friendly place the people arefriendly and helpful and we hav
Review by James Twells from Mansfield,Notts
Mostly populated by Portuguese and not many English.I found them to be unfriendly and inhospitable towards the tourists. Very exspensive and uphill walking in most places
Review by Libby Wigginton from Eastwood
We really liked Vilamoura, although we found it expensive to eat & drink down on the front, although if you went a few streets back, the cost came down considerably. Beaches absolutely lovely but expensive for a sun bed. Will definitely come back though, afterall whats money when on holiday!
Review by Nikki Smoker from Epsom
Villamoura is a beatiful location. The marina is stunning in the day and even better of an evening and the dining is superb. The Old Village is a lovely area to stay in. 20 mins walk to the Marina. Definitely worth a visit.
Review by Keith Scott from Edinburgh
At the Marina you will never see so many luxurious cars, such as Bentleys, Ferrari's, Lamborghinis etc in one place, as well as all of the luxury yachts moored there. Very peaceful to stroll about at night and never heard any boystrous or loud behaviour
Review by Ray Green from Liverpool
Vilamoura as ever attracts the crowds, July /August it is very busy. Out of those months it is so much quieter and more enjoyable.
Review by AMANDA TRENEAR from SWANWICK
THIS PROPERTY IS ACTUALLY SOME 10KMS FROM VILAMOURA AND IS IN A DIFFERENT STYLE OF RESORT ALTOGETHER. ACOTEIAS IS A SMALL DEVELOPMENT OF PRIVATE RESIDENCES, APARTMENTS AND SEVERAL LUXURY HOTELS LIKE THE SHERATON ALGARVE. THERE ARE SEVERAL BARS AND RESTAURANTS AND A RANGE OF SHOPS BUT NO DISCOS ETC.IT SUITS COUPLES AND FAMILIES. MY COMMENTS ON VILAMOURA WOULD BE VERY DIFFERENT AS THIS IS A MUCH BIGGER PLACE WITH A MARINA AND MUCH MORE NIGHTLIFE.ETC. A TAXI TO VILAMOURA IS ABOUT 12 EUROS. THIS HOUSE IS IN A GOOD LOCATION BECAUSE THERE ARE GOLF COURSES AND SPORTS ON THE DOORSTEP AT PINE CLIFFS BUT IT IS A VERY PEACEFUL RETREAT FROM HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE LIVELIER PLACES LIKE ST EULALIA AND ALBUFEIRA. ALL YOU NEED IS IN 5- 15 MINUTES WALK INCLUDING A BEAUTIFUL BEACH.JUST FIVE MINUTES BY CAR IS A LOCAL TOWN WITH EXTENDED FACILITIES AND AN EASILY ACCESSED BEACH WITH EXCELLENT RESTAURANTS . ALGARVE SHOPPING IS ABOUT 15 MINUTES BY CAR FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO BAG A BARGAIN OR WANT A HYPERMARKET.
PLEASE NOTE THE CORRECT SPELLING OF 'SCENERY' ON YOUR LIST-NO 'A'.
Review by Ann Collins from Maidstone
My husband and son in law said GREAT FOR GOLF Myself and daughter said LOVELY AREA AND HARBOUR. ALSO - IF OUR HUSBANDS ARE HAPPY SO ARE WE. Its the third time we have had a holiday in the Algarve. We have visited Viamoura several times to enjoy a walk and a coffee and cake in a cafe by the harbour. This year we decided to stay in Vilamoura - and we had a lovely holiday.
Review by Lorna Wilson from Monaghan
Villamoura ticks all the boxes , a short transfer from Faro and a bit of everything for everyone, good food , lovely weather , sufficient nightlife (lively bars), beautiful marina & inexpensive. The old village gives you the best of both worlds as it is lovely there during the day and only a 15 minute walk to Villamoura but has everything you need with out leaving the complex for a very enjoyable relaxing and even lazy holiday
Review by deborah jones from worcester
Vilamora is a lovely resort with some great places to eat, the irish cabin pub provides first class entertainment although the band sings the same set every night. People are very friendly as I have found in all the resorts in Portugal. I do not play golf but for those who do Vilamora has some great golf courses. The two India restruants were the best we have eaten The marina is a lovely place to walk around, for those who like to party till dawn then this is not the place for you, but if you are looking for a week or two of relaxation then go to Vilamora, I guarntee you will have a great time.
Review by member Powell from Gloucester
We found Vilamoura a really lovely setting but it was very expensive to eat out and the lack of supermarkets made it difficult to find meats to cook in apartment. We spent an extortion amount of money eating out.
i.e. two steaks medium size £14. We will not be looking at another holiday in Vilamoura again.
Review by Lyn Gray from Leeds
A lovely resort, move away from the marina for better value meals.
Review by Michael Low from Stirling
Vilamoura is a good mix of reasonable facilities and amenities without being outstanding in any, giving it a pleasant but not intense feel.
Review by Christine Stevens from Bury St Edmunds
We come back year after year and we are never disapointed. We love VILAMOURA!
Review by Moira Brown from Balerno
Vilamoura is exactly what we look for on holiday. Plenty of fine restaurants, a choice of beautiful beaches where you can enjoy watching the world go by or walk for miles on beautiful sand. There are a variety of tours available together with sailing opportunities. Vilamoura is relatively unspoilt and is a convenient distance from Faro airport. The golf courses in and around the area are a golfer's paradise.
Review by Louise Turner from Melrose
Vilamoura, especially in October when it's not too hot, is a really lovely place to visit. It is quiet with a beautiful beach and around the marina you will find lots of super restaurants, the one beside Fotobrinca toy shop is great value for money. The shops are good too with a nice mix of designer and more affordable and best of all, very little tourist tat. It is a golfers paradise with excellent courses literally on your doorstep, especially if you stay in 'The Old Village' a lovely residential part of the town about 10 minutes walk from the marina, and at the very edge of the Pinhal course. So if you like a smaller, slightly calmer holiday destination, suitable for both young families and older people alike Vilamoura is for you.
Review by Brendan Smyth from Belfast
A golfers paradise and plenty to entertain those not similarly addicted.
Review by Natasha Oxley from Melbourne
In the Old Village there are some more traditional "British type" meals/restaurants, and in central Villamoura, which is quite luxurious, a good variety of both simple and more expensive restaurants. Shops are generally expensive, but this is reflected by the brands available (Gant, Boss, Benetton etc).
The beach is good, although the cost of sun loungers is a bit high at 13 Euros for two!
Generally a very nice place to go, with much more style about it than more downmarket places like Albufeira.
Review by Dominic lalley from Manchester
We wne there when it was raining & there wasn't anything to do - that I was aware of. It did seem a busy , but pleasant town.
Review by Karinne & John Marshall from Biggin Hill, Kent
The marina was stunning and a great place for people-watching. Beaches were superb with something for everyone - boardwalks right along the beach with clear areas to play or sit as well as sunbeds etc.
Review by karen ferguson from inverurie aberedeenshire
I thought Villlamoura was one of the most beautiful resorts I have visited. The varied tropical flowers and trees are just out of this world . The beaches are sandy white and clean. The seaview from the clifftop walks are amazing. I think t here is something for everyone here .
Review by Bill Stephens from Watford
Obviously a top golf resort but August is too hot unless you play early/ late.
Local shop and a couple of restaurants are within 15 minute walking but I would never go again without renting a car. The Marina (where all the action is, especially at night) is a 5 minute taxi ride but the return is a nightmare. The taxi queue was huge all the time, around a 45 minute wait.
The local restaurant, O Taco, was excellent and the grocery store is next door, they took about 15 minutes to walk to from our apartment at Teracos do Pinhal but seems longer in the heat! The Marina, although very crowded, has many good restaurants but the best for us was The Mayflower. Excellent service and food.
Review by Tamby Burton from Leicestershire
We visited Vilamoura on this years holiday as on our previous visit to Portugal 7 years ago we really enjoyed having lunch there by the waters edge, watching the yachts and feeling very relaxed, however, this time we felt it was much busier.
Review by visitor
Marina is expensive - prices are england prices
food - mostly meat/fish and veg, not too much variety despite plenty of restaurants
drink - 6 euros for g+t in one bar, pleanty of bars on marina
taxi - plenty and cheap
bars - good selection of bars scattered around marina
beach - lovely, sandy, safe, 2 sunbeds and parasol (14 euros!!)
excursions - fantastic trips, go on 38euro one with bbq included its superb
shops - lack of shopping, need to travel to larger resort
aquapark - didnt go but heard it is a great place
quateria market - mostly fake t-shirts etc but very big and cheaper food here
Altogether 8/10, lovely huge marina
Review by Peter Winstanley from Wigan
Villamoura is a lovelly town with a wonderfull marina area, great shops bars and restaurants. The whole place feels safe and very welcoming whilst the food is to die for especially the Fish. Taxis can be a problem especially at peak periods as they all seem to dissapear but once you get them they are clean and good value for money.
The Beach areas are again very clean and safe with a good number of eating and drinking venues to hand.
Review by Helen Buck from Blackpool
The weather in late June was hot, unbroken sunshine for about 12 hours a day. It was extremely green cosidering they lack rainfall. The coast line on the sea trips was fascinating with all its caves and rock formations. The staff in all the restaurants, shops etc were very polite and courteous and nothing was too much trouble for them. There were plenty of watersports and water theme parks within an easy distance and the beaches were beautifully tended with ample shade provided via parasols if required. The food was varied, interesting and presented well. One thing to remember though is that they offer starters as you are seated such as olives, breads, pate etc. These are not free and will be added to you bill. Once you know this, you can politely refuse if you do not want them and they remove them without being offended. I looked all over to buy some cork products as Portugal produces around half of the world's cork; however, I only found it as I was leaving at the airport, so save your money, there were some beautiful items to buy.
We will be returning to Portugal as we loved everything about it. I wish we had stayed there for longer so that we could have ventured further. Next year though without a doubt!!
Review by Taina & Leevi Leppänen from Helsinki
we liked very much the Old Village with the beautiful buildings and gardens. Had a car, so it was fun to drive to the small villages and towns nearby, especially Tavira near the border of Spain was great!
Review by Sharon Sands from Surbiton
Vilamoura is beautiful, it caters for all ages, if you want the beautiful golf courses to fantastic shopping. The old village is a beautiful 10 minute walk from the Marina, there are all different bars for everyone's taste. If you want lively go to the Irish bar or Sinatra's where there is excellent live music every night. If you want is a bit more quite then you have the marina.
Review by sarah gittins from dorset
We loved portugal, i've been before but not to Vilamoura. We found it a bit expensive and a bit exclusive and didn't see many families, just couples and groups of men obviously over to play golf. Alot of the restuarants looked too posh to take the kids into, so it lacked some good family restuarants. But overall a nice place.
Review by Daniel Aldrich from Gravesend
This is my third visit to Vilamoura in 4 years, I have to say that this is now my favorite destination in the Portugal/Spain area if not the whole of Europe. Being an avid golfer is a bonus with the great courses all in very close proximity, and the locals are all very accomadating and friendly. The Old Village will be the only place I stay at when in Vilamoura, it caters for all your needs and is close enough to the marina without being over crowded, I just wish i could afford to buy a place there!
Review by David Gatti from Wirral, Merseyside
The apartment is situated approx. 2 miles from the marina at Villamoura. I would recommend car hire to give you the freedom to explore the area. The fish market at Quarteira is very good and the freshest daily catch you can find. Ideal for the BBQ.
In all the apartment and Villamoura is a well looked after and clean place to visit with all the amenities you will need for a great holiday whether young,old for a family.
Review by Tricia Wynn from Hamilton
The Old Village in Villamoura was quiet but had all the facilities that were required to enjoy our holiday, and walking down to the marina at night only took 15 minutes where it was much busier with a nice buzz about the marina.
Review by graham jappy from grantham
Yes, it's purpose built and doesn't have that quaint olde worlde charm that many look for. BUT...the weather's great, the restaurants and bars verey friendly, the fish is as good as anywhere I've been (including Rick stein's at Padstow!!), the marina is really picturesque, the beach really clean and the town feels very safe. The golf is expensive, but good quality, and Vilamoura is only 20 minutes awat from faro...I can be door to door in under 6 hours. fantastic!!
Review by Diane Asser from London
Vilamoura is a beautiful place and has something for everyone. Whether young or old there are things to do which will fulfill your holiday experience. The Marina with its fabulous boats and chic restaurants and bars makes you feel like a millionaire, and there are also many smaller bars and restaurants to cater for those on a tighter budget. We enjoyed our first visit and will definitely be back.
Review by CLARE CLARKE from PETERSFIELD
THE ONE THING THAT MAKES VILLAMOURA THE PERFECT HOLIDAY DESTINATION IS THE MARINA. WHAT WITH ALL THE WATERSPORTS IMAGINABLE, THE NIGHT LIFE, ALL OF THE VARIED EATING ESTABLISHMENTS. THE ON GOING GROWTH OF THE MARINA. GOLF UNTIL YOU DROP WHEATHER BY FOOT OR BUGGY . OR JUST POP INTO ONE OF MANY OUTLETS THAT WILL ARRANGE YOUR VERY OWN CHOICE OF EXCURSION. FROM HORSERIDING TO A PRIVATE CHARTED POWER BOAT RIDE. A TRIP TO MONCHIQUE/SILVES IN THE MOUNTAINS OR A JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE WORLD AT CABO DE SAO VICENTE.BUT IN ALL OUR VISITS WE JUST LIKED TO UNWIND AND LET THE WORLD GO BY AND IN VILLAMOURA WE FOULD JUST THAT.
Review by Louise Turner from Melrose
We visited Vilamoura in October at the end of the summer season which meant it wasn't too crowded.
Vilamoura is a lovely place to stay. It is clean, family friendly-the kids were treated like royalty in restaurants and it has a really relaxing atmosphere. The marina is great for restaurants and shopping and the beach was clean and safe for the children. We stayed in the Old Town area which is about a 10 minute walk from the main part of town and near all the golf courses. Again the Old Town has a relaxing atmosphere and all the amenities you need a supermarket, restaurants, swimming pools etc. In all, Vilamoura in October is an excellent place to visit for a quiet, chilled out holiday.
Review by John Terry from 22 Moorgate, York. YO24 4HR
Vilamoura is a very cosmopolitan and upmarket place, with lovely atmosphere, very relaxing with lots of good restaurants and shops. The harbour looks beautiful at night.
Review by Andrew Hill from Farndon Nottinghamshire
Smashing Marina Smashing place good nightlife
Review by Lisa Trimble from Newbury
Just a feeling of letting the world go by - boys (or girls) can golf whilst girls (or boys) can drink sangrias looking over a fabulous marina with not a care!
Review by Shona Bowman from Arbroath
Vilamoura is a very family friendly place. There are plenty of restaurants for the kids to eat and are always made to feel welcome. The beaches are fantastic - our favourite was falesia beach which had excellent facilties including a bar/restaurants and very clean toilet facilties. Our children visited zoomarine and slide and splash which are both less then 45 mins away and have free buses running to them. They thought they were fantastic. Myself and husband visited the town of Silves with its wonderful Moorish Castle. vi
Vilamoura is a purpose built resort so lacks a little character but makes up for it in terms of facilties.
Not for children
Have just returned from a week's holiday in Vilamoura we were very lucky with the weather - it was quite hot whilst we were there.
It isn't really a place suited to children although Albufeira is quite close by.
The marina is very nice, full of places to eat. There are also plenty of shops around the marina too.
Lots of places for eating and shopping in side streets which all go off from the marina. The food is very good and very reasonable. We also found the people really friendly.
We liked it so much we have already booked for next year but for two weeks this time so that we can also see more of The Algarve.
Travel Guide: Portugal
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| | Available rental properties in Vilamoura |
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| |  | | Casa Katrina
Detatched private Villa, 3 bedrooms, with own private pool and garden in quiet location less than 30 minutes walk to Marina.
|  | | Two bedroom Town House (Old Village)
Well appointed 2 bedroom house with a roof terrace. Delightful traffic-free development with three pools, supermarket, friendly bars and restaurants.
|  | | Modern 4 Bed Townhouse Vilamoura
New 4 bedroom (three en suite) 4 bathroom Townhouse overlooking Millenium Golf Course. Communal pool, covered bbq area, fully air conditioned. Our prices are in Euros and offer even better value.
|  | | 3 bedroom townhouse overlooking pool
Can be used in conjuction with the property next door to accommodate larger group. (We are currently refurbishing that property and so it does not yet have its own web site).
|  | | 1 bedroom groundfloor apartment
well presented groundfloor apartment own garden and use of large communial mature gardens,2 large pools set on the 13th hole of pinhal golf course
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Holiday Rentals in Vilamoura |
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 |  | Family and kids (139) | | | Good dining (49) | | | Exclusive (42) | | | Activity holiday (38) | | | Beautiful Scenery (38) |
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