Hotels in Vilamoura

As one of the most visited destinations in the Algarve, holidays to Albufeira are undeniably fun. Its spectacular golden sand beaches pull in the crowds, while its buzzing nightlife scene could rival that of any party resort. You’ll find a good mix of traditional and modern charms here too. For a peek into the past, stroll through the stunning Old Town admiring its Moorish beauty, before discovering its super stylish marina, whose colourful buildings are a stark contrast to the area’s whitewashed houses. And when you’re done sightseeing, Albufeira is home to some fantastic activities with a surf school and championship golf courses at your fingertips.

Things to do

From fun-filled excursions to relaxing days on the beach, families won’t run out of things to do on holidays to Albufeira. Find a spot for your towel on the silky sands of Salgados beach, or take a stroll around the ruins of Paderne Castle to learn more about the region’s history. How about some dolphin spotting at the resort’s luxury marina? Here, fancy yachts and speed boats fill the turquoise waters. If it’s adrenaline-inducing watersports you’re after, paragliding, kayaking, wakeboarding and scuba diving boat trips all depart from here.

World-class beaches

Not many places can compete with the Algarve’s beaches, and Albufeira is home to some of the area’s most striking spots. If you don’t want to wander far for a day on the sand, Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach) can be found to the front of the Old Town. Stretching for about 225 metres, its combination of soft sand and shallow waters is perfect for families with young children. Plus, there’s no shortage of nearby restaurants when you need to refuel.

To the west, Praia da Coelha promises extraordinary beach scenery with its yellow cliffs and calm waters. Keep walking further along the coast and you’ll come to the stunning Praia de São Rafael. A must for couples seeking privacy, find your own secluded sunbathing spot behind the beach’s scattered rocks. Praia da Falesia is another beautiful stretch thanks to its magnificent red-hued cliffs made from ochre stone. Prefer an upbeat atmosphere while you work on your tan? Then, the Blue Flag Praia d’Oura has a great selection of watersports.

History and culture

Originally Albufeira was known as Baltum and was later renamed Al-Buhera by the Moorish settlers in the 8th century.  Look out for historical gems hiding in the Old Town like The Igreja Santana, an 18th century church, or head inland to see the sandstone ruins of Paderne Castle. From here, you can even explore what’s left of a roman villa with a trip to the ancient site, Cerro da Vila. For a more in-depth look into the site’s past, visit the museum and see artefacts from three eras; Roman, Islamic and the Bronze Age..

A nightlife scene for everyone

What was once a sleepy fishing village is now a nightlife heaven. And there’s a party for all tastes on holidays to Albufeira. Head to the neon-lit Strip for the biggest nights, where the bars and restaurants span for a mile. Sip relaxing post-beach cocktails in a chilled-out setting, or dance until the sun comes up at must-visit clubs like Kiss Disco, which hosts regular themed nights. Those looking for a family-friendly evening will prefer the tamer Old Town. When you’re not sinking cocktails in Sir Harry’s and Merlin’s Bar, the square has a great after-dark atmosphere with street performers and market stalls creating a nightly buzz.

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Located on the banks of the Odiáxere River, Alvor is a bustling seaside resort that still keeps all the character of its fishing village past. From traditional whitewashed houses to narrow cobbled streets and a beautiful harbour filled with colourful fishing boats, holidays to Alvor Portugal have plenty of old-school charm.

Wander around historic sites like the 16th century church and ruins of the medieval castle, or visit the nearby Ria da Alvor Nature Reserve for some wildlife spotting. Your holiday wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the vast and pristine beach of Praia do Alvor. Popular for kite-surfing, you can soak up the sun or rent pedalos and kayaks at this sandy beach.

When it comes to nightlife, the cobbled streets lacing the old village centre are dotted with bars where you can sip a cocktail or two. Alternatively, jump in a taxi to Portimão, the livelier resort town next door.

Things to do

Quieter and more reserved than the nearby resort town of Praia da Rocha, this destination might not have a long list of adrenaline-pumping activities, but there’s still plenty of things to do. Alvor holidays are perfect for leisurely strolls along the beach, souvenir shopping in the town’s boutique shops and plenty of kid-friendly activities like mini-golf and fairground rides.

Pull up a chair at one of the great seafood restaurants lining the harbour and tuck into some freshly grilled fish as you take in the sea view. Wander along the elevated walkways of the Ria da Alvor Nature Reserve or tee off at the 18-hole golf course on the edge of the village. 

Excellent beaches

Alvor’s golden sandy beach is a regular hotspot for holidaymakers as the shores provide a delightful chance to relish in the warm weather reclining on sunloungers and under parasols. It’s easy to spend a whole day at this Blue Flag beach as there are lots of top notch amenities, including cafes, where you can get a bite to eat, a refreshing drink or delicious ice cream. Have fun paddling in the shallow waves or if you’re feeling more adventurous have a go at windsurfing, sailing or any of the other water sports available.

History and culture

The resort is on the Rio Alvor in the western part of the Algarve. Now a popular holiday destination, Alvor was once a small Moorish fishing village. It’s well known in the region because it was the place where the great King João II died in 1495. You can still find tradition flowing through the cobbled streets of Alvor and in nearby historical landmarks like the stunningly Manueline-decorated church, Igreja Matriz, less than a 20-minute drive away.

Vibrant nightlife

Alvor is not just a relaxing holiday destination; it’s also home to a great range of nightlife suiting varied tastes, so tailoring your night out couldn’t be simpler. If you’re in need of an evening with a touch of sophistication, have an early dinner and cocktails whilst watching the sun set by the harbour.

For something a little more upbeat, head over to the Irish bars for sports and live music before dancing in one of the lively clubs in the area. Or maybe hop into a taxi to the livelier Portimão, which is just next door. It’s said that Alvor is home to some of the best cuisine in the Algarve with lots of restaurants filling the streets with delicious cuisine from around the world.

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Perched on the sea cliffs with traditional whitewashed buildings and a small cove beach, Carvoeiro in Portugal is a seaside resort just over a half hour’s drive away from Lagos. What was once a quiet fishing village now has a range of shops, bars and restaurants as well as hillsides full of holiday villas. The cliffs and rocks of this coastline have been shaped into a network of caves, caverns and coves, where you’ll see fishermen running boat trips to view them from the beach.

With plenty to do and scenic sights to see, holidays to Carvoeiro will keep all the family happy. There are impressive rock formations to be seen at Algar Seco, two sandy cove beaches just waiting to be explored, and several of the Algarve’s renowned golf courses nearby.

Things to do

Carvoeiro may be smaller than other resorts nearby, but that doesn’t mean it lacks when it comes to things to do. Soak up the Mediterranean sun on the sandy beach, or explore the area’s history with a visit to the 17th century clifftop fort. Take a walk down the steps leading to the Algar Seco rock formations, where you’ll hear the waves crashing against them at high tide.

When it comes to shopping, you can browse for souvenirs at the unique Lagoa flea market, or drive the 15 minutes to shop at the Algarve Mall in Guia. For you golf lovers, the Quinta do Gramacho course is nearby, so you have a chance to tee off on the course that hosts the Portuguese Ladies Open. After a long day of sightseeing and sunbathing, pull up a seat in a local restaurant and tuck into some delicious seafood like the signature Portuguese dish of grilled sardines. 

Excellent beaches

There are several stunning beaches surrounding Carvoeiro, all with soft, sandy shores and glistening, crystal clear waters. What sets these beaches apart from each other are their sizes and the striking rock formations that are hidden along the coastline, so you’ll be able to tailor your beach experience to suit you.

One of the main beaches in the resort is Praia do Carvoeiro, commonly known as Town Beach, which is a quaint, sandy beach with magnificent cliffs that shelter the shore. A hotspot for sun-worshipping holidaymakers, the area has all the amenities and water sports you need to spend your days paddling in warm water and relaxing on the sand.

For something a little quieter, find the small curved bay of Praia do Carvalho for incredible views of the rocks in the shimmering coast. This beach is so remote it’s unattended by lifeguards, but is ideal if you want to recline under the sun in your own spot of paradise.

History and culture

Situated on Portugal’s southern coast, the village was built into steep sandstone cliffs in the 1960s to accommodate the influx of tourism in the area. A quieter resort than its neighbours, Albufeira and Portimao; Carvoeiro is centred on a picturesque hive of sandy coves and green hills. It has a vibrant nautical history of pirates and battles along its waters. You can see the remains of the 17th century Fort of Senhora da Conceicao, which once added to the Algarve’s defences.

The village today is quiet and peaceful; if you wander around the hilly pathways you can see spectacular views of the intricate coast and stunning horizon.

Vibrant nightlife

The village is small and quiet but surprisingly is home to a great selection of bars, restaurants and shops. A lot of the bars have a traditional atmosphere with the Portuguese laid-back vibe streaming into the streets. Whether you enjoy watching sports, listening to live music or being entertained by flair bartending, Carvoeiro has a wide range of nightlife available. If you’re looking for an evening with a bit more buzz, Albufeira is not too far away.

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Set between fishing village resorts and the medieval town of Loulé, there’s much more to holidays in Vilamoura than just year-round sun and soft sand. Its coves, beaches, yacht-filled marina, and excellent golf courses have helped put Vilamoura holidays on the map. The resort’s wide streets will take you past the rolling fairways of perfectly manicured golf courses and down to the seafront marina that’s dotted with luxury hotels, restaurants and bars. Nearby you’ll find the well-preserved medieval quarters of Faro, as well as plenty more beaches, some with conditions that are ideal for windsurfing. 

Things to do

Lined with hotels, cosmopolitan bars, restaurants, and shops, the busy marina is a hub of activity day and night. Enjoy some local Portuguese cuisine in one of the marina’s seafood restaurants, or people watch as you stroll along the promenade, ice cream in hand. In the evening, relax to the sounds of smooth jazz or visit the casino to try your hand at some of the tables. Away from the marina, holidays to Vilamoura include rounds of golf on some of the best courses, horse riding, and boat trips to visit Roman ruins. 

Food and drink

Vilamoura isn’t short of places to eat and drink, so you’re bound to find something that suits everyone’s tastes. The majority of restaurants and bars are found in and around the marina and the cuisine on offer is varied. As Vilamoura and Quarteira have a strong fishing community, you’ll find seafood is available on most menus at both resorts. Take a seat along the waterfront and enjoy delicious freshly caught fish. When it comes to drinking, you can take your pick from cosy pubs and wine bars, or if you’re craving a taste of back home there are also many British and Irish pubs where you can grab a pint and watch the football.

History and culture

Vilamoura also has a rich history with origins dating back as far as Roman times. Unleash your inner history buff with a trip to the Cerro da Vila and uncover facts from the Bronze Age. Imagine yourself back in the Roman era as you discover the remains of what was once a luxurious villa and admire the artefacts in the museum. If you’re looking to soak up some culture on your holiday to Vilamoura, you’ll want to head to Quarteira to check out the markets. It’ll give you a taste of traditional Portuguese delicacies and specialities as you mix with the locals and barter with the stall holders.

Golden beaches

If lazing around on golden beaches is your ideal holiday, you’ll love Vilamoura. Its main beach is very easy to find as it’s just a few steps from the marina. Here you’ll find the perfect conditions for sunbathing and many opportunities for you to try your hand at water sports. If you follow the stretch for four kilometres, you’ll end up on the beautiful sandy beach at Quarteira, where its golden sands are lined by calm waters and stony walls. This charming town has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere for relaxing days on the sand.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Albufeira | Algarve | Alvor | Carvoeiro | Lagos | Lisbon | Madeira | Praia da Rocha

Often overlooked in favour of big-name Algarve resorts like Albufeira (just 15kms to the west) Armação de Pêra holidays are just as exciting. Home to one of the region’s longest beaches, when you’re not sprawled out on its golden sands, you’ve got a town of bars, restaurants and shops waiting to welcome you. 

History lovers shouldn’t miss a chance to hunt down the resort’s 16th century fort, originally built to defend the town from pirate invasions. While those hoping to get out on the water will love the many boat trips on offer here. Make sure you squeeze in a trip to the impressive Benagil sea cave, which has been internationally recognised as one of the ‘most beautiful places in the world’.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Albufeira | Algarve | Alvor | Carvoeiro | Lagos | Lisbon | Madeira | Praia da Rocha