Ambiance & landscapes
Vilamoura seduces with its sophisticated marina where sailboats and yachts create a living tableau. The vast golf courses stretch between pines and ocean, offering unbeatable views. Quarteira, more authentic, reveals a long fine sandy beach and a seafront animated by fishermen. The ochre cliffs of the region contrast with the intense blue of the Atlantic. The mild climate allows enjoyment of the landscapes all year round, between shaded walks and spectacular sunsets over the marina.
Things to see and do
Discover the marina of Vilamoura for its shops and evening entertainment. Play golf on the prestigious Vilamoura Old Course or the Pinhal Course. Visit the casino of Vilamoura for an elegant evening. Explore the beach of Quarteira and its local market on Wednesdays. Take a boat excursion to the Benagil caves. Stroll along the coastal promenade linking the two localities and watch birds in the surrounding wetlands.
Where to eat and drink
The marina restaurants offer fresh grilled fish, seafood cataplana and Portuguese-style octopus. Savour warm pastéis de nata with coffee. In Quarteira, local taverns serve monkfish rice and grilled sardines. Terrace bars offer cocktails facing the sea while golf clubs provide lounges for Algarve wine at the end of the day.
Transport & access
Faro airport is only 25 minutes by car. Regular buses connect Vilamoura to Faro and Quarteira. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available at the marina. Car hire facilitates access to the golf courses and surrounding beaches. Free shuttles serve certain hotel complexes. Cycle paths allow easy travel to Quarteira from central Vilamoura.