With activities, culture and beaches right on the doorstep, holidays to Vilamoura deliver all the magic of a classic Algarve getaway.
Dock of the bay
Vilamoura sits bang in the middle of Portugal's southern Algarve coast, just a 20-minute drive east of Albufeira. Life here centres around the marina – and really, it's a sight in itself. Picture yachts and catamarans cruising past ocean-breezy bars and al fresco restaurants dishing up fresh-caught seafood plates.
Road trip to remember
Hit the road for an action-packed culture fest. Faro's a 30-minute drive away, home to museums, a cobbled old town, an impressive cathedral and a striking pink-walled palace – not to mention shops galore. The little town of Loule is slightly closer, and worth visiting for its Medieval castle alone.
Sun, sea and a choice of sands
It's not a holiday to the Algarve without a sandy beach, and this town's got two. Praia de Vilamoura's fairly sheltered from the strong ocean currents, so it's perfect for a dip, while local favourite Praia de Falesia's got a vast open shoreline and striking red cliffs.