How to experience Vilamoura on a budget
Visiting Vilamoura on a budget isn't impossible. Although it's one of Portugal's premier holiday spots, known for its golden beaches, elite golf courses, cool nightlife and Michelin-star restaurants, there are lots of ways that you can experience Vilamoura without breaking the bank.
Getting to Vilamoura: another way of saving on any stay in the Algarve* is by booking your own great value private accommodation with the likes of VRBO* - browse properties of all shapes and sizes to suit any budget.
Chill out in the Marina de Vilamoura
This is the largest marina in Portugal with more than 800 berths. It's an award-winning landmark on the international boating scene and a sight not to be missed. While it's free to enter and watch the world sail by, there's plenty of shops, terraces and bars to keep you entertained.
Relax on Vilamoura's beaches
Right near the marina you'll find some of Vilamoura's best beaches: try the majestic Praia da Falesia or Praia da Marina where you can enjoy eating or drinking in nearby bars or simply relax in the sun.
On the western side of the city is the paradisiacal Praia da Rocha Baixinha, which has a long boardwalk with beach bars as well.
Explore the environmental park
This Agricultural & Ecological National Reserve is a protected area, established to protect and promote local wildlife and countryside - and best of all it's free.
Of special interest is the wetlands with lagoons and a reed-bed, the largest in southern Portugal, that attracts several important bird species during migration. It also provides a home for other creatures such as otters and reptiles including tortoises.
Visit roman ruins
- €3 entry, kids under 13 go free
The Cerro da Vila Museum charts the history of what used to be an old Roman fishing village, providing an insight into Vilamoura's past.
You can visit the ruins, which include baths, two rectangular tanks that were used to salt fish, and the atrium. You can also see mosaics, tiled floors as well as other relics from 2,000 years ago.
Ride the tourist train
- €5 p/d for adults, kids under six go free
What better way to see the town's main attractions than by the playful tourist train? It's also sure to be a hit with kids happy to take the weight off their feet while enjoying the ride.
The route ticks off all the main spots including the Family Golf Park, Praia da Falesia, Cerro da Vila Museum, Praia da Marina and central Vilamoura among other stops.
Hop on two wheels
- from €9 p/d bike rental
Vilamoura has loads to offer curious holidaymakers and exploring the town by bike is a great way to really get under its skin.
There's plenty of bicycle paths and boardwalks where you can enjoy long rides while taking in the fresh sea air. To save even more, try the same routes on foot.
Tee-off at the Family Golf Park
- from €10pp, kids under six play for free
Vilamoura has six different golf courses and in autumn the Oceanico Golf Course plays host to the Portuguese Masters.
If you're keen to play a round or two, you can do it in Vilamoura on a budget: families should head to the Family Golf Park, which has a range of special offers.
Take a culinary tour of Portugal
It's true, you really can eat out in Vilamoura on a budget. Especially good value restaurants include O Colonial, famous for its piri-piri sauce and gluten free options, and A Broa.
Weather in Vilamoura
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The above shows the weather in Vilamoura year-round but you can also find out more about the weather in the Algarve and see when we think is the very best time to go.
Ready to experience Vilamoura on a budget? Check out the latest deals on holiday rentals with VRBO for a great value space all of your own.
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