Nestled along Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast, Vilamoura is a premier sport and golf travel destination resort where elite facilities, wellness escapes, and world-class events attract both professional athletes and active holidaymakers alike.
From championship golf courses and top-tier tennis academies to cutting-edge retreats and water-based adventures, Vilamoura offers a perfect balance of performance and pleasure. The resort will also soon be home to a new sports centre – an elite campus designed to cater to both professional athletes and the wider community. The centre will feature official-size football fields, a world-standard athletics track, and a wide range of multi-sport facilities.
Most popular attractions in Vilamoura
Vilamoura Marina: The heart of Vilamoura, this award-winning marina is lined with luxury yachts, chic restaurants, designer boutiques, and vibrant bars. It’s a hub for boat tours, dolphin-watching trips, and sunset cruises.
Cerro da Vila Roman Ruins: Step back in time at this well-preserved archaeological site showcasing Roman baths, mosaics, and residential remains. It’s a cultural gem offering insight into Vilamoura’s ancient past.
Vilamoura Equestrian Centre: Home to international showjumping events, this state-of-the-art facility also offers riding lessons and equestrian shows for visitors looking to experience the sport. It was announced in 2024 that a new centre is set to become the largest and best-equipped equestrian facility in Europe.
Dom Pedro Golf Courses: With four top-rated courses, these attract golf enthusiasts from around the world.
Falésia Beach: One of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, perfect for walks, beach workouts, or just soaking in the sun beside its dramatic red cliffs.
Family Golf Park: An entertaining attraction for all ages, this Roman-themed mini golf park offers two courses and a fun learning experience.
Vilamoura Environmental Park: Ideal for walkers, runners, and cyclists, this nature reserve features birdwatching hides, flat trails, and scenic viewpoints across Algarve’s flora and fauna.
Casino Vilamoura: Add a bit of glamour to your evening with live shows, gaming tables, and upscale dining in one of the Algarve’s most iconic entertainment venues.
Best sports resorts in Vilamoura
Dom Pedro Vilamoura Resort Collection: The Dom Pedro hotel group is a go-to for golf lovers. With multiple properties near the marina and easy access to exceptional courses, it’s ideal for those seeking a luxury golf break.
Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, Managed by Accor: Formerly the Anantara Vilamoura, the Victoria Golf Resort & Spa is now managed by Accor and will be branded as a Fairmont property, officially joining the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts portfolio. A five-star haven for wellness and sport, the property offers golf-front views, professional tennis coaching, cycling services, and a world-class spa.
Four Seasons Vilamoura: Located beside the Pinhal Golf Course, this resort features a comprehensive gym, indoor and outdoor pools, and easy access to nearby tennis and paddle courts. It’s ideal for families or long-stay travellers looking for active amenities in a residential-style setting.
Key sports events in Vilamoura
Vilamoura Champions Tour (Equestrian): One of Europe’s leading showjumping events, this multi-week competition draws top international riders and horses to the Vilamoura Equestrian Centre every spring and autumn.
Portugal Masters (Golf): A regular event on the DP World Tour which brings professional golf stars to Vilamoura and transforms the town into a buzzing hub for fans and sport tourists.
Vilamoura Sailing Series: Organised by the Vilamoura Sailing Centre, this world-class regatta hosts Olympic-class sailing events and training camps, making it a magnet for elite sailors and watersport spectators.
Sporting facilities worth visiting
Vilamoura Tennis & Padel Academy: A premier training destination, this academy features 10 tennis courts, six padel courts, and coaching programmes for all levels. Group sessions, tournaments, and cardio-tennis experiences keep both novices and seasoned players engaged.
Dom Pedro Golf Courses: Vilamoura boasts a number of iconic golf courses – Old Course, Millennium, Laguna, and Pinhal – all offering varied terrain, scenic fairways, and world-class practice facilities.
Els Club Vilamoura: Formerly the Victoria, the new Els Club Vilamoura is a private club which is set to open in summer 2025. According to the club’s website, “membership is extended only to those proposed by our Founder Members or those invited by the Club”.
Vilamoura Equestrian Centre: This expansive and modern centre is not only home to the Champions Tour but also offers riding schools, pony clubs, and training for all equestrian levels.
Vilamoura Sailing Centre: An Olympic-standard facility with year-round sunshine, this centre supports competitive and recreational sailing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding in calm, warm Atlantic waters.
Popular sports, wellness and fitness activities
Cycling and road biking: The Algarve is renowned for its smooth roads and mild climate. Vilamoura is a popular training base for European cycling teams and offers numerous scenic coastal and inland routes for amateurs and pros alike.
Running and coastal walks: Flat terrain and boardwalks along Falésia Beach make Vilamoura perfect for running enthusiasts. Several running clubs and guided trail options cater to travellers training for events or just staying active.
Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking: Calm marina waters and access to beautiful caves and beaches make SUP and kayaking both tranquil and challenging. Rentals and guided excursions are widely available.
Fitness classes and personal training: Luxury resorts and independent studios offer everything from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and reformer Pilates to yoga overlooking the sea.
Wellness and spa retreats: Vilamoura is a sanctuary for mind-body balance. Resort spas offer restorative experiences such as cryotherapy, deep-tissue sports massage, and detox treatments tailored to athletes.
Best beaches in Vilamoura
Vilamoura isn’t just about world-class sporting facilities – it also offers access to some of the Algarve’s most beautiful and activity-friendly beaches. Whether you’re winding down after a workout, looking to try watersports, or just soaking up the coastal charm, these beaches offer the perfect mix of leisure and movement.
Praia da Falésia: One of Portugal’s most iconic beaches, Praia da Falésia stretches over 6km with golden sands and dramatic red cliffs. It’s a favourite among runners, power walkers, and beach volleyball enthusiasts. At sunrise and sunset, yoga and fitness classes often take place here, adding a serene wellness element to your stay.
Praia de Vilamoura (Marina Beach): Just steps from the bustling Vilamoura Marina, this beach is ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, open-water swimming, or simply relaxing post-sport. Calm waters and easy access to beach bars and cafes make it a convenient spot to refuel after a day of training or competing.
Praia da Rocha Baixinha (Praia dos Tomates): Located on the eastern edge of Vilamoura, this quieter stretch of coastline is popular for long beach walks and fitness boot camps. The well-kept boardwalk also connects you to other beach trails, making it a great route for coastal cycling or jogging.
Praia do Almargem: Just west of Vilamoura, this low-key beach is a favorite among locals. It’s great for nature lovers, with nearby dunes and wetlands offering scenic backdrops for hiking and birdwatching in between sports sessions.
For more information see vilamouraworld.com, vilamouragolf.com and visitportugal.com
Main image: vilamouraworld.com