Vilamoura | 1st For Portugal Property

The opulent residential community of Vilamoura is known for its luxurious marina, upmarket shops, chic bars and gourmet restaurants, as well as for its sophisticated golf courses, sandy beaches and varied watersport activities.

One of the most popular and cosmopolitan resorts in Algarve that forms part of the famed ‘Golden Triangle’ of desirable residential areas, Vilamoura was conceived in 1966, when banker Arthur Cupertino de Miranda secured 1,700 hectares of Portuguese coastline with a view to creating one of Europe’s finest tourist complexes.

Sophisticated residential community

Enjoying 300 days of sunshine annually, Vilamoura remains a popular holiday hotspot, but is also a sophisticated residential community, attracting discerning buyers looking for some of Portugal’s finest real estate, either as a primary residence or as a second home. There are 10,000 permanent residents living in Vilamoura’s villas, townhouses and apartments, who enjoy an unrivalled quality of life, with an extensive infrastructure and a plethora of community services. These include healthcare facilities, pharmacies and vets, as well as a post office, day-care facilities for young children and an international school.

In addition, Vilamoura hosts an array of exceptional sporting and leisure facilities, from the award-winning marina to six elite golf courses, as well as an equestrian centre, a lawn bowling club, a spa and an internationally-recognised tennis centre and academy, all set in a surprisingly unspoilt location.

, as well as an equestrian centre, a lawn bowling club, a spa and an internationally-recognised tennis centre and academy, all set in a surprisingly unspoilt location.

As well as enjoying numerous walking and cycling trails, Vilamoura offers easy access to some of Europe’s best beaches – among them the sandy Praia de Vilamoura and the picturesque Praia da Falesia, beyond which lies the powdery white Praia da Rocha Baixinha. Popular water sports in the area include parasailing, stand up paddle, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Family-friendly environment

This family-friendly environment is easily reached, situated just twenty minutes west of Faro Airport. Originally built around a small harbour, it is now home to the biggest marina in Portugal, berthing 825 yachts and lined with chic bars and authentic Portuguese restaurants.

As a holiday destination, Vilamoura is considered one of the most sophisticated resorts in the world, and currently the largest in Europe. Visitors can choose between no fewer than thirteen 4 and 5 star hotels, as well as a range of self-catering tourist apartments and villas.

Just a few minutes away from Vilamoura is the Aquashow water park, located in nearby Quarteira. This giant water park has one of the biggest water rollercoasters in the world, as well as plenty of other slides and family-friendly attractions.

At night, Vilamoura hots up with plenty to choose from, with around one-hundred restaurants and a selection of night clubs, as well as an international casino filled with gaming rooms and slot machines, which also puts on glamorous shows and hosts the PokerStars Solverde poker season.

Culture and environment

Yet Vilamoura has cultural depth too, in the form of the historic site of Cerro da Vila, where the remnants of an ancient Roman village were discovered in 1963. The village was later occupied by Visigoths and Moorish forces until Christians reconquered the region of the Algarve.

Vilamoura is also keen to protect the integrity of the environment, and so has established a 200-hectare environmental park, which includes bird observatories where visitors may see purple gallinules, mergansers, water hens and kingfishers, as well as some small species such as nightingales.

A haven for golf enthusiasts

With a reputation as one of the best golf destinations in Europe, Vilamoura is home to several well-designed golf courses, suitable for all levels of players, from novices to experienced.

The courses have been carefully planned to enhance and protect their tranquil natural surroundings.

Amongst the five 18-hole courses, Victoria is used for the Portugal Masters and has hosted the World Cup of Golf. Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, at the time of its creation, it was hailed as the most ambitious golf project Portugal had ever witnessed.

The famed Old Course is known as the grand dame of Vilamoura’s courses, situated amongst pine trees and set out over gently rolling terrain. The Pinhal course was opened in 1976 and refurbished in 1985. Crossing undulating parkland, many fairways are lined by pine trees, with some Umbrella and Atlantic pines on its fairways.

With its many water hazards and few trees, the Laguna course was designed by American architect Joseph Lee, and is set over low-lying coastal terrain, with 18 holes that offer a wide variety of playing conditions. The Millennium course is the latest addition to Vilamoura’s golfing portfolio. Established in 2000, it is more open than its neighbours, and set among pine trees and lakes.

A glamorous marina

The elegant 825-berth marina is the main centre of activity in Vilamoura, lined with a huge range of fine and authentic restaurants, stylish cocktail bars, ice-cream parlours and designer shops. Accommodating yachts of up to 60 metres in length, it is the largest marina in Portugal and offers the best quality technical services and support for yacht-owners, crew and vessels.

Exceptional facilities and services

Among its exceptional facilities, Vilamoura is also home to a renowned international school, which offers pre-school, primary and secondary school education and encompasses the Portuguese National, British (adapted) National and Cambridge International curricula.

Medical services in Vilamoura include two clinics offering the most modern technical and scientific resources available, including cardiology, dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, psychology and sports medicine.

Shopping in Vilamoura is also a treat, with a range of boutiques, from authentic, local craft stores to the most prestigious international brands.

Vilamoura Property Options

Its luxury villas and sleek apartments make Vilamoura one of the most sought-after destinations in Portugal. While such properties are among the most expensive in the Algarve, compared to other Western European countries they represent good value for money. In 2020, the average asking price for an apartment was €2,907 per square metre and for a villa €3,097 per square metre.

If you are looking to buy a home in Portugal and would like a high standard of community and leisure facilities, with easy access to the international airport, as well as beautiful beaches, excellent golf courses and a marina, Vilamoura is the ideal place for you.