
Discover Vilamoura through the eyes of a solo traveler who knows the Algarve well. With 36 years of professional travel experience and multiple visits to Portugal’s stunning southern coast, I’ll show you what makes this marina town special.
Your guide to Vilamoura’s sun-soaked sophistication.
Planning on visiting Vilamoura and wondering ‘Is Vilamoura expensive?’
Read on to find out based on my experience of visiting this lovely spot in the Algarve and details about costs.
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Is Vilamoura Expensive?
The Algarve is a popular tourist area and that can often increase prices, compared to areas where there are more locals. Monte Gordo for example is a holiday area that attracts a lot of Portuguese folk, and the prices seemed lower than other Algarve resorts I’ve visited.
Vilamoura is a popular tourist spot in the Algarve, but it still has plenty of locals – around 22,000 of them.
As with anywhere if you do a little research and head for restaurants favoured by locals you are likely to find better prices.

Is Vilamoura Expensive?
Cost of Staying in Vilamoura
I visited in 2018 and booked for 4 nights in a suite in the Vilamoura Garden Hotel.
The cost was 250 pounds for 2 of us including flights from the UK into Faro. We stayed in late October/early November which is always better value.
You can rent a nice apartment for around 240 pounds per week October through to March.
Hotels start from around 300 pounds and can go right through to 1,000 pounds per week at the Domes luxury resort (pricing for November 2024)
Check out hotels in Vilamoura right here 👇
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Is Vilamoura Expensive?
Eating Out
There are plenty of places to eat in Vilamoura. It attracts 150,000 visitors a year so there is something for everyone.
Prices range from great value cheaper eats to occasion dining. The Mayflower is a popular restaurant. Main courses are around 15-25 Euros per person. It’s one of the more higher priced places to eat in Vilamoura.
Hotel restaurants are generally a more expensive option for visitors and holidaymakers. That applies to any meals, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Pastelarias (bakeries) are usually good value for tasty treats, simple snacks and nice coffees. Prices are likely to be around 5 Euros for a drink and a snack.

Little Tip From Me: When I am visiting a local bakery I always ask the person to recommend a cake that is popular with the locals. They are usually delicious and great value.
Is Vilamoura Expensive?
My Costs When I Stayed in Vilamoura
Eating and drinking was reasonable value. I had coffees in local cafes while I was out visiting. They were around 2 euros maximum at the time.
I did some of my food shopping at the local supermarket, Pingo Doce, which was reasonably priced. I used this for salads, drinks and snacks. They had a great bakery and fresh produce counter.
I also ate in the hotel restaurant for one night. The quality was good and it wasn’t expensive either. I can’t remember the prices in detail as I enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine!
Is Vilamoura Expensive? – Conclusion
- Vilamoura is no more or less expensive than other resorts in the Algarve area of Portugal.
- There are places that are popular with locals that are generally better value than those geared more towards tourists.
👇 My Favourite Vilamoura Travel Resources 👇
- Trivago – I’m getting fab deals here! 🏨
- Booking.com 🛌 – great hotel deals
- Trip.com – great flights to Portugal 🛬
- Kayak Flights – great for research 🛬
- 10-30% Off Priority Pass Airport Lounges 🛫
- All My Favourite Travel Gear 🧳
- I’m also an Independent Travel Agent 👍
- Coverwise Insurance – great value cover 🌍
- Medical Insurance – compare quickly here 🏥
- Get Your Guide – great activities 🚴
- Viator – lots of activities here too
- Discover Hire Cars – car hire deals 🚗
- All My Travel Tools – everything I use 🌏
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Further Reading
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My Wonderful Solo Female Holiday in Vilamoura
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Vilamoura Holiday Review – Here’s Everything I Did
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