Is Vilamoura Expensive? Find Out All The Details Here

Last updated on April 26th, 2026 at 04:57 pm

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 or just grab a great deal on accommodation right here 👇

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?

Vilamoura Costs

I visited in 2018 and booked for 4 nights in a suite in the Vilamoura Garden Hotel.

The cost was £250 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 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.

There really is something to suit every budget.

Where to Stay in Vilamoura – The Main Areas

Vilamoura is pretty compact with three main areas for visitors to consider when it comes to accommodation;

The Marina Area

The beating heart of Vilamoura, with restaurants, bars and the beach all within easy walking distance.

Vilamoura Garden Hotel ★★★★ — A boutique four-star hotel in a quieter spot just a short walk from the marina, with a pool, spa, rooftop terrace and free shuttle to Falésia Beach and the marina. Rooms have private balconies and Rituals toiletries, and the half-board food has received consistently glowing reviews. Stay here if you want a peaceful base without paying marina-front prices, but still want the option to walk in for dinner.

Vila Galé Marina ★★★★ — A well-regarded four-star right in the heart of the marina action, with tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools and the on-site Galeão restaurant. Stay here if you want to step straight out of your hotel and onto the boardwalk.

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Central Vilamoura / Beach Area

This is the zone between the marina and Quarteira, where most hotels are clustered and the main Praia de Vilamoura beach is on your doorstep.

Crowne Plaza Vilamoura ★★★★★ — A well-known five-star resort hotel with multiple pools, a spa and direct beach access. Stay here if you want the full resort experience with everything in one place.

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The Golf Area

If you’re visiting primarily to play golf, staying near the courses rather than the marina makes sense.

Laguna Resort Vilamoura ★★★★ — A collection of villas and apartments with garden terraces and pool access, adjacent to the Laguna golf course with a kids’ club on site. Stay here if you’re on a golf trip or travelling with family and want more space.

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I personally stayed at the Vilamoura Garden Hotel — a lovely boutique property that offers great value, a free shuttle to the marina and beach, and genuinely excellent food. It consistently sells out, so book early.

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.

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.

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