On our last full day in the Algarve we visited Vilamoura Old Village which was a ten-minute walk from our villa (which you can read about here if you like!). It’s a really newly built town but unlike lots of new builds you’d find in the UK these buildings were mock Italian style and painted in oh so pretty pastels!
Vilamoura Old Village
Vilamoura Old Village is located in the heart of Vilamoura, in the Algarve region of Portugal. It is a picturesque complex made up of traditional Portuguese-style buildings surrounded by lush gardens, swimming pools, and fountains. The Old Village was built in the 1980s and features a mix of apartments, townhouses, and villas, making it an ideal vacation spot for families, couples, and groups of friends.
When I was younger I used to dream about owning a Playmobil dolls house, and every time a birthday or Christmas would come around I used to feel a teeny bit sad it wasn’t to be (I mean that thing was pricey!). Instead, I collected all the interiors for it, the pastel prams and Victorian white bathroom sets.. somehow when I set foot in Vilamoura Old Town I kind of felt like I was setting foot in my childhood dollhouse dreams.
They even had afternoon tea! So admittedly that’s not very Portuguese but I think when you are visiting a place like Vilamoura you really need to take into account that it’s an area set up purely for tourism and the majority of that is British. It’s something you have to embrace really if you want that kind of break and rather than an old town taken over by brits it’s really been built for this purpose, with tourism being the main income you don’t get the guilty sense of ‘brits abroad who can’t speak the language’ it’s kind of a given that most people will be tourists.
The place we went for afternoon tea was called Casa De Largo and was so sweet, there was even a wedding going on at the same time which Wilf was very interested in watching.
For golf lovers, Vilamoura is a paradise! The town is known for its world-class golf courses, and the Old Village is no exception. At the same time, the Old Village remains an idyllic retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby marina and beach. Its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful facades create a charming atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Mediterranean village, perfect for a relaxing and peaceful holiday.
There are hotels and apartments within the old town so it would be a lovely place to stay, especially with a group of friends, imagine the photo opportunities against all that pastel!
Vilamoura Old Village is one of the most attractive vacation destinations in Portugal, offering a perfect mix of relaxation and entertainment to visitors of all kinds. With its convenient location, excellent amenities, and stunning surroundings, it is no wonder that it is such a popular choice among tourists from all over the world. If you’re planning your next vacation and are looking for a destination that offers something for everyone, don’t miss out on Vilamoura Old Village.