The resort developed around a small harbour, flanked by sandy beaches and close to the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila.

[2] Vilamoura has the largest marina in Portugal (inaugurated in 1974) with 845 berths, two beaches, an environmental park, a tennis and padel academy, a sports club, 5-star and 4-star hotels, tourist apartments, self-catering villas, night clubs, a medium-sized casino and a horse riding and show jumping school.

The marina is surrounded by large hotels and luxury holiday homes as well as a medium-sized casino, numerous restaurants and vibrant bars.

The town and marina have an extensive variety of activities which are usually on Tuesdays, Thursdays and at weekends, including touring the local caves along the coastline (which are nearer to Albufeira than they are to Vilamoura).

For the avid historians there is a preserved Roman site and museum providing an insight to the area's past.

[citation needed] The marina will be extended with Cidade Lacustre, the new project that Lusort will be developing in Vilamoura in the next few years.