It was founded in the 1960s and has since grown into one of Europe's premier destinations for a specific, high-end clientele. It stands in "very different" contrast to the high-energy chaos of Albufeira.

The "centerpiece" of Vilamoura is its "luxurious marina". As one of the largest private marinas in Europe, it is the town's focal point, filled with luxury yachts, high-end boutiques, and a vast array of "gourmet cuisine" and dining options. The atmosphere is "tranquil" , and the resort is known for its wide, tree-lined streets, "beautiful resort hotels" , and immaculate landscaping.

Vilamoura is, above all, a "golfing paradise". It is the most famous golfing destination in the Algarve , attracting enthusiasts from around the world to its "world-class golf courses". These include the renowned Dom Pedro Old Course Golf Club , as well as the Millennium, Pinhal, and Laguna courses. Along with nearby Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura forms part of the "Golden Triangle," the Algarve's most prestigious and expensive real estate and resort area. Its two main beaches, Praia de Vilamoura and Praia da Rocha Baixinha, are long, golden stretches of sand with excellent facilities.