Luxury yachts to a famous market

Today’s road trip was short, simple, and a pleasant contrast to the wild Atlantic coastline we’d been exploring earlier in the week.

We left Albufeira late morning (we still have day jobs to do) and drove just 25 minutes east along the N125, heading toward Vilamoura Marina, one of the most prestigious marinas in southern Europe.

And the moment you arrive, you understand the appeal.

Million Euro Yachts in Portugal

Vilamoura Marina is the largest marina in Portugal, with around 1,000 berths and space for yachts up to 60 metres long. Walking along the harbour, you quickly notice the scale of the boats here. Some of these luxury yachts are worth several million euros, and a few easily exceed €10–20 million depending on size and design.

The marina itself was developed in the 1970s as part of a planned resort, and today it feels more like something you might expect in Monaco or the French Riviera than in a traditional Portuguese fishing town. We stopped here for lunch at La Crêperie Vilamoura, enjoying a crepe & a cold drink each while overlooking the harbour. The bill came to €24, which felt very reasonable given the setting.

The Algarve you didn’t expect

After lunch we took a relaxed walk around the marina promenade, passing dozens of cafés, restaurants and boutique shops. Then we stumbled across something quite unexpected; the Cerro da Vila Roman Ruins and Museum. This archaeological site dates back nearly 2,000 years to the Roman occupation of the Algarve. It preserves the remains of a Roman villa, baths and fish-salting tanks that once supplied the empire with preserved seafood.

Entry was just €8 for both of us, and the small museum adds great context to the ruins outside. There were a lot of artifacts that have been unearthed and they were in excellent condition. Everything from glassware to jewelry, physician’s items & kitchen pottery. There was a sobering moment when we discovered the remains of at least three individuals that had been found in their resting places.

After exploring the site, we made our way back to the marina parking area, which cost €2 for two hours, very reasonable for such a prime location. But before leaving, one final stop.

Gelato for Two

A gelato at Amorino, right by the harbour. Two of these flavourful, creamy desserts came to €13, and on a warm Algarve afternoon, it felt like the perfect way to finish our visit.

Without doubt, Vilamoura was incredible, and it’s somewhere we will certainly return. From there we drove 20 minutes inland along the N270 to the historic town of Loulé, famous for its traditional Portuguese market.

We parked near the town centre and walked a few minutes to the Mercado de Loulé, a beautiful building first opened in 1908, designed in a distinctive Moorish revival style with its red domed towers.

Loulé Market (Mercado de Loulé)
One of the Algarve’s most famous indoor markets
Built in 1908 in a Moorish revival style with distinctive domes

Inside, the market was lively and colourful, filled with local produce, seafood, pastries, butchers and regional specialities. There were even a few stalls with brightly coloured, excellent quality fabrics. We stopped for two hot chocolates at one of the small cafés inside and of course, a pastel de nata each but these were vegan – still creamy & delicious. We spent some time chatting with the owner — one of those relaxed travel moments that stays with you.

From Loulé it was just a 25 minute drive back to Albufeira, bringing us full circle. Today was a reminder that the Algarve isn’t just dramatic cliffs and Atlantic waves. Just a short drive inland, you’ll find elegant marinas, ancient Roman history and authentic Portuguese market life.

And after the wild west coast earlier this week, it was a very welcome change of pace.

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