My thoughts often return to the beautiful coastal town of Vilamoura in the Algarve. The Algarve is the most popular tourist location in Portugal and one of the top in Europe. Close to 10 million people each year visit the Algarve, with summer being the peak tourist season. Most visitors are attracted to places like Vilamoura because of its beaches and Mediterranean climate. We spent a relaxing week there in December discovering the spas, wine and food side of Vilamoura. It is without doubt that Vilamoura is the perfect Spaswinefood escape any time of the year.
Vilamoura
Upscale Vilamoura is described as the largest tourist complex in Europe. The town is located within the municipality of Loulé, with its boundaries within the parish of Quarteira. The marina area is the main center of activity. In fact you will find many restaurants and hotels located in this area. Other than checking out the spas, wine and food scene we especially enjoyed our morning walks near the marina.
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December Reflections at the Vilamoura Marina © Spaswinefood
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While in Vilamoura we discovered a few special Spaswinefood places that I would like to recommend. For spa time we both tried the Pampers Spa at the 4 Seasons. Our massages were excellent. Also, you can not beat the prices in the off-season. You will have no problem finding spas services in Vilamoura at resorts such as, the Hilton and Crowne Plaza.
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4 Seasons, Vilamoura © Spaswinefood
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Restaurant at the 4 Seasons, Vilamoura © Spaswinefood
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The restaurant at the 4 Seasons is very good. You will most likely want to dine at one of the beach side restaurants in Vilamoura with great views. O Retiro na Praia is one of those special places. We dropped by for lunch during our stay. The beach was deserted but, oh so beautiful.
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Beachside View at O Retiro na Praia Restaurante, Vilamoura © Spaswinefood
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Dona Maria 2009, O Retiro na Praia Restaurante © Spaswinefood
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Sabores de França, Vilamoura © Spaswinefood
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During our Vilamoura stay we also explored nearby towns.
Nearby Quarteira
The city of Quarteira is just next door; so it was convenient to visit there a number of times. A walk along Avenida Infante de Sagres, the waterfront promenade is a perfect opportunity to check out the beach scene.
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Statue on Avenida Infante de Sagres, Quarteira © Spaswinefood
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Restaurante Rosa Branca, Avenida Infante de Sagres, Quarteira © Spaswinefood
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When we dined at Rosa Branca we had some appetizing lunches.
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| Delicious Fish Plate, Restaurante Rosa Branca, Quarteira © Spaswinefood |
Of course salad is always a good option.
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| Salad, Restaurante Rosa Branca, © Spaswinefood |
The restaurant has an extensive menu and a good wine list. The posted dinner specials on the day that we visited included:
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| Daily Specials, Restaurante Rosa Branca, Quarteira © Spaswinefood |
Yes, we did order desserts. Two desserts common in this region of Portugal are:
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| Pudim (Portuguese Flan), Restaurante Rosa Branca © Spaswinefood |
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| Chocolate Fig Cake, Restaurante Rosa Branca © Spaswinefood |
When we visited Restaurante Acaravela we went with a #winelover friend and his family. Our friend suggested we give Herdade Dos Grous wine a try. We ordered a bottle of white and red Herdade Dos Grous. We loved this wine.
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Herdade Dos Grous White 2012, Restaurante Acaravela © Spaswinefood
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Herdade Dos Grous Red 2011, Restaurante Acaravela © Spaswinefood
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Let us take a look at three of the main courses that we ordered.
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Cuttlefish, Restaurante Acaravela © Spaswinefood
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| Another Delicious Fish Plate, Restaurante Acaravela © Spaswinefood |
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| Omelet Plate, Restaurante Acaravela © Spaswinefood |
When dining out in the Algarve salads are always a good option.
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| Salad, Restaurante Acaravela © Spaswinefood |
The Portuguese desserts are must try and we did.
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| Pudim (Portuguese Flan), Restaurante Acaravela © Spaswinefood |
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| Ice Cream, Restaurante Acaravela © Spaswinefood |
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| Mousse, Restaurante Acaravela © Spaswinefood |
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| Tarte de Alfarroba (Almond Carob Cake), Restaurante Acaravela © Spaswinefood |
You can see from what I have shared there are exciting culinary offerings in the Vilamoura area. The seafood and Portuguese desserts are especially exciting to discover. Do not forget to sample the many types of Portuguese pastries available at the coffee shops and bakeries. For further suggestions on where to dine in Vilamoura area see Tripadvisor.
While December was the off-season for tourists it was a perfect time to explore Vilamoura without the hassles. You will find many good restaurants are open; there is plenty of good Portuguese wine available to sample. No matter where you are in the Algarve, you are never far from the wine regions of the Algarve. Spaswinefood's Algarve travels were a great opportunity to continue our discovery of Portuguese wines.
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| Portuguese Tiles, Vilamoura © Spaswinefood |
The area prides itself on high-end hotels however, there are accommodations to fit all budgets. Certainly the off-season is the best time of the year to get deals on accommodations. The off-season was also perfect timing to make spas, wine and food discoveries. In fact who would not enjoy getting to know Vilamoura any time of the year. I invite you to join me in my travels in Portugal and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood.
Sharon
December 2013
Vilamoura, Algarve
Portugal
© Spaswinefood
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