Cerro da Vila Museum (Museu de Cerro da Vila)

The basics

At the site, foundations give an indication of how large the ancient villa would have been, while mosaics hint at its decorative richness. Information boards placed around the site help visitors interpret the ruins. While there, stop by the on-site museum, which features Roman and Moorish objects uncovered from the ruins as well as illustrations showing what the villa might have looked like through the centuries.

Cerro da Vila is often visited on a day tour that combines a visit to the historic site with trips to local markets—such as those found in Quarteira or Loulé—and swanky Vilamoura Marina.

Things to know before you go

• The Cerro da Vila Museum is a must for travelers looking for cultural enrichment and a break from the beach.
• The paths at the ruins are uneven and may prove challenging for guests using strollers or wheelchairs.
• Allow one to two hours to fully explore the museum and archaeological site.

How to get there

The ruins are about a 5-minute walk from Vilamoura Marina. Regular buses run between Albufeira and Faro, stopping at Vilamoura Marina along the way. Services are less frequent on weekends.

When to get there

Cerro da Vila is open daily year-round but closes for a couple of hours around lunchtime, so it’s better to come in the morning or mid- to late afternoon. Even in peak season, when the marina is bustling, the museum and ruins are typically tranquil.

Roman Ruins in the Algarve

Other remnants of Roman rule can be found dotted around the Algarve. Visit the Roman ruins of Milreu on the outskirts of Faro, which contain the remains of a once grand and sprawling villa, and Roman ruins of Abicada near Portimão, where the remains of yet another palatial ancient mansion can be seen. To see more artifacts uncovered at Roman sites around the Algarve, visit Faro’s Municipal Museum.