This season, the historic Cerro da Vila Roman ruins have once again been transformed into an open-air cinema, giving visitors the chance to enjoy popular films surrounded by nearly 2,000 years of history.

The programme runs every Thursday until 24 September, with screenings beginning at 9.30pm. Entry is free, and there are no age restrictions, making it an easy evening out whether you're visiting as a couple, with friends or bringing the whole family.

The series opened on 23 July with The Greatest Showman. Over the coming weeks, audiences can also look forward to films including Coco, The Wild Robot, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Wicked, Gladiator, Finding Nemo, Mrs. Doubtfire and Mamma Mia. The programme mixes family favourites, adventure films, musicals and timeless classics, offering something for every age.

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What makes these screenings particularly special is the venue itself. Cerro da Vila is one of the Algarve's most important Roman archaeological sites, where visitors can still explore the remains of an elegant Roman villa, baths, fish-salting tanks and remarkably well-preserved mosaics. During the day, it's a fascinating glimpse into the region's past, while on Thursday evenings it becomes one of the Algarve's most atmospheric places to watch a film.

If you're planning to attend, it's worth arriving in Vilamoura a little earlier. You can stroll around the marina, enjoy dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants and then head to the ruins as the sun goes down, turning an ordinary cinema trip into a memorable summer evening.

More open-air cinemas across the Algarve

Vilamoura isn't the only place where you can enjoy a film outdoors this summer. In the Algarve, several venues offer screenings in unique surroundings.

In Loulé, the Viceroy at Ombria Algarve hosts its Cinema Under the Stars evenings, where guests can enjoy live music, barbecue dinners and complimentary popcorn before the film begins. Although reservations are required, the events are open to both hotel guests and visitors.

Meanwhile, All Stars Cinema brings travelling open-air screenings to different locations across the region, including Portimão, Alvor, Lagoa, Tavira. Rather than operating from one fixed venue, the company transforms vineyards, hotel gardens and scenic outdoor spaces into temporary cinemas, screening everything from family films to cult classics.

For those staying in the western Algarve, Lagos also hosts outdoor cinema events during the summer, with films shown in an open-air setting complete with food, drinks and wireless headphones for an immersive viewing experience.

Whether it's among ancient Roman ruins, in the peaceful countryside or at a vineyard, open-air cinemas offer something a little different from a regular night at the movies. If you're spending the summer in the Algarve, it's a lovely way to make the most of the warm evenings while discovering places you might not have visited otherwise.