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Albufeira, Portugal: The Ultimate Guide to Albufeira [2024]

Albufeira is the biggest and perhaps most widely known of the Algarve resort towns. A once quiet fishing village now turned into a pure out and out tourist destination. Despite its reputation, it remains ever popular today with a lively mix of locals, seasonal visitors, and of course tourists. How exactly does a prime beach destination by day mix with an infamous party destination by night?

Well you could easily describe it as a twin town, with a twin personality. With different areas for those looking for different experiences. Read on to find out everything there is to know about Albufeira, and if it’s the right destination for you!

A Brief History of Albufeira

Underneath the town and mass of development are the remains of a fishing village. Even before it was a small Portuguese fishing village the area was occupied by the Romans and the Moors. Its name today, reportedly comes from the Moorish al-Buħayra. Which means related or near to a lagoon.

Albufeira would be one of the last hold outs of the Moors, before eventually falling to the Christian forces of Afonso III in 1249. Moving towards more recent centuries it became a fishing hub, and the town grew to accommodate a large fishing industry. However, during the latter half of the 20 th century fish exports would decline, and the local fisheries only supported the local towns people.

Modern day Albufeira

Its economic decline would change considerably during the 1960s and 70s. Package holidays meant sun seekers from all over Europe could now experience, the sun, sea, and sand of warmer climates. The likes of Albufeira in Portugal, and Benidorm in Spain rode the wave.

In Albufeira today, you can still see the scars of this rapid development, 1960s and 1970s concrete apartment blocks, mixing with uninspiring multistorey hotels. Underneath it all, and within the old town, the charming, cobbled streets, pastelarias and even a little bit of history do remain. It just completely depends on if you want to look and experience it, or not.

Albufeira Old Town

The old town is perhaps the most charming of Albufeira’s streets, and one of the few areas that still has a somewhat traditional feel. The main streets lined with calçada, and much smaller cobbled streets are definitely worthy of getting lost in. Although you will never be far from a ticket or souvenir shop. Supposedly there are over 100 cafes, bars, and restaurants here as well, so you are never far from a refreshment either! From the old town, it’s hard to decide which direction to head to. You can head west to its marina, south to discover its incredible beaches, or east for an introduction to the more infamous side of Albufeira.

Albufeira New Town – The Strip – Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro

You can’t mention Albufeira, without mentioning ‘the strip’. For those unaware, the strip is actually around 3km from the Old Town. Which is how, and why, Albufeira can balance these twin personalities. That’s not to suggest that the old town is quiet or sensible in the evening, it’s just a slightly quieter experience. The strip is located on Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro and is around 2km in length. However, its most popular and dense area is the southern 700m stretch known as Areias de São João. It is packed with bars, pubs, clubs, and international restaurants.

Walking along the strip is an experience. During the afternoon the terraces fill with drinkers awaiting the night ahead, and once the sun sets neon lights will guide them to an array of clubs and discos. Cheap drinks, cheap food, and an over-the-top party atmosphere is what the strip is known for, and what it delivers. Picking a hotel anywhere near the strip during the high season is only recommended if that is what you want. Bars, kebab shops, and café’s offering English Breakfasts, keep the atmosphere alive throughout the night, and into the following morning. There really isn’t a particularly quiet time, so you’ve been warned.

Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira

Heading back towards the old town and Albufeira’s main beach will lead you to the impressive Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira. It’s a fantastic look out point that gives you incredible views across the beach, and the whitewashed old town. You can look out east for views across Praia de Albufeira, or west across Praia dos Pescadores and into Albufeira. It’s well worth a stop and a few moments to appreciate some of the beauty that Albufeira does offer visitors.

Albufeira Museum – Museu Municipal de Arqueologia

To delve into Albufeira’s history, then its small Archaeological Museum is worth a quick visit. It’s located in the old town in the former town hall. Spread across two floors you’ll find several exhibits covering the Roman, Islamic, and Modern era. Most of the artifacts come from the surrounding area, so it’s great local museum. It costs €1 to enter, and children up to the age of 14 can enter for free.

Albufeira Church – Igreja Matriz de Albufeira

To continue on the cultural theme, take a short walk from the museum to the grand Igreja Matriz de Albufeira. Compared to other regional churches the whitewashed 18 th century could almost be called plain. However, it does fit in well with its surroundings in the old town. Its construction dates to around 1782. Head inside and you’ll find a large altarpiece of the patron saint of Albufeira – Our Lady of the Conception (Nossa Senhora da Conceição).

Albufeira Marina

Approximately 1.5km from the old town is Albufeira’s Marina. The modern marina surrounded by colourful developments is a completely different experience than both Albufeira’s old town, and The Strip. As a daytime activity, it’s a more peaceful experience and a walk around the marina is a nice change of pace. There are multiple bars and restaurants, but overall, the area is unhurried compared to the wider town. It’s also the departing point for many of the coastal excursions and tours you can take from Albufeira.

The Best Beaches in Albufeira

With the main sights covered, perhaps now we should turn our attention to the beaches in Albufeira. It is after all, widely known as a beach resort! Albufeira technically has two beaches that the town directly opens into – Praia dos Pescadores or Fisherman’s Beach, and Praia do Túnel or Peneco. All of these beaches exhibit the superb characteristics of the region, soft golden sand, and clear blue water.

Praia dos Pescadores – Fishermans Beach

The Fisherman’s Beach is named after the original inhabitants of the town. The 100m wide sandy beach would have been where the fishing boats were pulled up and looked after. Despite its romantic name, this is one of Albufeira’s most resort-like beaches and it can get very busy during the high season. The beach front area of Albufeira is also a mini resort of such, with a variety of bars and restaurants for refreshment. You’ll also find shops selling anything you might have forgotten for your day on the beach. Multiple sections are life guarded, and you’ll find your usual beach resort facilities like sunbed and parasol rental.

Praia do Túnel or Peneco

Although it appears to be one large beach, this stretch of sand is actually divided into two. As you head west along the Praia dos Pescadores you’ll soon find yourself on Praia do Túnel. It’s the same supreme stretch of sand, but at this end you’ll find a couple of interesting features. Located at the far eastern edge of the beach is the first. Elevador do Peneco – the Peneco Elevator. Resulting in divisive opinions, it’s either an impressive concrete structure housing an elevator. Or an unnecessary eye sore on a beautiful beach. In our opinion it’s a futuristic and unique focal point. It’s glass and concrete platform offers some incredible views, and it allows access to the beach for those of lower mobility. We recommend visiting and deciding yourself!

The second feature is the 20m tunnel that leads from the beach, directly onto Rua 5 de Outubro of Albufeira’s oldtown. The pedestrian only tunnel adds another unique way of getting from the centre of town, right to the beach. To the beach itself? Well, it’s the same blue flag beach mentioned earlier. As well as all the usual facilities like lifeguards and sunbed rental, you’ll also find a beach bar. Which also offers refreshments, free toilets, and changing rooms. Of course, the rest of the town and its restaurants aren’t far either!

Praia de Albufeira

Directly west of those two beaches, and separated by a small pier, is Praia de Albufeira. Yes, confusingly, Praia de Albufeira is not directly part of the old town of Albufeira but slightly offset from it. It is also sometimes referred to as Praia do Inatel, named after the hotel complex on eastern section of the beach. It’s the same supreme stretch of sand that forms a gently curved bay and offers views into Old Town Albufeira. Once again, you’ll find all the facilities you’ll need for a day on the beach.

Praia da Oura and Praia da Oura East

To the west of Albufeira’s main beaches are Praia da Oura, and Praia da Oura East. These two beaches are much closer to The Strip so are slightly less family oriented and more popular with young adults and a party atmosphere. The area surrounding the beaches is almost a mini resort in itself dominated by large hotels, but you’ll also find smaller cafés and restaurants. You’re also only a very short walk from The Strip.

Praia das Marias and Praia das Silvas

Don’t be fooled by the locals and media calling these secret beaches. Compared to the much bigger beaches closer to Albufeira. These are much more reminiscent of the famous west Algarve beaches you’ll find closer to Lagos. Although they are much smaller and surrounded by cliffs, they are widely known and get equally busy during the summer months.  Praia das Silvas is served by a small café, which also offers sun bed and parasol rental. Continuing further to the east will lead you to Praia da Oura (Leste). As it’s the furthest beach, Praia da Oura Leste is often the quietest.

A Family Destination – Tours, Trips and Activities

The town and beaches aside, Albufeira offers a massive number of activities catering to all ages. Looking at the coast, there’s a whole variety of boat trips and tours. For the wildlife lovers, dolphin watching out at sea is an incredible activity. If you want to experience the sea, and a sunset then you’ll also find sunset catamaran cruises to take things at a slower pace. For the more active, you can also experience the coastline and its caves by kayak or paddle board. Looking back inland, you’ll find an array of waterparks and adventure parks in proximity.  

For those looking to explore the regions fantastic wines, there’s even a few vineyards to explore and wineries for wine tastings. For those that want to visit the more traditional and historical Algarve, then Albufeira is connected to the towns of Silves and Loulé by public transport.

Somewhere to Stay in Albufeira?

Albufeira is a big enough resort that it caters for every budget, from lively hostels and budget hotels, to 5 star resorts.

For a a stunning beach front option then one of the best places to stay is the Hotel Sol e Mar Resort . The town centre hotel has a fantastic location and a selection of its own pools. For a more family friendly options with a focus on activities and great pools take a look at the Jupiter Albufeira Hotel – Family & Fun . For the full list of  hotels in Albufeira check this list here .

Should You Visit Albufeira?

So, the final question. Should you visit Albufeira? We hope to have provided a balanced guide here, covering both its good and bad bits. Make no mistake, Albufeira is one of the most popular and widely known Algarve resorts, as such it’s also a launch pad of Portuguese discovery of sorts.

In amongst the international eateries and tourist fare, you’ll find a few Portuguese gems, the beaches are of course stunning, and it is easy to explore a more authentic side to the Algarve. Alternatively, it is an out and out resort destination, it offers everything you could possibly need without having to go very far. For many families and tourists, Albufeira is all they wish to see of the Algarve. There is after all a good reason it become the most popular resort.

Let us know in the comments what you think of Albufeira!

5 thoughts on “Albufeira, Portugal: The Ultimate Guide to Albufeira [2024]”

Do you have any suggestions for accommodation in an area of Portugal that is perhaps not quite so touristy? We would like to stay for a month in an apartment. Thank you .

Any of the bigger towns with more of a local year round population – Loulé, Faro, Portimão would be good places to start. However, June to September even these places have plenty of tourists!

We’ve just spent 2 weeks in Albufeira for the first time at the end of October. The weather has been mostly fine. 2 rainy days out of 14 but we have good tans. We stayed at a small guest house 5 mins from the old town. Nothing spectacular but served our needs very well.Only £543 for 2 people for 2 weeks. Plenty of places to eat and drink. Worth shopping around as prices vary a lot. We are not night time people so we stick to backstreet bars and restaurants which there are plenty of. We did visit the strip in the daytime which was nice and explored the old town and the beaches. We had an amazing day swimming with dolphins at zoo marine. This park is very good and would highly recommend.

Is the Luna Ocean Club in a good location for a 3 night stay over August? We are keen on the beach and restaurant options but note that it only has a 7.7 point rating on booking.com other option is Aqua Pedra Dos Boutique Hotel that is $300 more but looks further away

It’s around half way between the old town, and the hectic strip, so looks to be in a quieter area if that’s what you want. Also easy walking distance to Praia dos Alemães, so looks great for a beach holiday!

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Albufeira, Portugal: a tourism and holiday guide for 2024

Albufeira is the largest, liveliest and most exciting of all of the resort towns that line southern Portugal's beautiful Algarve coastline.

It provides everything needed for a fun-packed holiday, with glorious beaches, a wonderful climate, varied activities and a buzzing holiday atmosphere. There is so much to love about Albufeira, and this is why this once peaceful fishing village has been transformed into the Algarve's most popular holiday destination.

Being the largest resort town of the Algarve, Albufeira boasts an extensive range of activities and accommodation along with its legendary nightlife. With so much variety on offer, Albufeira makes an ideal holiday choice - whether you’re visiting as a family, a couple, or for a party holiday with friends.

This article will provide an introduction to Albufeira, one of the best holiday destinations in Portugal. Related articles: Sights and activities - Albufeira’s beaches - 1 week in Albufeira

Highlights of Albufeira

The Praia dos Pescadores beach – The magnificent sandy beach that extends along the front of Albufeira.

The Strip – Albufeira's party street at the heart of the New Town. Head here for themed bars, nightclubs and riotous nightlife that continues until the sun rises.

Albufeira’s holiday fun - There is so much to do in Albufeira, from speed boat tours, dolphin-watching trips, insane waterparks and world-class golf courses.

The speed boat tours moored in Albufeira marina

The Old Town - The charming historic district of Albufeira that boasts over one hundred restaurants and bars.

Why have a holiday to Albufeira?

Albufeira is an outstanding holiday destination, offering so much more than just glorious beaches and fantastic weather.

At the heart of Albufeira lies the delightful "Old Town", with its cobbled streets and traditional white-washed houses.

To the east of Albufeira is the New Town, home to ‘The Strip’ - a street crammed with themed bars and pulsating nightclubs. The area surrounding The Strip is perfect if you are 18-27 and wanting a lively and exciting holiday.

Although Albufeira welcomes a wide range of visitors, it is still primarily a family holiday destination, with facilities and activities that are perfect for children of all ages. There are safe beaches, family-focused resort hotels and exciting waterparks for teenagers.

To the west of Albufeira is the colourful marina complex. Departing from here are numerous boat excursions, including dolphin-watching cruises, boat tours to Benagil cave, speed boat tours, deep-sea fishing trips and party boats.

For a golfing holiday, Albufeira can't be beaten; there are world-class golf courses, along with the vibrant nightlife of the Old Town.

And if you wish to discover more of the Algarve, there are also plenty of enjoyable day trips. These include the fortified town of Silves , the historic city of Faro and the traditional market town of Loulé .

Albufeira is an amazing holiday destination, and you will have a fantastic time here!

For more information on the best activities and sights of Albufeira please read this guide .

The narrow-cobbled streets of the Old Town

The map below displays the main tourist areas and beaches of Albufeira. The Old Town area is highlighted in yellow and The Strip in orange. The shaded areas surrounding the Old Town and The Strip are good places to look for accommodation if you wish to be based close to these areas. The purple area is where many of the large, family-focused hotel complexes are located, with these being close to the town Olhos de Água. The marina complex is highlighted in blue. ( Note: zoom in or out to see all of the markers)

Areas of Albufeira: 1) Albufeira "Old Town" 2) Albufeira "The Strip" 3) Albufeira "Marina" 4) Olhos de Água Beaches: 5) Praia de São Rafael 6) Praia dos Três Penecos 7) Praia dos Pescadores 8) Praia do Peneco 9) Praia do Inatel 10) Praia dos Alemães Beach 11) Praia da Oura 12) Praia de Santa Eulália 13) Praia Maria Luísa 14) Praia dos Olhos de Água 15) Praia da Falésia Nightlife: 16) Kiss Club 17) Matt's Bar 18) Club Vida 19) Club Heaven Related articles: A day trip to Albufeira

Albufeira holiday ratings

How can Albufeira be suitable for both families and stag/hen/group holidays?

With two very separate tourist areas - the Old Town and The Strip (New Town) - Albufeira is able to cater for families and couples seeking a more laid-back getaway, as well as those seeking a lively, party-filled holiday.

At the historic centre of Albufeira, the Old Town consists of a series of traditional Portuguese streets and plazas filled with family-friendly restaurants and shops. This district opens out onto the Praia dos Pescadores beach, a calm and sheltered stretch of coast perfect for families and children.

The New Town lies 2km to the east of the Old Town and is filled with modern hotels and sprawling apartment complexes. The Strip is lined with themed bars and nightclubs, designed for all-day drinking and late-night partying. At the base of The Strip lies Praia da Oura beach, the perfect location for recovering after a wild night out at the clubs.

The separation between these two distinct areas of Albufeira allows both families and party groups to enjoy the resort at the same time without antagonise each other. Related articles: Stag & hen Albufeira guide – Albufeira for children and family activities

The bars, clubs and chaos of The Strip

The nightlife in the Old Town is just as good but tends to be slightly older (over 30 year old)

When to Visit Albufeira

Albufeira has hot summers, pleasant springs/autumns, and winters that are mild, but have the chance of poor weather. The peak season aligns with the school holidays (July and August), but September is also surprisingly busy with couples who have no children.

The Strip is most vibrant between late June and the end of August, with many stag/hen holidays at the weekends. Golfing holidays are best from May to June or September to October when the sun is less intense.

The weather is suitable for spending time on the beaches from May until mid-October, but the sea waters are surprisingly cold, only reaching 20C at the height of summer.

In winter, Albufeira has mild but unpredictable weather; there can be an equal number of sunny and grey days. The resort should not be considered a winter sun destination, however it does offer some of the best winter weather in mainland Europe.

With a large permanent population, Albufeira never fully closes in the winter, and many restaurants, bars and cafes remain open year-round. Related articles: When to visit Albufeira?

The daytime maximum temperature (measured in the shade) and night-time minimum

The average hours of sunshine per day and monthly rainfall

Albufeira for 2024

Albufeira is expecting a sell-out summer season for 2024, as visitors seek holidays to safe and established destinations within Europe.

With a combination of returning holiday-makers (who know how good the Algarve is), and first time visitors, means that Albufeira will sell out in 2024. We highly recommend that you book accommodation and flights early before prices increase.

The map below shows the best hotels and rental rooms in Albufeira. If you adjust the dates to your holiday plans, it will display current prices and availability.

Does Albufeira have good beaches?

Albufeira is situated on a stunning, sandy coastline and boasts magnificent beaches. The main beach of Albufeira is a 1.3km stretch of sand that extends along the front of the Old Town. Its vast size means there is ample space, even in peak summer months, and the beach is sheltered from any strong waves or sea breezes.

Historically, fishing boats were moored on the western side of the beach, and as such it is known as the Praia dos Pescadores (fisherman's beach). The eastern side of the beach is called the Praia dos Alemães - a glorious sandy stretch that is slightly quieter.

The Praia dos Pescadores

The Praia dos Alemães

The Praia da Oura is the beach that lies at the base of The Strip. This beach provides golden sands and calm turquoise waters, but its smaller size means that it does get extremely busy during the summer months.

The Praia da Oura

The most picturesque beaches in the Albufeira region can be found to the southwest of the marina, however a car or taxi will be needed to travel to them. These beaches nestle at the base of golden cliffs, with the most beautiful being the Praia de São Rafael. Related articles: Albufeira beach guide - Praia de São Rafael

The gorgeous Praia de São Rafael

• 1 week in Albufeira

Most visitors come to Albufeira to relax on the beaches or to party by night, but there is a lot more to do and see within the surrounding region. A suggested 1-week itinerary to make the most of your holiday could include: Day 1 – Explore Albufeira Old Town and the marina complex Day 2 – A day trip to Faro , the historic capital of the Algarve Day 3 – A boat trip Benagil Cave and a dolphin watching tour Day 4 – A day trip to Silves , a fortified town with massive castle Day 5 – Visit "Slide and Splash" waterpark or “Zoomarine” theme park Day 6 – A day trip to the market town of Loulé (Saturday is the best day to visit) Day 7 – A day trip to Vilamoura , a sophisticated resort town Note: all of these day trips can be made without the use of a car.

Albufeira Airport

The main international airport of southern Portugal is Faro airport, which is 36km east of Albufeira.

There is surprisingly poor public transport from Faro airport to Albufeira, with most visitors either pre-booking a private transfer or getting a shared transfer from the airport. Private transfers to Albufeira cost €32 (1 to 4 people), with shared minibus transfers costing from €15 per person.

Getting a taxi from the arrivals lounge will be very expensive (over €80). There are also ride-hailing apps (such as Uber and Bolt) in the Algarve, however demand can be very high at peak times.

Travelling from Faro airport to Albufeira using public transport requires catching two buses; the first from the airport to Faro city and the second from Faro city to Albufeira. The journey by public transport is inexpensive, but there are few departures and long waits for connections. Related articles: Faro airport to Albufeira

Faro airport

Water and theme parks in Albufeira

The Algarve boasts some amazing water parks and theme parks, however none of these are situated in Albufeira. To reach these, you will need to travel by car, taxi/Uber or use a shuttle service.

The best water park is Slide n' Splash (30km from Albufeira, €27 adult entrance), a huge complex of insane slides, flumes and rubber ring rides. Water parks closer to Albufeira include Aqualand (15km, €29 adult) and Aquashow Park (19km, €29 adult). The best theme park is Zoomarine (9km, €29 adult), which is a combination of waterpark and sea life centre that is well known for its dolphins.

All of these theme parks are modern and well maintained, with the only downside being expensive entrance fees. Official websites are: Zoomarine - https://www.zoomarine.pt Aqualand - https://www.aqualand.pt/ Slide n’ Splash - http://slidesplash.com

Slide n’ Splash

Boat tours and trips

Some of the most popular activities in Albufeira are its boat tours and boat day trips. These range from jet boat rides, dolphin-watching tours, coastline tours, deep sea fishing trips and party boats! The resort has the largest selection of sea-based activities in the Algarve. We have worked with Getyourguide.com for the previous 6 years, and some of their best boat tours from Albufeira include:

Albufeira Alternatives

Albufeira will undoubtedly sell out this summer, however popular alternatives in the Algarve include Lagos, Praia da Rocha and Vilamoura.

Lagos is the most similar resort town to Albufeira and boasts a charming historic centre, beautiful beaches and excellent tourist facilities. Praia da Rocha is a lively and modern resort town set on a massive beach, while Vilamoura has an exclusive marina and is popular for golfing holidays. For a more relaxed holiday, consider Carvoeiro or Alvor. These are both ideal for families with younger children.

Our Opinion: Our favourite holiday destination in the Algarve is Tavira, with other highly recommended beach towns around Portugal including Cascais, Sesimbra and Nazaré. Related articles: Lagos guide - Praia da Rocha - Tavira - Cascais - Sesimbra - Nazaré

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• Albufeira Introduction
• Things to do and see
• Day trips from Albufeira
• Day trip to Albufeira
• Praia de São Rafael beach
• Albufeira or Lagos?
• Albufeira or Faro?
• Albufeira for Families
• Lagos Introduction
• 1 Week in Lagos
• Lagos Day Trips
• Day trip to Sagres

Praia da Rocha

• Praia da Rocha intro
• Day trips from Rocha
• Rocha beaches
• Airport tp Praia da Rocha

Algarve Guides

• Algarve Introduction
• Best town in the Algarve?
• Itineraries and tours
• Algarve for Families
• Day trips in the Algarve
• Algarve for Christmas
• Slow travel in the Algavre
• Algarve's best golf courses
• Lisbon to the Algarve
• Praia da Marinha beach
• Praia da Falésia
• The Algarve in September
• Vilamoura introduction
• 1 week in Vilamoura
• When to visit Vilamoura?
• Vilamoura Beaches
• Vilamoura day trips
• Airport to Vilamoura
• Faro Introduction
• Faro top 10
• Faro's beaches
• Airport to Faro
• Faro to Lisbon
• Day trip to Faro
• Bone Chapel

Algarve Towns

• Armação de Pêra
• Monte Gordo
• Olhos de Água
• Praia de Luz
• Vila Real de Santo Antonio
• Vila Nova de Milfontes

Carvoeiro guide

• Carvoeiro introduction
• Carvoeiro beaches
• Sete Vales Suspensos hike
• Carvoeiro day trips
• Ferragudo day trip

Alvor Guide

• Alvor Introduction
• Alvor weather
• Alvor day trips
• Airport to Alvor

Tavira Guide

• Tavira Introduction
• Tavira activities and sights
• 1 Week in Tavira
• Tavira Beaches
• Tavira Day Trips

Portugal Guides

• Where to go in Portugal?
• Top 10 Portugal
• 1 week in Portugal
• Top 10 beaches

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40+ Best things to do in Albufeira: The Ultimate Guide

LOOKING FOR THE BEST ALBUFEIRA THINGS TO DO?

Albufeira has quickly become one of my favorite cities in all of Portugal — at least during the shoulder and off-season. Summer can be crazy, but that shouldn’t dissuade you from coming and exploring this Algarve city.

So why do I love it? It’s simple. Albufeira’s central location makes it the perfect base for Algarve adventures. It’s not just about the convenience, though; this city is a treasure trove of experiences.

You’ll find everything you need here – cozy cafes, lively bars, and restaurants that offer delicious local cuisine. The natural scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Think stunning beaches and majestic cliffs, each offering its own unique view.

But what should you do in Albufeira? Welcome to the ULTIMATE travel guide for Albufeira — it’s around 10,000 words long 🤯🤯🤯 so make sure to bookmark it and use the table of contents!

It’s your one-stop shop for planning the perfect Albufeira adventure, ready let’s go!

Top Things To Do in Albufeira

1. albufeira old town.

Albufeira’s Old Town is charming yet bustling with restaurants, bars, and shops. While the city has become more of a resort town in recent years, Old Town shows off what the city once was — a quaint fisherman’s village. 

Wandering the cobbled old Albufeira town streets is a great way to taste the city’s vibes. Start in Old Town Square ( Jardim Público de Albufeira ), the city’s beating heart, but then work your way away from that center.

It’s down smaller alleyways where you’ll find the whitewashed buildings of a picture-perfect Portugal. Don’t be afraid to get a little lost in them.

One of the best things to do in Albufeira old town is to wander around during the daytime, but if you’re looking for a party after dark, this is where you’ll want to be. In its peak summer months, Old Town in Albufeira bars overflow with tourists and can get very rowdy.

2. Albufeira Tunnel 

Albufeira Tunnel is a unique stretch that connects the historical world of Old Town to the natural world of Praia do Tunel. The tunnel is completely pedestrianized and lit up at night. Passing through it is a fun transition between these two sides of Albufeira. 

The man-made tunnel cuts through 20 meters of cliff (about 20 yards) under the Sol e Mar hotel. Note that, to access the beach, there are a few steps down,  so the route is not completely accessible for anyone with limited mobility.

The beach you’ll come out to on the far side is officially called Praia do Peneco but is more commonly referred to as Praia do Tunel — so don’t be confused if you hear both names —they’re the same place.

3. Private Yacht Cruise

Whether you are looking for things to do in Albufeira with kids for a special family occasion or just a decadent afternoon out with friends, going on a private yacht cruise is the perfect treat to enjoy during your visit to Albufeira.

You’ll get to lounge out on the luxury 55-foot yacht and customize your day’s itinerary according to what you want. The cruise will bring you past the famous and picturesque Benagil cave as well as the Alfanzina Lighthouse. 

4. Tuk-Tuk Tours 

Albufeira is small but incredibly hilly. So instead of walking around or calling a UBER, another option is to hail town a tuk-tuk to take you from point A to point B.

You can take a tuk-tuk for a short trip, but you can also book a tuk-tuk tour to take you to some of the best spots in and around Albufeira.

For groups of up to 6, join Tony on one of his Tuk-Tuk Tours where you’ll see multiple highlights, including  The Strip, the Old Town, the Fishing Port, and the Marina. Alternatively, if you want a unique experience this tour will take you down the coast and interior of Albufeira, and you’ll also stop for a traditional Portuguese lunch.

⭐️ UBER drivers tend to cancel trips , especially if it’s a short trip—it’s just not worth it for them. When visiting Albufeira, it might be easier to take a tuk-tuk or walk wherever you need to go.

5. Take a Boat Tour

Experience the essence of Albufeira by indulging in Albufeira activities like an organized boat trip, the perfect stress-free way to admire the breathtaking coastal scenery.

Combine sightseeing by land and sea on this tour , combining a jeep safari with a boat tour . Absolutely, everything will be handled, with hotel pickup and drop off and transportation between villages, farms, and a tour to Benagil Cave.

Alternatively, enjoy a scenic day cruising the coast on this all-inclusive tour . You will visit the famous Benagil Cave and secluded beaches that can only be accessed from the sea. You’ll also stop for a beach BBQ.

6. Peneco Beach & Elevator

The Paneco elevator allows easy beach access and exceptional views across the water. Behind the elevator is an extended viewing platform about 28 meters, or nearly 100 feet, above the beach. 

The elevator is free to ride and enclosed in glass, so you can enjoy the views all the way down (or up). The elevator not only saves a whole lot of sweating as you go up and down the stairs, but it also makes Paneco Beach accessible.

The elevator grants access at the west end of Paneco Beach — the same beach as the Albufeira tunnel, which is to the east, in the middle of the beach.

7. Parasailing

Experience the contrast of the golden brown cliffs with the twinkling blues of the sea on this once-in-a-lifetime parasailing adventure in Albufeira. Seeing the Algarve coast from the land is beautiful, from the sea is awesome, but from the sky is something else entirely. 

You’ll head out on a boat with your group, and once you’re out at sea and appropriately briefed, you’ll get into the right gear and go up into the air for a 10-minute parasailing ride. The maximum height you’ll reach is about 80 meters, or nearly 270 feet , above the water. 

8. Rent a Jet Ski

For anyone looking for more adrenaline rush on the water, a jet ski rental may be just the answer. You’ll pick up your jet ski in the marina and head out for up to 30 minutes. 

Before leaving, you’ll be told all about how to operate the jet ski, and you’ll be given a full safety briefing and a life vest. You can ride the jet ski solo, or two people can go out together.

9. The Strip & Estrada de Santa Eulália

Have you heard of the Albufeira Strip? Also known as Avenida Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro, it is a popular area known for its lively (often crazy) nightlife. The Strip is a long avenue lined with various bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops.

The Strip is a party zone, where the atmosphere is intense and energetic well into the early hours of the morning. Recently the Estrada de Santa Eulália has been dubbed as the Albufeira new town strip.

⭐️ Travel trip : one of my favorite American-style restaurants in Albufeira is the Bull Dog Bar on the Strip—it is also the place where I’ve had the best ribs of my life. This family-owned business is small, with limited seats, and has great portions for great prices. Make sure to bring cash 💵 .

10. Dolphin Watching 

Several species of dolphins make the Algarve coast their home, including the ‘smiling’ bottlenose dolphin. So, if spotting dolphins in the wild is on your bucket list, Albufeira is the perfect place to set out on a dolphin watching cruise. 

Hop aboard this tour on a small boat that can move quickly through the water to get you to a pod of dolphins as soon as they’ve been spotted. In addition to dolphin spotting, you’ll visit the Benagil Cave and stop for a dip in the ocean.

For an opportunity to see dolphins and explore the caves and grottos of the coast, plus a stop at Beach of Carvoeiro, this half-day tour is the perfect one to book . After exploring the rocky coastline, you’ll get to cruise along in hopes of spotting a pod or two at play.

11. Professional Photoshoot

Albufeira is stunning—the beaches, coastline, and limestone cliffs are the perfect backdrop for a professional photoshoot. Introducing Nahal, the founder of Beyond Passion Photography .

Nahal is an Algarve and destination photographer. But she is much more than that—she is a storyteller who finds the true perspectives at the right time.

But why book her? Beyond her incredible eye and photography style, she provides many photos available a week after your shoot. She even gives you preview pictures (around 20) within 24 hours of your shoot.

12. Shopping 

Itching to go shopping? Well, you’ll have plenty of options in Albufeira. First, the Albufeira old town square shops are filled with leather goods, knick-knacks, and straw purses made in Portugal and Morocco. Another central shopping spot is the Av. da Liberdade shopping street. These are great souvenir shops.

But if you are searching for something larger, there are a couple of options within driving distance of Old Town Albufeira. Algarve Shopping is a big mall that is around 6km (3.73 miles). Home to around 100 stores, you can find everything and anything you need here.

A little bit outside of Albufeira—36km (22 mi) to be exact— is the Designer Outlet Algarve Mall . An outdoor mall, it is home to around 70 designer stores and is next to the MAR Shopping Centre , which also is home to an Ikea.

13. Wine-Tasting

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t leave Portugal without doing, it’s tasting the local wine. The Algarve hasn’t always been the most popular wine region in Portugal , but that has gradually changed as new winemakers have moved to the area. .

There are four DOCs in the Algarve — that means wine areas that are delineated and controlled. Albufeira sits in the Lagoa region. 

The best way to make it out to the nicest wineries in the region without having to worry, is by going on an organized tour. On this half day tour , you’ll visit orange groves and cork forests before stopping at a local winery. There, you’ll sample the wine, local cheese, cured meats, and jams. 

If you want to learn more about winemaking, check out this tour, which combines a visit to a winery and a tour from the winemakers with some time in the small local town of Silves. You’ll have free time to explore the small fishing village before returning to Albufeira.

🍷 Although a little out of the way, one of my favorite experiences in the Algarve was at Morgado do Quintão , where I sampled wine and ate delicious food underneath a 3,000-year-old olive tree. Read about my experience here .

14. Quad Bike Experience

Embark on a quad bike or buggy adventure to explore the arid landscapes dotted with cacti and cork forests inland—a must for the things to do around Albufeira .

On this off-road adventure , you’ll get dusty and dirty as you navigate your own quad bike. Prepare to bounce along rough tracks, cross rivers, and explore the Algarve backcountry. 

This buggy adventure is a great option for a bit more comfort. It allows for kids as young as seven to come along and ride shotgun. You’ll traverse terrain that cars can’t get you to. In addition, this tour will take you to the ancient Berber Paderne Castle or Castle of Paderne.

⭐️ Drivers on both tours will need a valid driver’s license. 

15. Private Jewellery Workshop

A totally unique must do Albufeira experience that will have you accessing your creative side, this jewelry workshop is a great way to spend half a day. By the end, you’ll walk away with your own creation — whatever that may look like. 

At Nini’s workshop on the west side of Albufeira, you’ll engage hands-on with an expert silversmith, learning to saw, stamp, and solder your own memorable piece of jewelry.

There are not many souvenirs that are as memorable as one you get to craft yourself.

16. Albufeira Marina

The marina in Albufeira is known for being the most sheltered marina in all of Europe. In addition, the marina has been awarded a Blue Flag award — showing that it’s sustainable and being rated 5 out of 5 Gold Anchors, indicating that the marina is operating at the highest level —  similar to that of a five-star hotel. 

In addition to being a home for fisherman’s boats and those who arrive in Albufeira by sea, the marina is also very likely where you’ll leave from for any boat tours in the area. 

On land, the marina has an impressive amount to do. From bowling and go-karting to bars, shops, and restaurants, this is a bustling center of life in Albufeira. If you’re searching for centrally positioned accommodation, villas and apartments are available here.

17. Scuba Diving 

Albufeira has created several artificial reefs to draw a rich diversity of marine life, making it a hotspot for divers. With diving experiences tailored for all levels of expertise, from beginners to advanced, Albufeira offers an array of reef and wall diving adventures.

The serene Atlantic waters here are well-suited for both newcomers to diving and those with more experience. If you are a beginner scuba diver, you can take an introductory scuba course, which still starts with safety dive in a pool before your first dive in the sea. But if you are already certified, then opt for a two-dive trip . Remember to bring your certification card.

18. Eat Lots of Seafood 

Food, food, and more food — is there anything better to do on your vacation than try the local dishes? If you can, try Catapalana, a traditional Algarve dish that is a seafood lover’s delight. Named after the clamshell-shaped pot it’s cooked in, this stew combines fresh fish and shellfish with a rich tomato sauce, creating a hearty and aromatic meal perfect for sharing.

The best way to explore the local food is to go on a food and wine tour. This Wine and Traditional Tapas Experience is the perfect option. If you are feeling a little more adventourous, you can head to Olhão for an oyster farming experience or even take part in a Cataplana cooking class .

19. Horseback Riding 

As a horseback rider, I can’t think of anything better than riding along long stretches of beach — which is exactly what you’ll get to do on this tour . You’ll ride along the coast above the picturesque Albufeira lagoon.

Your journey starts with a personal pickup and a visit to the area’s secluded spots. Then, it’s time to meet your horse. After a detailed briefing, you’ll be all set to experience the coastline’s beauty from the unique perspective atop your equine companion .

21. Ponte da Baleeira

Located east of Praia dos Arrifes beach, Ponte da Baleeira offers a panoramic viewpoint that provides stunning vistas of Albufeira harbor, Baleeira Beach, and the striking golden cliffs.

This scenic spot is a lesser-known treasure in the city of Albufeira, allowing for quieter moments away from the bustling tourist areas. Access to this viewpoint is completely free, and visitors can reach it by following the coastal cliff-top road.

20. Galeria Municipal João Bailote

João Bailote is known as one of the most famous and best-selling Portuguese artists, especially when he was at the top of his game, from the 1960s through the 80s . Bailote was originally from Albufeira and is a beloved member of the city’s history. Walking around, you may notice a city street named after him.

The Galeria Municipal João Bailote is full of his pieces, which are contemporary works. The space is open from Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. It is also closed on Sundays.

22. Igreja Matriz de Albufeira

This church is incredibly unassuming against the white buildings it blends in with. It is, however, one of the best examples of neoclassical architecture in the Algarve. Inside is its highlight — an altarpiece that features Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the patron saint of Albufeira.

The church also houses a 15th-century statue of Nossa Senhora da Orada, the fishermen’s patron saint. Each year, on August 15th, a procession is held by local fishermen. The statue is returned to where it was initially kept in the nearby Convento de Nossa Senhora da Orada.

The Igreja Matriz de Albufeira is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sundays, the church is open from 9:00 to 12:00 pm

23. Water parks & Theme parks

In Albufeira, thrill-seekers and families can enjoy a day out at Aquashow Park , known for its water slides and wave pools, or Slide & Splash , which boasts a vast array of slides for all ages. For those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Aqualand offers an array of gentler rides and pools, suitable for younger visitors.

⭐️ Travel Tips: For things to do in Albufeira water park options, purchasing tickets online often comes with a discount, and arriving early can help avoid the crowds. Remember to pack sunscreen and hats, as shade can be limited, and consider renting a locker for valuables.

Beaches in Albufeira

Albufeira shines as a coastal haven with its stunning beaches, each offering a unique slice of paradise. The sun-soaked shores are a must for those wondering about things to do in Albufeira.

From the lively to the serene, the beaches cater to every mood and are quintessential in any list of what to do in Albufeira. Whether it’s a family day out or a solo retreat, the beaches will surely be a highlight of your trip.

⭐️ Travel tip: Each beach is home to at least one restaurant, and although these spots are great for a snack and chilled glass of wine, eating here is not recommended. Yes, the food is good, but the prices are astronomical— you are essentially paying for the view.

🗺️ ALBUFEIRA BEACH MAP

24. Fisherman’s Beach

Fisherman’s Beach (Praia dos Pescadores in Portuguese), another blue flag beach, is easily accessed directly from central Albufeira. You, you can literally step from street to sand.

The many bars, restaurants, and cafes around Fishermen’s Beach are great places to sit and watch the sunset while enjoying a glass of wine or a cold beer. 

The name of this beach comes from the colorful fishing boats which used to fill the water. The number of boats slowly decreased until the ones left relocated to the Albufeira marina. Now, the beach is covered by bathers and their colorful towels instead.

The easiest access point to Fisherman’s Beach is from the 25th of April Square. There are sunbeds for hire on the beach and toilet and shower facilities. In the summer, there is a lifeguard on duty.

25. Praia da Falésia

Located near Albufeira and Vilamoura, Praia da Falésia (translated to Beach of Cliffs) is one of the longest beach beaches in the Algarve. Stretching over 6km (3.7 mi) long , the beach is known for its red and orange-colored sandy cliffs.

In 2018, Praia da Falésia was considered the number-one beach in Portugal , the third-best in Europe, and TripAdvisor’s 12-best beach worldwide. Its natural beauty and relatively calm sea conditions make it a great spot for swimming and enjoying water activities.

26. Praia da Coelha

Praia da Coelha encapsulates all that the Algarve is —  rugged cliffs, clear waters, and bright sand — the wild, abundant nature of the region surrounds the little beach.

This beach is a favorite among locals, so while it is quiet on weekdays, it fills up quickly on weekends. Of course, this is because it’s a great place for everyone, including families. The sand is soft, and the water is nice for an easy paddle. However, if you venture farther from shore, the ocean floor drops off, and the current becomes quite strong.

The beach is about 5 km (3 mi) west of Albufeira center. Driving is the easiest way to access it . Taking the public bus is also an option, but you’ll walk about 10 -15 minutes to the beach.

27. Praia da Oura

Praia da Oura is most well-known for its wild nightlife scene. The beach is located about 3 km (1.8 mi) east of the center of Albufeira but is walking distance from the strip. The party from the strip often flows onto the beach late at night and into the early morning hours.

That said, during the day, Praia da Oura is calm, clean, and a great spot to set up your beach towel. There are lifeguards on duty during the summer. 

You can enjoy water sports here, like diving, jet skiing, or parasailing . The bars and restaurants which run along the edge of the beach are also much tamer during daylight hours.

28. Praia Santa Eulália & Praia da Balaia

Praia Santa Eulália is a haven for families, nestled just 4 km (2.5 mi) from Albufeira’s bustling center. With easy parking and access via a gentle slope, it’s a hit for all ages. The beachfront is lined with a variety of restaurants and bars, perfect for a midday snack or a refreshing drink.

Facilities are top-notch, with sunbeds available for a comfortable day by the sea. Lifeguards are on duty during peak season, ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

A stone’s throw away Praia Santa Eulália, Praia da Balaia offers a more secluded vibe. At just 3 km (1.9 mi) east of Albufeira, it’s a quiet retreat for those looking to unwind. The smaller beach has fewer facilities, making it a peaceful alternative to the more popular spots.

It’s accessible by a short walk down from the main road. Keep in mind there are no lifeguards here, so swim with caution. Both beaches promise a delightful day out, with Santa Eulália catering to convenience and Balaia to tranquility.

29. Praia de São Rafael

Praia de São Rafael is best known for its beautiful rock formations and the gorgeous sunsets you can catch from the top of the cliffs above the beach. 

The water is very comfortable to swim in, and it’s a great spot for snorkeling. You can also wander along the sand and explore the caves and grottoes. At low tide,

ou may also discover small secluded beaches on either side of the main beach. 

There are paths along the top of the cliffs which offer great views across the water. 

Praia de São Rafael is about 4 km (2.5 mi) west of Albufeira Algarve. Once you arrive, there is a wooden path thatwhich leads to the beach, but you will have to take a few steps down as well.

30. Praia dos Arrifes

Praia dos Arrifes is the best beach to visit in Albufeira for snorkeling. There are several rock formations in the ocean, just out from the shore, which attract a variety of fish and small sea life so it’s easy to spot many species within an easy swim out.

This is the smallest beach in Albufeira , but at low tide, there is a lot to explore. You’ll want to make sure you’re wearing good water shoes as the ground is very rocky and uneven. But you can find small rock pools dotted around and can spot little critters like crabs or small fish skirting around them. 

🦶 The beach itself is also a rock-sand mixture, so it’s not the best spot to go barefoot.

31. Praia da Galé 

Praia da Galé, a serene expanse of beach within easy reach of Albufeira center—just 6 km (about 3.7 miles) away— offers a unique blend of accessibility and leisure.

Unlike many Algarve beaches, there’s no need to navigate steps, making it welcoming for disabled visitors or those who prefer a straightforward stroll from car to sand.

Here, the beach bars and surf schools pepper the long stretches of soft sand, creating a lively yet laid-back atmosphere. You can rent loungers and wind protectors for a comfortable day by the sea.

Praia da Galé is also appreciated for its practical amenities, which cater to diverse needs. These include easy accessibility for a stress-free beach outing.

32. Olhos de Água

Olhos de Água Beach, or Eyes of Water , is known for the natural springs that run through the beach at low tide, thus giving the area its name. 

This beach is located in a village of the same name, about 6 km (4.5 mi), east of Albufeira. While the clearest water for swimming is on the east end of the beach, walking west is where you’ll likely find more space on the sand to lay down your beach towel. 

This village used to be a small, sleepy fishing village. And you can still see the colorful fishermen’s huts which line the backside of the beach.

At low tide, you can walk east along the coast all the way to Vilamoura — about 6km (4 mi) away.

Day Trips from Albufeira in Algarve

There are various places to visit near Albufeira in Portugal that can enrich your holiday experience. The Algarve region is dotted with charming towns, historical Albufeira attractions, and breathtaking Albufueira sights, all within a short drive. Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, or just a change of scenery, there’s a nearby destination waiting to be discovered.

33. Benagil Cave

The famous Benagil cave , also known as Algar de Benagil, features a stunning hole in its ceiling, creating a natural skylight illuminating the sandy beach. It’s a must-visit spectacle for anyone venturing into fathe Algarve Albufeira region.

The cave is close to several popular Algarve destinations, including Albufeira (30 minutes away).

📍HOW TO GET TO BENAGIL

As of September 2023, Benagil Cave is temporarily closed to certain watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. At the moment, the best way to get to Benagil is by boat tour. There are various boat tours that take you to Benagil from the Albufeira marina.

But is the Benagil Cave closed? No, it is not. It’s open year-round, and weather permitting and sea condition permitting, you can still enter by boat. For more infomation click here .

34. Marinha Beach 

Marinha Beach, or Praia da Marinha, is hailed as one of the Algarve’s iconic coastlines, with its golden sands and towering limestone cliffs. Situated about 8km (roughly 5 mi) east of Lagoa, this beach is a poster child for the region’s natural beauty, often gracing the covers of travel guides.

The beach is famed not just for its picturesque scenery but also for its clear, calm waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and swimming.

🥾 Praia da Marinha is the starting point the Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos (Seven Hanging Valley) hiking path .

📍HOW TO GET TO MARINHA BEACH

If you’re driving, it’s a straightforward trip that takes about 30 minutes. Head east on the A22 motorway and exit for Lagoa. From there, follow the signs directing you towards Praia da Marinha. The route is well-signposted, and you’ll find a car park near the beach.

Alternatively, if you’re relying on public transport, take a regional bus to Lagoa, and then transfer to a local bus service that heads towards the coast. There are also tour operators in Albufeira offering half-day or full-day excursions to Marinha Beach,

35 . Ferragudo

This quiet fishing village has beautiful cobblestoned shopping streets, amazing seafood restaurants, and some of the best beaches in the area. So if you’re craving something more peaceful and a chance to escape the bigger resort towns, a day trip to Ferragudo is the perfect answer. 

Check out the long, sandy stretch of beach at Praia Grande or the riverside beach of Praia da Angrinha , and stop in to A Ria for an amazing selection of grilled fish.

Overlooking the river and the beach is the medieval Fort of São João de Arade — unfortunately, as the fort is now privately owned, you can’t enter. Still, the, but the view of the fort against the sea is pretty spectacular.

📍HOW TO GET TO FERRAGUO

The easiest way to get to Ferragudo from Albufeira is by car or taxi. The drive is about 40 kilometers, or 25 miles, and takes about 40 minutes. 

Alternatively, you can take a bus, but you’ll need to switch over. The fastest trip takes you through Lagoa—about an hour in total. Or you can travel through Portimao, which will take about two hours. Bus timetables can be found on Vamus Algarve .

Once the capital of the kingdom of the Algarve , in Silves, you can still see the castle, which is the same one the Moors once used to defend the city from invaders. The history of Silves is as enticing as its present-day lifestyle.

The small city sits on the banks of the Rio Arade, and it has a relaxed way of life about it. Enjoy a visit to a cafe and stroll the laneways. And make sure to stop by the Cathedral of Silves , which is built in a Gothicgothic style with some elements of baroque architecture. 

📍HOW TO GET TO SILVES

To get to Silves from Portugal Albufeira you can take a direct bus which takes about 45 minutes. Or you could go on a day tour. 

On this tour , you’ll visit key Silves landmarks like its castle and cathedral, then head to Mount Foia and Cape Saint Vincent for panoramic views. Your journey continues with the caves at Praia da Cordoama and ends in the historic town of Lagos, offering a diverse experience of the Algarve in just one day.

37. Paderne

Padernea is a perfect day trip for anyone trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the coast. You can relax in the friendly village, explore its history, and tuck into the surrounding nature. 

At the center of Paderne, you’ll find Igreja Matriz de Paderne — the main church of the village, which was built in the 16th century. The architecture combines Portuguese late Gothic with a Renaissance style. You can also visit the Corte-Real Gallery , housed in a traditional Quinta. The gallery has artworks ranging from ceramic pieces to exotic light displays.

If you want to explore beyond the village, start at the ancient Paderne Castle ruins and follow the Paderne castle trail, or PR1, in a 10 km (just over 6 miles) loop through the arid Algarve countryside.

📍HOW TO GET TO PADERNE

You can get to Paderne from Albufeira easily on a direct bus (the number 4) run by Vamus Algarve . If you choose to drive, it should take you around 20 minutes door to door. 

38. Lagos & Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade is a stunning testament to nature’s artistry in the Algarve, where the relentless sea has sculpted 20-meter-high cliffs and winds into a labyrinth of caves, grottoes, and arches.

The cliffs stand proudly near Lagos, which complements these natural wonders with its own array of attractions. Lagos not only boasts a rich history evident in its maritime heritage and preserved old town, but also offers culinary delights, with seafood as a staple.

The city’s beaches, marina, nightlife, and cultural scene make Lagos one of the best towns to visit in the Algarve.

📍HOW TO GET TO LAGOS

Lagos is a 50-minute drive from Albufeira, or you can take several public bus routes, which take 90 minutes to two hours.

Alternatively, many local guide tours provide pick-ups in Albufeira. This full-day tour will take you first by boat to admire the dramatic cliffs before enjoying a guided tour through Lagos. Visit the Baroque Church of Santo António and the nearby Castelo dos Governadores, which has stayed standing since before the Holy Wars. You’ll also have time to explore the city.

Known as the end of the world, Sagres sits out in one of the most remote regions of Portugal — at the westernmost tip of the Algarve. The area has barren landscapes, stunning beaches, and amazing surf. The small coastal town has a relaxed atmosphere.

Visit at least one of the beaches and admire the raging sea. Praia da Mareta is a good pick for surfers and easy to access from town. You can also visit the Fortaleza de Sagres, a sea fort that utilizes the ocean as part of its protection and has more amazing views.

🚘 If you’re driving, go out to Cabo de São Vicente headland where you can experience one of the most magnificent sunsets if you have the time to stay late.

📍HOW TO GET TO SAGRES

The drive from Albufeira to Sagres is about an hour. If you want to go by public transport,t you’re looking at a trip of close to three hours by bus , with a transfer to Lagos.

Day tours can also be a great way to make the most of your time and really see a lot in the area. This full day trip focuses on the region’s history. It includes stops in Silves, Mount Foia — the highest point in the Algarve, Cabo de São Vicente headland, the rugged Praia da Cordoama, and finally, the historical center of Lagos. 

Alternatively, move at a slightly slower pace with this day trip that makes stops just in Silves, Mount Foia, and Lagos, and ends the day at the beautiful Cabo de São Vicente headland in Sagres.

40 . Olhão & Ria Formosa

Olhão is a small town brimming with charm, authenticity, and lots to do . Fishing was, and continues to be, a main infrastructure in the town and you can find amazing fresh seafood in the Mercado de Olhão — one of the most famous markets in the Algarve.

Wandering through the center of town, you’ll pass the beautiful yet simple, white-washed fisherman’s homes with flowers growing from the terraces and balconies and overflowing into the streets.

The nearby Ria Formosa is a lagoon system that houses the most important wetlands in southern Portugal. There, you’ll be able to spot amazing birdlife, such as the unique purple swamphen, which is the park’s symbol.

📍HOW TO GET TO OLHÃO

If you’re driving, Olhão is about 45 km (28 mi) east of Albufeira. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes via the A22 highway. While it is possible to take public transport to Olhão from Albufeira , the trip will take about 90 minutes on the bus or a train with a change in Faro.

Your best bet is to go on a guided tour. This trip brings you from Albufeira to Faro — the capital of the Algarve, then to Olhão for a visit to the fish market. From there, you’ll head to explore the cobblestone streets of Tavira and finish the day in one of the easternmost towns in the Algarve — Vila Nova de Cacela.

41. Loulé & Estoi Palace

Loulé’s main attraction is its covered market . Inspired by similar markets in the Arabian peninsula, it overflows into the surrounding alleyways. The town is a throwback since not much has changed since medieval times, but now it has a much more peaceful, calm way of life. While in town, you can also visit the medieval Castelo De Loule.

From Loulé, you can find the Rococo design Estoi Palace , just 17 km (about 10 miles) to the east. The palace dates back to the 18th century but has been recently refurbished and now stands in all its pink splendor with an array of beautiful azulejo (Portuguese blue tiles) murals.

The palace now functions as a hotel , but many of the rooms and French-style gardens are still open to the public.

📍HOW TO GET TO LOULÉ

It’s about 33 km — or around 20 miles from Albufeira to Loulé by car. The drive should take around 30 minutes. From there, it’s another 20 minutes to the palace. There’s no great way to do this day trip by public transportation, so a guided tour may be your next best option if you prefer not to drive.

This full day trip goes in-depth with what Loulé has to offer by visiting the market, the castle, and the municipal museum, which will reveal more about the region’s history. After that, you’ll visit the 16th century Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Hermitage and the ancient Islamic hammam. The tour ends at the Estoi Palace.

42. Salgados Nature Reserve 

Salgados Nature Reserve offers a serene getaway, ideal for nature enthusiasts and anyone keen on a day away from the bustle. It’s a sanctuary for birdwatchers, boasting species such as the showy flamingo and the elusive purple swamphen among its residents. Spanning a generous area, the reserve promises ample space for visitors to roam and discover.

📍HOW TO GET TO SALGADOS NATURAL RESERVE

The reserve is about 14 km from Albufeira, roughly a 20-minute drive. There’s not much in the way of buses or trains that get you there, so driving is your best bet.

If you’re not into driving, you might want to grab a taxi or a UBER, or if you’re feeling sporty, a bike could be a fun way to roll up to the reserve. It’s a bit out of the way, but definitely worth the trip if you’re into nature and need a break from the buzz.

Where is Albufeira located? 

Albufeira is centrally located in the Algarve region of Portugal , approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Faro and roughly 250 kilometers (155 miles) south of Lisbon.

Nestled along the coast, it offers easy access to the region’s picturesque beaches and is a prime spot for enjoying the Algarve’s sunny Mediterranean climate.

For anyone coming from Lisbon, Albufeira awaits at the end of a 250 km (approximately 155 miles) journey south. This road trip will take you through the heart of Portugal’s diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to the sea-kissed horizon, making the travel part of the adventure itself.

Whether you’re coming to Albufeira from Faro or the historic grandeur of Lisbon, Albufeira is an accessible retreat that promises the essence of Portuguese coastal charm.

How to Get to Albufeira

Albufeira is reachable by car, train or by bus from throughout Portugal. Of course you can also rent a car and drive there or even take a private transfer.

How to get from Faro to Albufeira?

If you’re flying into the Algarve from overseas you’ll land at the airport in Faro. From Albufeira it’s a distance of just under 50 km, or around 30 miles.

There is a local bus which leaves from the airport — number 56 . It’s a direct connection to Albufeira, and takes around 50 minutes.

Alternatively, the Alsa bus goes from the airport, making just one stop in Faro center before continuing on directly to Albufeira. Because of the stop in the center this actually takes a bit longer at about an hour total.

Other options include taking a taxi/UBER or a private FARO airport transfer to Algarve Albufeira .

How do you get to Albufeira from Lisbon? 

To get to Albufeira from Lisbon, you can take a direct train or bus, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, or drive via the A2 and A22 motorways.

The Rede Expressos bus makes a super easy connection from Lisbon to Albufeira. It’s about two hours and 45 minutes leaving Lisbon’s Oriente station and not stopping anywhere else.

There is also a train going from Oriente , but this trip takes a little over three hours (with several stops) and terminates at Albufeira’s Ferreiras station, about 7 km (4 miles) north of town.

Best Time to Visit

What is the Albufeira weather? Well, Albufeira shines throughout the year, yet it truly comes alive in the summer with bustling beaches and vibrant nightlife—ideal for those who love the heat and high-energy atmospheres. Expect temperatures around 28-35°C (82-95°F), or more, but prepare for larger crowds.

Winter in Albufeira has its own appeal, with mild conditions and average temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) and minimal rainfall. It’s a serene period to explore the Algarve, with the cooler weather deterring many beach-goers, leaving you with tranquil vistas and a peaceful ambiance.

For the best balance of weather and experience, the shoulder seasons win hands down. With temperatures pleasantly warm at 18-25°C (64-77°F), the ocean remains inviting, and you can enjoy the city’s charm with fewer tourists.

🤯😱 Albufeira has a population of around 40,000 people in the low season. The number increases to around 500,000 in the summer busy season (July-August). In the summer, prepare for lines and packed parking lots. If you do come during the summer season make to to book everything months in advance.

What to Pack

A best of Albufeira guide isn’t complete without a guide on what to pack. Here is our travel guide to what to pack for your trip to Albufeira.

Spring & Fall

The weather in Albufeira is never too cold, and it starts getting warm around April. In fact, you’ll probably see people already swimming in the ocean as early as March.

Temperatures are warm Apr-Sep, the peak travel time. The warmest (without being too hot) times to travel to Albufeira are between May-June and Sept-Oct. The weather isn’t too hot and not too cold; it’s just about right . So what should you pack?

The months of Jul–Aug are hot, sunny, and dry . So make sure that you pack:

The weather gets cooler from November until March. Nevertheless, the Algarve is the only region on mainland Portugal that doesn’t get too cold during the winter months. If you come to Albufeira during the winter, you should pack.

If you are looking for a general Portugal packing list, read ➤ Portugal Packing List: Everything You Need to Bring.

Where to Stay in Albufeira

Deciding where to stay in Albufeira can be as simple as choosing between the allure of Albufeira hotels and the charm of the Albufeira area itself. Each location offers its unique take on hospitality, comfort, and access to the city’s highlights.

Praia Inatel – Praia dos Alemaes

For anyone seeking a blend of tranquility and convenience, the area around Praia Inatel and Praia dos Alemaes strikes the perfect balance. Offering serene beach views and a quieter location, it’s the best place to stay for easy access to all local attractions.

You’re just a leisurely 10 to 20-minute stroll from the old town, yet far enough to enjoy a peaceful retreat.

Some of the best-rated hotels in this areas include:

• 💰💰💰💰 — Auramar Beach Resort — gorgeous location, amazing staff & great amentities
• 💰💰💰 Alisios — 4⭐️ hotel with a great beachfront location
• 💰💰 Luna Clube Oceano
• 💰 Inatel Albufeira — amazing budget-friendly option right on the beach

Albufeira Old Town

In the pulsating heart of Albufeira, the Old Town is where all the action is. With is long sandy beach and a huge variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes, it’s the epicenter of local life.

Be mindful that during the high season, the area is abuzz with energy, people, and sounds. If your idea of a getaway includes lively nights and social vibes, this is the place to be. But make sure to bring ear plugs.

Some of the best-rated hotels in this area include:

• 💰💰💰💰 — Albufeira Sol Hotel & Spa Albufeira — Albufeira Sol Hotel & Spa Albufeira is a 4⭐️ adults only hotel right on the beach.
• 💰💰💰 Vila Origens — Adults-only boutique hotel.
• 💰 Hotel Baltum — 50m from the beach, right in the heart of old town Albufeira Portugal.

Praia da Oura

Praia da Oura is perfect if you’re after a mix of sun-soaked days and lively nights. With the beach just a stone’s throw away and a cluster of restaurants to choose from, you’re all set. The Albufeira Strip is also within an easy stroll, offering a slice of the famous Albufeira nightlife.

Just a note: the beach is down a steep hill, so be ready for a bit of a climb back to your hotel. It’s also a bit further from the Old Town, but if you don’t mind the walk, the journey’s part of the adventure.

• 💰💰💰💰 Monicca Collection Suites and Residences — beachfront location, 3 swimming pools, 4 restaurants & free parking.
• 💰💰💰 Aqua Pedra Dos Bicos Design Beach Hotel – Adults Only — private balconies, exceptional breakfast, clean and comfy beds.
• 💰 Club Ouratlantico — 500m from the beach, great amentities & free parking.

Santa Eulalia – Praia da Balaia

If you’re hunting for tranquility with easy access to sandy shores, Santa Eulalia and Praia da Balaia should be on your radar.

Nestled on the eastern side of town, about 3.5 km (just over 2 miles) from Albufeira Old Town, it’s the perfect spot to dodge the hubbub but still pop into town whenever the mood strikes. Ideal for families who want a serene retreat.

• 💰💰💰💰 Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort & Hotel Spa — 5⭐️ hotel, amazing location, incredible staff, sea views & great amentities. The hotel offers suites as well as apartments.
• 💰💰💰 Santa Eulalia Hotel & Spa — 800m from the beach, indoor/outdoor swimming pool, welcoming staff and great breakfast.

Olhos de Agua

Olhos de Agua gives you that small-town vibe with all the beachy goodness you’d expect. If you’re looking to stretch your euros a bit further and still soak up the sun, this is your spot. Plus, it’s just 6 km (around 3.7 miles) from the Albufeira Old Town, so you’re never too far from the action.

• 💰💰💰💰 — PortoBay Falésia — gorgeous location, sea views, luxury wellness area
• 💰💰💰 3HB Guarana (All-Inclusive) — beachfront location, indoor pool, sauna, nightclub and a kids’ club.
• 💰 Aquamar Albufeira Moon Dream

Albufeira Marina

Over at Albufeira Marina, you’ve got lively vibes without breaking the bank, and you’re in the middle of some of the best Albufeira restaurants and activities

It’s the launchpad for most boat tours, and you’re only about a 20-30 minute walk from the Old Town—that’s roughly 1.5 km (just under a mile). No big hotels here, but a bunch of apartment options make it another family-friendly winner.

• 💰💰💰 The Homeboat Company Albufeira — a unique stay on a boat 🛥️.
• 💰💰 Orada Apartamentos Turísticos — self-catering apartments.

Food & Drinks

Considering Albufeira’s size, the city has an unreal number of restaurants and bars. There are many fish restaurants and regular debates about which is best. But there are also vegetarian options, great steak houses, and lots of international food options.

⭐️ Be aware that Albufeira is a seasonal town, meaning that some of these restaurants might be closed during the low season between November to March.

Breakfast & Brunch

• Café Mané – Tv. Alves Correia 2, 8200-179 – for a coffee, pastry or brunch in a perfect setting.
• Alfarroba – Parque da Corcovada Lote 31 loja c, 8200-321  – vegan Café only open weekdays and on lunch hour delicious vegan desserts .
• Sugar Rabbit Kaffe – R. Latino Coelho 42, 8200-123 – coffee and smoothie bowls & vegan options.
• Al-Gharb Coffee Roasters – Beco do Sol 3, 8200-269 – best speciality coffee
• Doçaria Almeixar –  Estr. de Vale Rabelho, 8200-428  – sweets, crepes & waffles
• Jungle Brunch & Drinks – Ed. Lancemar. Nascente, Av. Sá Carneiro 3ºH, 8200-362 – brunch options.

Lunch & Dinner

• Restaurante Vivaldo’s – R. Ramalho Ortigão 6, 8200-604 – classic Portuguese dishes and food. Beach views of Oura beach.
• Casa Da Fonte – 8200 076, R. João de Deus 7, 8200-142 – classic Portuguese dishes and food
• Cabana Fresca – Largo Cais Herculano, 8200-061 – traditional Portugueuse dishes with a beautiful view.
• Restaurante Os Arcos – R. Alves Correia 27, 8200-206 – traditional Portuguese dishes, with emphasis on grilled fish and sea .
• Peccati di Gola – Av. 25 de Abril 3 A, 8200-012 – Italian food
• Yoya’s Thai Kitchen – Av. da Liberdade 42, 8200-151 – Authentic Thai food in old town
• Urban Pizza Old Town – Av. 25 de Abril 26, 8200-096 – Pizzeria 🍕
• Georgina – Old Town – Av. 25 de Abril 13, 8200-012 – Italian food
• Il Brigante – R. Alves Correia 40, 8200-090 Albufeira – Italian food
• Wild & Co Steakhouse – Av. Sá Carneiro, 8200-291 –
• Gandhi Palace Albufeira – Av. dos Descobrimentos 6RC, 8200-260 – Indian food
• The Bull Dog Bar – Av. Sá Carneiro 53, 8200-260 – absolutely amazing ribs. Bring cash.
• Copos & Pesticos – R. Alexandre Herculano A, 8200-269 – best tapas vegan+ vegetarian friendly
• Tatsumi – Estr. de Albufeira 66, 8200-635 – delicious fusion food
• Happy Sumo – Albufeira Estrada de Santa Eulália – best all you can eat sushi spot. Great for when you want a bit of everything 🍣.

Drinks & Party

• Legends Bar – Av. Sá Carneiro n.47, 8200-340 – great local bar with reasonably priced drinks and free shots .
• 33 Sports Bar – R. Alexandre Herculano 33, 8200-271 – a great place to watch a sports game
• Sherry’s Irish Bar – R. Alves Correia 51, 8200-090 – authentic Irish bar
• Friends Bar – R. da Ladeira 21A, 8200-642 Olhos de Água – known for having some of the cheapest prices
• Matt’s Bar – R. Victória 1, 8200-395 – Albufeira strip hotspot
• Picadilly Cocktail Bar – R. Cândido dos Reis Nº 19, 8200-103 – the best place for cocktails
• Sharky’s Bar – Marina de Albufeira – located in the marina, great views, drinks & pub food.
• Blue Bell Bar – R. Miguel Bombarda 20, 8200-167 – a local bar

Is Albufeira safe?

Yes & No — Albufeira is generally considered safe for tourists. Like any popular tourist destination, it has a well-established infrastructure to ensure the safety and security of its visitors

However, as with all travel, it is wise to take standard precautions such as safeguarding your belongings, being aware of your surroundings, and avoiding unlit or less populated areas at night.

Instances of crime are usually low, but petty theft like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas or during peak tourist season. Always exercise common sense and follow local guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Is Albufeira safe at night?

Yes & No — Albufeira has a lively nightlife that sometimes gets pretty wild, especially in the Old Town and on the Strip. You’ll see a lot of partygoers and sometimes things can get out of hand with too much drinking.

There aren’t many cops around, but they do step in if there’s a fight. It’s smarter to stay clear of any trouble spots, especially if things look like they’re heating up. But I do recommend always having travel insurance.

Living in Albufeira: Things to Consider

So you are thinking about living in Albufeira? Well, there are a couple of things that you need to think about before making the move, according to Dorina Owindi, founder of Monversation who is happily living in Albufeira.

First off, let’s talk about why you would even consider moving here.

(1️⃣) Albufeira’s charm lies in its perfect mix of city amenities and countryside calm , sitting at the Algarve’s heart. With a car, the whole region is your oyster, from Spain to the cliffs of Sagres.

(2️⃣) Next, even if your Portuguese is a work in progress, locals are patient and helpful, making settling in smoother. Plus, a lot of places, including government institutions, have people that speak English.

(3️⃣) The community here is active and friendly; it’s common to see people out for strolls, enjoying the cafe local culture.

(4️⃣) The sense of safety , combined with the (5️⃣) scenic drives and hikes, makes Albufeira more than a home— it’s a lifestyle 😍 .

Digital Nomads in Albufeira

Albufeira is fast becoming a hotspot for digital nomads , with a growing international community drawn to its charm. Recognizing this trend, the local government is keen on nurturing this sector, fostering an environment conducive to remote work.

💻 Looking for a middle to long-term renting option in Albufeira ? I recommend Flatio . Flatio is a platform for monthly rentals with hand-picked, deposit-free, and reasonably priced listings in over 300 destinations, mainly in Europe. I personally stayed in this apartment (with my dog and cat) and LOVED it.

The rise in coworking spaces is a testament to Albufeira’s commitment to accommodating the digital nomad lifestyle. This city is particularly appealing for anyone looking to escape to a warmer climate during the off-peak season , offering the perfect blend of work and leisure.

Renting in Albufeira

Finding a long-term rental in Albufeira can be quite a challenge because many landlords prefer short-term vacation renters. The best strategy is to network locally; often, someone you meet could lead you to available properties.

It’s wise to be cautious on housing platforms like Idealista or Facebook to avoid scams. Never send money before confirming the property and owner are legitimate. Also, beware of individuals offering to search for rental properties on your behalf for a fee.

To get a feel for different neighborhoods, try the local hop-on-hop-off bus tour. And when you find a potential home, thoroughly check its condition.

If you’re into the lively scene, consider areas like the Old Town or the Marina, as they’re a short distance from the city’s center. Keep in mind that resort areas can get noisy during peak tourist season. If you prefer quiet, look for places off the beaten path.

For a quieter life, Olhos de Água is peaceful, and Ferreiras suits families well. Don’t hesitate to look beyond the usual spots—visiting various neighborhoods can uncover hidden gems.

It may take time—up to several months—but with persistence and a little local help, finding the right place is possible.

Albufeira: Facts & FAQs

Is albufeira worth going to.

Absolutely — from exploring idyllic beaches and participating in water sports to enjoying the local gastronomy and experiencing its lively nightlife, Albufeira offers a rich blend of cultural and recreational activities.

Albufeira is a worthwhile destination for its vibrant atmosphere and unique things to do in Albufeira . It’s a place where scenic coastal beauty meets a bustling tourist scene, ensuring that every visitor finds something memorable to enrich their travel experience

What is Albufeira best known for?

Albufeira is renowned for its stunning coastline and vibrant nightlife, making it a magnet for those seeking sun, sea, and entertainment.

It’s the Albufeira tourist attractions like the lively Albufeira Strip, the historic Old Town, and the numerous picturesque beaches that make it a popular destination in the Algarve region.

How many days do you need in Albufeira?

3-4 days in Albufeira is ideal to fully embrace the things to see in Albufeira and enjoy the must see Albufeira spots.

This timeframe allows for relaxation on its golden beaches, exploration of local markets, and indulgence in the nightlife. If your itinerary includes other cities in the Algarve or day trips to regions like Lagos, you might want to extend your stay to accommodate those excursions.

What is the best month to go to Albufeira?

The best time to visit Albufeira is during the shoulder season, which typically includes the months of May, June, September, and October.

During these times, visitors can enjoy the favorable combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more competitive prices for accommodations and activities.

Is Albufeira walkable?

Yes — Albufeira has a compact and tourist-friendly center that is very walkable, with most hotels, beaches, and attractions such as bars and restaurants within easy walking distance.

For anyone staying close to the town center or along the main beach areas, a car is often not necessary. However, if you wish to explore the wider places to visit in Algarve Albufeira and the other Albufeira places to visit, public transport or a car might be required.

Do you need a car in Albufeira Portugal?

No — In Albufeira, having a car is not strictly necessary, especially if you’re staying in the town center where most amenities are within walking distance.

Yet, for those planning to visit more secluded beaches or surrounding towns, a car offers flexibility and convenience. It’s also helpful for carrying beach gear or making large grocery trips if you’re self-catering. You can also use UBER, taxis or tuk-tuks if you don’t want to rent a car.

Is the sea warm in Albufeira?

The sea temperature in Albufeira can be quite refreshing, especially outside of the peak summer months. From June to September, the water is warmest, making it comfortable for swimming and water sports. Outside of these months, the sea may feel a bit cool, which some swimmers might still find invigorating.

Is Faro or Albufeira better?

Choosing between Faro and Albufeira depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. If you’re interested in cultural experiences and a quieter stay, Faro might be better. If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife and beach-focused activities, Albufeira would be the recommended choice.

Faro, the capital of the Algarve region, offers a more authentic Portuguese experience with historical sites, such as the old town and Faro Cathedral, and a less tourist-centric atmosphere. It’s also the gateway to the natural beauty of the Ria Formosa lagoon.

Albufeira, on the other hand, is better known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and a wide array of dining and nightlife options. It caters more to tourists looking for a bustling seaside resort experience with plenty of activities and albufeira sightseeing attractions .

Final Thoughts: Things to do in Albufeira Algarve

As you can see, Albufeira Portugal Portugal is a treasure trove of things to do. Whether you’re looking for a party, to learn more about the region’s history, or to escape into nature — Albufeira’s got you covered.

Of course, that’s in addition to the stunning beaches, the amazing sparkling sea, and the stunning coastline. It’s one of the best places to go on holiday.

Yvonne Ivanescu is the founder of Now in Portugal and Now in Rio Swim, an ethical and sustainable swimwear company. She is a writer, editor and marketer with over 10 years of experience.

Storytelling is her second nature and she wants to share the magic of Portugal with the rest of the world.

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19 BEST Places to See & Things to Do in Albufeira, Portugal (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: August 3, 2024

Visiting Albufeira in the Algarve region in Portugal and wondering what there is to see and do here? In this guide, we cover the best places to see and things to do in Albufeira, coupled with some useful tips and advice for your visit. Find out!

Located on the beautiful coast of the Algarve region, Albufeira is known as one of the most popular seaside resorts in Portugal. So it will come as no surprise that the main attractions in Albufeira are related to the sea, beaches, and water activities. But there’s more to Albufeira than it might look at first sight and you’ll quickly see why it’s such a popular vacation destination!

However, your experience in Albufeira will highly depend on when you visit and which parts of town. This is mainly due to the fact that during the summer the town population increases tenfold. Plus, several streets in Albufeira can be very busy with partying people during summer nights.

The good thing is that the town is big and it’s lively during the entire year. So there is a lot to see and do in Albufeira (not even to mention the surrounding areas) no matter when you visit. And there is plenty to explore and enjoy for all types of travelers.

In this guide, we cover some of the very best things to do in Albufeira . From its historic old town to stunning beaches and fun activities, there’s truly something here for everyone. In addition, there are many other amazing places to see near Albufeira, but covering all that would require a few extra articles. So in this guide, we only focus on the town and its immediate surroundings, plus the best excursion possibilities starting from Albufeira.

Top 4 Experiences in Albufeira:

• Benagil Cave boat tours .
• Zoomarine .
• Tuk-tuk tours .

To help you plan your time, we also created a map indicating all the best places to see in Albufeira. You can find it at the bottom of this article.

In addition, you can find our recommendations for some of the best sightseeing tours , hotels , and useful tips for first-time visitors.

TIP: An introductory sightseeing tour by tuk-tuk is one of the best things to do in Albufeira when you just arrive in town for the first time. Yes, it’s a bit touristy, but it’s also fun. Plus, it gives you a good overview of the town layout and a quick introduction to everything that there is to see and do in the area. You can find more information about it further below as well.

Here are some additional recommendations for our personal favorite activities in Albufeira:

• Benagil Cave & dolphin watching boat trip (2.5 hrs) – Benagil Cave is the most popular excursion in Albufeira and a must-do.
• Kayaking near St. Rafael Beach (2 hrs).
• Parasailing (+-1.5 hr) – our kids’ favorite.

These are some of the best things to do in Albufeira:

1. Albufeira Old Town

With its fascinating history and Moorish-inspired architecture, Albufeira has more to offer than you might expect at first sight. And one of the best places to start your visit is the Old Town of Albufeira .

Some of the highlights here are SantAnna Church and the Bell Tower . Most of the time, it’s just a quick photo stop to see these landmarks from the outside. But if the church would be miraculously open, be sure to take a look inside as well.

The liveliest part and the heart of Albufeira’s old town is the square called Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco and the streets around it. This is where you’ll find lots of restaurants, cafes, bars, and souvenir stores. This is also where many events and celebrations take place (e.g. during Halloween, Carnival, New Year’s Eve, Easter, etc.).

2. Albufeira Tunnel

The famous Albufeira Tunnel is really not such a big attraction in itself, but everyone in town will tell you to go see it. It’s really one of the musts in Albufeira.

This is a pedestrian tunnel that connects the old town center to the main beach of Albufeira – Praia do Tunel.

When you walk through it (no matter which direction you go), you enter a totally different world. From the cobbled old town streets right into a big sandy beach and the wide ocean in front of you, or the other way around.

3. Beaches in Albufeira Town Center

Most people come to Algarve for the weather and the stunning beaches. Albufeira has no shortage of really nice beaches, and several of them are located right in the town center.

Praia do Tunel , Praia do Peneco , Praia Pescadores , or Praia dos Alemães , etc. might have different names, but these beaches are all connected and it’s hard to say where one ends and the other one starts. They form one giant beach that’s often referred to as the main beach of Albufeira, Praia de Albufeira .

This is a very long white-sand beach that is ideal for swimming and long walks by the sea. In the warmest months, you will find all the facilities here.

In the past, you could find traditional fishing boats on Fishermen’s Beach. Nowadays, fishing boats depart from a dedicated area in Albufeira Marina. If you want to see traditional fishermen’s boats, you have more chances at Praia Olhos de Água a few kilometers east of Albufeira. But also there, it’s not the same as it used to be, and the beach gets very busy with sun-seekers in the high season.

Good to know: The main beaches of Albufeira are located much lower than many of the surrounding areas which are built on tall cliffs. But there are several easy ways to get here, such as the earlier-mentioned pedestrian tunnel, but also an elevator and stairs from the western part of the beach, and escalators connecting the beach to the old fishermen’s district.

TIP: If you want to get from one part of Albufeira town to the other, it’s often much quicker to walk via the beach. For example, it can take you 10 minutes to drive from the old town area to the old fishermen’s neighborhood (not even to mention the time for parking, etc.), whereas you can walk between the two areas in 5-8 minutes. However, this is not the case for places located further away from the town center, because the beach is ‘cut off’ by rocks that can be hard to impossible to pass, depending on the tide.

4. Old Fishermen’s Area

Sitting high on the cliffs overlooking the sea and Praia Pescadores, you can find the old fishermen’s neighborhood of Albufeira . In the past, this was the place where fishermen lived. Nowadays, their whitewashed little houses are used as tourist apartments, etc. And the fishing boats now depart from the dedicated area in the recently-built Albufeira Marina.

On the Rotunda dos Pescadores (the Fishermen’s Roundabout) you can see an interesting piece of art, a tribute to the fishermen. And by the beach, you can find Monumento ao Pescador, a small monument dedicated to the fishermen of the region.

TIP: At the top of the cliff, next to DiVini Italian restaurant, there’s a viewing platform – Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira – offering great views of Albufeira beach. The restaurant/gelateria is also quite nice and is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Albufeira.

5. Peneco Beach & Peneco Elevator

Praia do Peneco is located on the westernmost side of the main beach in Albufeira. This beach is connected to the old town via steep stairs and an impressive glass elevator Elevador do Peneco .

On the farthest side of Peneco Beach itself, you can walk to the rock which is sticking out into the sea. You cannot walk all the way around it, but it’s nice anyway, just be careful with the waves. If you want to get further to the west (toward Albufeira Marina), you will first have to take the elevator (or stairs) to the top.

At the top, there is a pedestrian walkway – Esplanada Dr. Frutuoso da Silva – from where you can enjoy nice views of the beaches below. There are also a couple of viewing platforms with benches offering nice views of the city and the sea.

6. Albufeira Marina

The colorful Marina of Albufeira is a rather recent addition to the expanding town. As already mentioned, part of it is used by the fishermen, but the main area of the marina is filled with boats and luxury yachts.

Albufeira Marina is a very touristy and lively place with cafes and restaurants, but also a small bowling, indoor carting, game arcades, a big variety of activities for children, etc. There is also a diving center here.

But even if you are not interested in any of the entertainment or activities, it’s nice to come here for the special architecture. The colorful buildings of the Marina look a bit like Lego-brick houses – quite unique.

Good to know: Albufeira Marina is located outside the city center. While you can walk to the Marina from the old town in about 20 minutes, depending on where your hotel is located, you may want to take a car or a taxi. There are several big underground garages here, and the main waterfront area can be reached via the stairs from the car parking.

TIP: Many boat tours also depart from Albufeira Marina. You really have to do at least one boat trip when visiting the Algarve, and Albufeira is a great place for that. You can find more info about the best boat tours and activities below.

7. Boat Tours: Scenic Coastlines, Dolphin Watching, Parasailing & More

No list of the best things to do in Albufeira would be complete without mentioning the wide variety of boat tours that you can choose from.

The most popular are sightseeing boat tours to see the stunning coastal cliffs and sea caves of the Algarve. Weather permitting, these tours run throughout the year.

All the sightseeing boat tours focus on the coastline between Albufeira and Carvoeiro, with the famous Benagil Cave as the absolute highlight. Keep in mind that entrance inside this and any other sea caves will always depend on sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed. But you get to see such gorgeous coastal scenery that this boat trip is always worth it!

In addition to the incredible landscapes, you can also expect to see dolphins. There are quite a few of them in the area and we have seen them near Albufeira multiple times. In the summer, some boat tours also stop for a short swim.

As already said, not all boat tours are focused on sightseeing. In the warmer months, you can also opt for more adventurous tours and watersports like parasailing and jet-ski experiences , but also kayaking or paddle-boarding through sea caves, paragliding above the coast , etc.

Boat tours are especially nice to do if visiting Albufeira in the warmest months of the year. But when we visited in November , we saw that parasailing trips were running at the beginning of the month as well. We recently visited Algarve in April and all the water activities and tours were running like it was a high season. So as long as the weather is nice, there are so many activities that you can choose from in Albufeira!

Good to know: Weather permitting, boat tours run the whole year round. Of course, there are many more options and scheduled departures in the high season, but it’s something nice to do in Albufeira at any time of the year.

TIP: We highly recommend booking these activities in advance. That way, you know exactly what’s possible for your travel dates and can just arrive for the scheduled departure without having to waste time looking for the best/available options when you get there.

READ ALSO: How to Visit Benagil Cave & Best Kayak Tours in Albufeira

8. Praia da Falésia

Praia da Falésia is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and a definite must-see in the Algarve. This is a very long beach (+- 6km) stretching from Olhos de Água in the west all the way to Vilamoura in the east. Technically, it’s located within the limits of Albufeira municipality, so it definitely deserves a place on this list of places to visit in Albufeira.

Falesia Beach is characterized by unique red cliffs that tower above the beach providing it with a stunning backdrop. The colors of these cliffs change depending on the light, making it a wonderful place to visit at any time of the day and particularly at sunset.

Whether you go down to the beach or walk on the trails on top of the cliffs, the scenery here is truly fascinating.

TIP: This is a nice beach for swimming and long walks. It’s also one of the best places to go surfing in the area. You can also book very affordable surfing lessons at Praia da Falesia. There is also a place where you can rent kayaks on Falesia Beach; it’s located a bit further east toward Vilamoura.

Good to know: You won’t be able to easily walk to Falésia beach from Albufeira (unless it’s low tide and you are a bit adventurous). But you can get there by car or by taxi. Alternatively, this tuk-tuk tour also includes a visit to Falesia Beach in its Albufeira sightseeing itinerary.

You can also easily reach this beach from some hotels in Olhos de Água. I recently stayed at PortoBay Falesia Hotel which has access to the westernmost point of Falesia Beach. The views from the gardens of the hotel are breathtaking (see the featured image at the top of this article).

9. The Strip

Quiet during the day and lively at night, The Strip of Albufeira is a street lined with restaurants, bars, and several nightclubs that stay open until the early hours. Some of these places have bright neon boards that might remind you of Las Vegas , thus the name. Just don’t expect skyscrapers or huge casinos here – just as in the rest of Albufeira, the street is lined with low-rise buildings (luckily!).

Good to know: While you will hear everyone talk about ‘The Strip’, you won’t find it on the map. In reality, this street is called Avenida Sá Carneiro . Locals also call it Rua da Oura because the street leads to Praia da Oura beach (more about it further below).

If you are looking for nightlife or a lively bar to spend an evening in Albufeira, then you really can’t miss The Strip. In the summer, it’s one big outdoor party. In the shoulder season, it’s much less busy and in the winter, many businesses are closed here.

Good to know: The Strip might have a reputation for being a place full of partying young people. But you can visit here with the whole family (we pass here with our kids all the time, but have never visited after midnight in the summer which might be a bit too overwhelming for children).

Also, there are quite a few really nice (and fancier) restaurants in this area, and some of our personal favorite places to eat are located near the strip. Just read a few reviews online before you pick where to eat because there are some tourist traps too.

READ ALSO: Best Restaurants in Albufeira

10. Estrada de Santa Eulália

In addition to The Strip, or instead of it, you may want to check out Estrada de Santa Eulália . This street is located a bit more eastward from the Strip (+- 10 minutes walking distance).

Some locals also refer to it as ‘The Restaurant Street’, and indeed, there are lots of restaurants and cafes here too. Whether you are looking for a traditional Portuguese meal or Italian, Mexican, or Indian cuisine, you will find a big array of options in this area. It’s a lot quieter than on the strip and most restaurants offer better price/quality ratio.

Good to know: This part of Albufeira remains lively the whole year round. So if you are visiting in the low season, you’ll always find plenty of restaurants open in the new town and Santa Eulalia.

11. Praia da Oura

Praia da Oura (The Golden Beach), is another really nice beach in Albufeira town center. It’s a flat sandy beach surrounded by some low rocks at the edges.

It’s not as big as the main beach in Albufeira town center, but it has everything you want for a perfect beach day: a long wide stretch of golden sand, nice scenery, good facilities, and several restaurants and bars, etc.

In the summer season, you can hire pedal boats here and also do all kinds of water sports (parasailing, jet-ski, banana boat and other fun water rides, etc.).

READ ALSO: Best Beaches Not To Miss in Albufeira

12. Praia de São Rafael & Praia dos Arrifes

Praia de São Rafael and Praia dos Arrifes are small beaches on the western side of Albufeira, a short drive from the Marina. These two beaches are located very close to each other and both are very scenic. In fact, they are both among the most beautiful beaches of the Algarve .

Both beaches are surrounded by tall cliffs and are much smaller than the beaches in Albufeira’s town center. If you are looking for the most beautiful Algarve coastal scenery, then this part of Albufeira is probably one of the nicest places to be. The rocky coastline is also perfect to watch sunsets or make longer coastal walks on the cliffs.

There are seasonal restaurants on both beaches and in the summer, you can also do amazing kayak tours starting from Sao Rafael Beach or a small-group kayak tour from Arrifes Beach.

Good to know: If you are staying in Albufeira town center, you will need a car or a taxi to get here. Some tuk-tuk tours also include a brief visit here (more info below).

But there are also a few hotels in this area. If you are looking for a somewhat quieter beach vacation in Albufeira with amazing scenery, then consider staying at São Rafael Atlântico . You can walk to both of these beaches straight from the hotel, and you can take a taxi if you want to get to Albufeira Marina or go to the town center.

13. Ponta da Baleeira

Ponta da Baleeira is a nice viewpoint overlooking Albufeira and the coast. There is a small lighthouse here to guide the boats arriving at the Marina.

This is a residential area outside of Albufeira town center with some luxury villas overlooking the sea. Ponta da Balleira looks like the only public peace of land here. It’s nice that they have preserved it for everyone to enjoy. The views are quite nice giving you a good overview of the surroundings.

Good to know: This viewpoint is located on the western side of town, within walking distance from Albufeira Marina. The earlier-mentioned beaches of Arrifes and St Rafael are also located in the vicinity. However, ideally, you have some kind of transportation to visit here since the area is hilly, the distances are bigger than it looks on the map, and there isn’t much shade.

TIP: The tuk-tuk tour that we did included a stop here (and the best beaches nearby). You can find more information about this tour below.

14. Tuk-tuk Tours

If you want to see all the best places of Albufeira in a short time, then we highly recommend a tuk-tuk sightseeing tour . There is a variety of excellent tours . Most of them take about 2-3 hours and bring you to all the top spots in Albufeira as well as the nicest beaches and viewpoints nearby.

Yes, it’s quite a touristy thing to do, but it’s fun. And if you are visiting Albufeira for the first time, it’s really the best way to get to know the area. The tuk-tuks are small and can easily bring you to many places in a short time without you having to worry about driving or parking…

Our experience: We took this tuk-tuk tour on our first visit to Albufeira and were really glad that we did. Not only did we get to see all the musts in a short time, but it also gave us a better understanding of the layout of this unique town. Plus, it was nice to have a local guide to give us some tips and recommendations for the rest of the stay.

Good to know: Albufeira is a rather big town that stretches along the coast for several kilometers. Plus, it’s a hilly town with both – very flat and very steep sections almost anywhere you go. So if this is your first time in Albufeira, it really helps to get an overview of the surroundings. These sightseeing tours will also show you many different facets of the area and give you a better understanding of how diverse Albufeira actually is.

TIP: Ideally, you do an introductory tour like this at the very beginning of your vacation. That way, you have a good overview of all the best places to see in Albufeira. You can then decide which areas you want to explore deeper and return for a longer visit on your own.

Please note that we would never recommend taking random tuk-tuks as a means of transport in Albufeira. For that, use local taxis or Uber/Bolt – they are faster and a lot cheaper. But guided tours are run by authorized local companies and are a totally different story.

15. All Kinds of Fun Activities

If you are here on a longer holiday and are looking for fun things to do in Albufeira, you will not be disappointed. There is so much on offer that you can find different things to do every single day.

We already mentioned all kinds of boat tours that you can do in Albufeira. You can go surfing, kayaking, rent paddleboards or water bikes, go parasailing or jet-skiing, etc. There are so many types of water sports and activities to enjoy that I don’t even know the names to describe them all. Especially in the peak summer season. You can find an overview of popular water activities here.

In addition, there are many other fun things to do in Albufeira that can be enjoyed the whole year round. For example, mini-golf, adventure parks, thrill rides (such as scad dive), etc.

One of the best adventure parks in the area is Parque Aventura , located on the eastern side of town just across the street from Santa Eulalia Resort . They have paintball and high-rope courses. There are several easy trails for young kids, but also some really challenging courses for teens and adults, and lots of zip lines on all courses.

For a fun day with friends and family, head to the Mini-Golf Adventure Park . It tends to get quite busy though, so we recommend going early in the morning, just as it opens, or at lunchtime.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Algarve with Kids

16. Zoomarine

If you are looking for something fun to do in Albufeira with kids or teens, you may want to check out the water parks . There are quite a few amazing water parks in the Algarve . The best one close to Albufeira is Zoomarine .

Technically, Zoomarine is not in Albufeira, but in Guia, but it’s just nearby, 15-20 minute drive from the old town.

Zoomarine is a marine park/waterpark offering a very nice combination of activities for the whole family. They have seal-, dolphin-, and birds of prey shows, as well as dolphin encounters (think twice whether it’s a good idea to do this).

There are also rides for kids and a sandy beach with pools and waterslides, etc. There is so much to see and do here that you can easily spend two days (bring your swimsuits, water shoes , and quick-dry towels !).

Good to know: Zoomarine is open from March to November. In the summer, it’s open daily, in the shoulder season, opening dates vary a bit depending on the month. Booking tickets in advance is usually quite a lot cheaper than at the entrance. Plus, you don’t have to queue.

TIP: We booked our Zoomarine tickets via GetYourGuide . They usually have a very good deal for a 2-day ticket (valid over a period of 10 days, so you don’t necessarily have to go two days in a row). For 1-day tickets and combination tickets with other attractions, you can also find good deals here .

If you are not interested in animal shows and are just looking for a nice water park, check out Slide & Splash in Lagoa or Aquashow in Quarteira; both are about half an hour’s drive from Albufeira.

READ ALSO: Tips & Useful Info for Visiting Zoomarine

17. Tours & Excursions near Albufeira

If you are looking for even more ideas for things to do in and near Albufeira, you may want to explore more of the Algarve region. A popular way to do this is by taking a (4×4) tour of the Algarve interior.

Depending on your interests, there are quite a few options. You can find the biggest selection of Albufeira tours on Get YourGuide . It’s our favorite website for all tour bookings worldwide, also because of the flexible payment- and cancelation options, plus excellent customer service.

Here is our hand-picked selection of some of the most popular (half-)day excursions from Albufeira:

• Half-day Jeep Safari . This is the most popular jeep tour from Albufeira. You see orange groves and pass picturesque small villages such as Alte and Paderne, visit a local farm, and – in season – can also go for a swim at a small waterfall in a river.
• Silves & Winery Tour . This half-day tour is an excellent option for those who love history, culture, and wine. You get to explore the historic town of Silves and also visit a local winery (wine tastings are included, of course).
• Jeep Safari & Vineyard Tour . This is a very nice option if you want to see some of the Algarve interior and visit a local vineyard.
• Off-road Quad Tour . If you are looking for a more thrilling experience, then quad tours can be really fun. In addition, they also include a bit of sightseeing, although that’s usually not the focus of quad tours. Please note that you need a driver’s license. You can opt for a 1 or 2-people quad, and your passengers cannot be younger than 7 years old.
• Lagos and Carvoeiro . This is a really nice day trip if you want to see some of the most beautiful coastal scenery of the Algarve, including the famous Ponta da Piedade . Plus, you get some free time to explore Lagos on your own.
• Historical Algarve . This is a full-day tour that brings you to Silves, Monchique , Lagos , and Sagres . Quite frankly, this is a lot for one day, but if you want to get a quick overview of some of the best places in the Algarve, this is a good way to see a lot in just a day.

READ ALSO: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (the best hike in the Algarve!)

Since Albufeira is mostly a vacation resort, no guide to the area would be complete without mentioning shopping and dining.

While many hotels in the area offer half-board or even all-in packages, having all your meals at a hotel is probably not the best way to get to know a place. So we highly recommend that you go out for lunch/dinner whenever you can. There are so many nice eateries to suit all tastes in Albufeira. Plus, you support small local restaurants as well.

There are too many restaurants in Albufeira to even start to mention a small part of them here. I recommend simply checking Google Maps for restaurants near your accommodation. You will definitely find something nice nearby.

If you want to try local specialties, you’ll be spoiled with the choice of fresh fish and seafood. If you prefer something different (or the same as at home), you’ll find it all in Albufeira.

From well-known fast-food chains, Portuguese, Italian, English, Irish, Indian, or Mexican restaurants to some of the most renowned gourmet restaurants in the world like Vila Joya Michelin 2* restaurant , featured as one of the ‘World´s 50 Best Restaurants’ multiple times… Albufeira truly has it all.

You could go to a different restaurant in Albufeira every day for a year and still not visit them all. The good thing is that most restaurants are very affordable and offer truly great service and quality.

READ ALSO: Where to Eat in Albufeira (all our personal favorite restaurants)

19. Shopping

Many people also like to go shopping when on vacation in Albufeira.

You will find some souvenir stores in the old town where you can buy traditional Portuguese cork products, etc. However, there are very few shops that sell quality cork, and most souvenirs are mass-produced in Asia… Let’s just say that your 5-euro leather belt or a 15-euro cork leather purse won’t last long. So look for some better quality and support those local shops instead!

If you are looking for clothing stores and similar, head to the mall called Algarve Shopping in Guia, about 10-15 minutes drive from Albufeira town center. You can simply take a taxi/Uber/Bolt to get there – it’s very affordable.

For the best shopping experience in the Algarve region, consider MAR Shopping Algarve . It’s located close to Faro, about 40-minute drive from Albufeira. You will also find designer outlets at the same location.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Faro

Where to Stay in Albufeira

There are tons of accommodation options in Albufeira. From self-catering apartments to 5-star resorts, there is something for everyone.

However, if you are traveling in the high season (May-October), try to book as soon as you know your travel dates. The prices soar in the peak season and the best price/quality accommodations book up very fast.

Also, there are a few things you may want to consider when looking for a place to stay. Albufeira town is quite spread out and hilly, so walking somewhere might take much longer than you think when looking at the map. Also, some hotels/resorts are sitting on the cliffs while the beach is down below and you might have to do (lots of) stairs in order to reach it. And finally, if you are renting a car, make sure that your hotel has parking.

For the ultimate Albufeira vacation experience, we highly recommend staying at a beachside/sea view property. Below are some of our hand-picked recommendations. We actually stayed at most of these, except the ones that are for adults only.

Here are a few of our favorite seafront hotels/resorts in Albufeira:

• €€€€€ NAU Sao Rafael Atlantico . This is a very nice 5* resort on the western side of Albufeira, right next to Sao Rafael Beach. You will need a car/taxi to get to the town center, but you have direct access to some of the most beautiful beaches. There are some stairs to get to the beach, but in general, it’s not very steep. The rooms in this hotel have open-plan bathrooms, so it might not be ideal for families with older kids/teens.
• €€€€+ Hotel Sol E Mar . This adults-only hotel sits on the main beach in Albufeira, right above the Albufeira Tunnel. Excellent beachfront location in the heart of the old town and with easy beach access, especially if you want to be in the center of all the action.
• €€€€ PortoBay Falesia Hotel is a 4* resort in Olhos D’àgua, on the eastern side of Albufeira. This hotel sits on the cliffs overlooking the beautiful Falesia Beach. It’s a typical vacation hotel with indoor and outdoor pools and several restaurants including a big buffet restaurant. You’ll need a car/taxi/bus in order to get to Albufeira town center from here, but there are plenty of restaurants in Olhos D’àgua itself if you decide not to opt for their half-bard or all-in packages and rather dine locally.
• €€€€ Auramar Beach Resort . This is a great-value mid-budget beachfront resort right in the town center, yet quiet. It’s very centrally located and you can easily walk to the old town (20-30 minutes via the beach) or to the Strip (10 minutes).
• €€€+ Alfagar Aparthotel and Alfagar Village . This is a big resort that has different types of accommodations – hotel rooms (Alfagar Aparthotel) and apartments that are great for families (Alfagar Village). It’s located just next to Santa Eulalia, about 15-20 minutes walk from Estrada de Santa Eulália. The hotel sits on the cliff and the beach is much lower, so you will have to negotiate quite some stairs to get there. But the views from the top make up for it.
• €€€ Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort . This is a very nice 5* resort on the eastern side of Albufeira, about 15-20 minutes walk from (it’s a bit hilly though). A big plus point is that the hotel itself is located very close to the beach, so you won’t have to do many stairs here. Depending on the season, you can get great value for your money.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in Albufeira: Best Areas & Hotels

Map of the Best Places to See in Albufeira

To help you plan your trip, we created a map indicating all the main sights in Albufeira mentioned in this guide.

As you can see, the town is quite spread out so you will need some kind of transportation if you want to visit all these places. But no worries if you are not renting a car because taxi/Uber/Bolt is not too expensive in Algarve.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is our guide to some of the best things to do in Albufeira. I hope that it gives you a better idea of what to expect and also gives you some new ideas for all kinds of activities to try and places to see in Albufeira.

In addition, you may want to visit Lagos or Tavira , some of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve . For more information and ideas for what to see and do, see our detailed guide via the link below!

Have a great trip!

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Algarve (All the must-sees)

More travel guides for the Algarve region:

• Algarve Travel Tips
• Where to Stay in Algarve
• Best Beaches in Algarve
• Benagil Cave (& Is Benagil Cave Really Closed? )
• Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
• Best Places for Kayaking in Algarve
• Best Water Parks in Algarve
• Best Things to Do in Algarve with Children
• Zoomarine Algarve
• Slide & Splash Water Park in Algarve

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

More travel inspiration for your trip to Portugal:

• Best Towns to Visit in Portugal
• Portugal 10-day Itinerary
• Portugal with Kids
• Portugal in April
• Algarve in April
• Best Things to Do in Lisbon
• 1 Day in Lisbon
• Best Day Trips from Lisbon
• Best Things to Do in Sintra
• Sintra Itinerary & Tips for Your Visit
• Best Things to Do in Madeira
• Best Things to Do in Funchal
• Best Hikes in Madeira
• Madeira Hidden Gems
• Dolphin and Whale Watching in Madeira
• Best Things to Do in Sao Miguel (Azores)
• Where to Stay in Sao Miguel
• For more destinations, please see our Portugal travel guide .

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• The Ultimate Guide to Albufeira
• Town & Resort Guides

Albufeira is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Algarve and it is easy to see why, with so many things to do and different places to stay in Albufeira for all ages and budgets.

Whether you are here on holiday with your family, are staying with friends, have come for a romantic break or are celebrating a stag or hen weekend, there is a place to suit you.

Where to stay in Albufeira?

Get directions.

If you are looking for a great place to enjoy a family holiday then the Old Town of Albufeira is one of the best locations to choose in the local area.

While many of the other areas of Albufeira have been developed to meet the needs of the ever-growing tourism industry, the Old Town retains the charm and traditions that first made it popular with visitors decades ago.

If you are looking to be able to experience cobbled streets, winding alleys, boutique shops and traditional cafes and restaurants then this is the best part of Albufeira for you.

In the summer time it is very busy in this area with live music and entertainment not only in the bars and restaurants, but also out on the streets, while during the festive season you can enjoy the lights and quieter times with family and friends.

The heart of the old town has to be the main square area, the Jardim Público de Albufeira.  Around this square you will find the open air restaurants, cafes and bars where you can take a break after browsing the local shops.

In the old town of Albufeira you can also find many of the historical sites of the local area, including the Sant’Ana Church and the Museum of Sacred Art.

Areias de São João (The Strip)

This area of Albufeira is where you will find the busy nightlife and is perhaps the most lively place in the Algarve.  Because of the concentration of bars and reasonably priced restaurants, shops, tattoo parlors, nightclubs and fast food outlets, it is not surprising that The Strip, as it is known to the locals, is the most popular place for groups of friends, stag and hen parties and generally those looking to party until the early hours!

This is the place to come in Albufeira if you are looking for a party atmosphere with the busiest months being in June, July and August.  However even in the low season you will bump into your fair share of stag and hen parties at weekends.

There is definitely an “adult” feel to this area of Albufeira, although during the day it is quite calm if you fancy exploring.  The strong tradition of this part of Albufeira being geared towards groups for parties means that you will find many bars with discounted drinks, karaoke, late night clubs, gentlemen’s clubs and adult shops.

Located in the new area of Albufeira, Montechoro sits at the north end of “The Strip” and while there are still lots of bars and restaurants in this area it has a quieter atmosphere more suited to those looking to enjoy the nightlife but without being in the thick of it.

Montechoro is home to many hotels, apartments and other forms of accommodation, usually reasonably priced which makes it popular with anyone who is travelling on a budget.  There is however such a huge choice of places to stay here that you are sure to find something to meet your needs and budget and it is only a short walk to shops, cafes and much more, making it a great choice to stay if you do not want to hire a car.

Set further back from the beach than other areas in Montechoro, here the buildings are not on top of one another and you have more of a feeling of space, thanks to municipal gardens and green areas.

The Oura area of Albufeira is a great place for families and beach lovers as this area is very close to the coast with a beautiful cove beach.

There are many resorts and hotels in this area and while it is a not in the heart of all the nightlife and entertainment, it is only a short walk away from “The Strip” and because of this you can find younger travellers in the area, all happily enjoying the sunshine alongside families with children and solo travellers.

Oura has a wide choice of restaurants and cafes as well as typical shops you would expect to find in a beach destination and because of the combination of accommodation options, the beach and amenities this is possibly the best area of Albufeira for anyone wanting to experience a beach holiday.

Olhos de Água

Anyone looking for a more low-key holiday in the Albufeira area should consider staying in Olhos de Água.  The traditional fishing village feeling remains here thanks to the quaint cobbled streets and golden beach which is still home to fishing boats and fishing huts.

This is a good area for those looking for self-catering accommodation, although there are still many resorts and hotels to choose from if you prefer.

There is a large expat community in Olhos de Água and this tends to be a place favoured by older visitors and families wanting a relaxing holiday in the sunshine while still only being a short distance from the hustle and bustle of the new town of Albufeira.

There’s a good choice of shops in the local area, including supermarkets for those staying in villas and apartments and needing supplies to cook at home, but generally Olhos de Água has a more natural and less built up feeling than other areas of Albufeira which helps to create the relaxed atmosphere.

Albufeira Marina

Albufeira Marina is a recently developed area only a short distance away from the main areas of Albufeira itself to the west of Albufeira old town

You cannot miss the Marina, mainly due to its very distinctive paint job, with all the blocks of the building painted in different candy colours and creating an effect that you will either love or hate, but one that you certainly won’t forget in a hurry!

For most people, the marina is the place to go to get a boat trip from Albufeira along the coast, with many leaving from the safe and calm waters of the marina before heading out to explore the caves or to search for dolphins, however the marina is also a lovely place to come for a few hours with family and friends.

Albufeira Marina may not be as big as its neighbour in Vilamoura but it has its own special sense of charm thanks to little touches, such as the brightly coloured dolphin statues dotted about or the fact that you can enjoy a quick lap or two around the go kart track while friends have cocktails overlooking the waters – and all in one place.

Albufeira FAQ’s

Want to know more about Albufeira before you arrive?  Have a look through our handy FAQ’s to get the best out of your time here in Albufeira.

What are the beaches like in Albufeira?

One of the best things about Albufeira is the choice of beaches that you have on your doorstep!  Wherever you are staying in Albufeira you will never be far from a beach and each has its very own distinct atmosphere and features.

From west to east, here are a list of the beaches in Albufeira:

Praia dos Salgados

A paradise for nature lovers, this long sweeping beach is backed by sand dunes rich in local flora and fauna and a lagoon area which is home to plenty of birdlife.  You can walk all the way from Albufeira to Armação de Pêra along this beach so you will never struggle to find a spot to lay your towel here – even in the peak of summer!

Praia da Galé 

Explore the rocky outcrops and play in the usually gentle waves along the east and west Galé beaches.  A perfect place for families with children who are old enough to explore the little path, waves and play around the rocks while parents relax on the fine sandy beach.

Praia do Evaristo

Not the easiest beach in the world to find and most famous for the restaurant that you will find here which is far more than your average beach restaurant.  There is not a lot of parking here so it is better to visit in the quieter months unless you are happy to walk a bit.

Praia do Castelo  

A picture perfect cove beach with craggy cliffs, white sands and clear waters.  This beach is just around the corner from Evaristo and gets its name because the rocks here look like a castle.  A good one for small children as the beach is not too large and you can keep a good eye on the entire beach if you need to.

Praia da Coelha

A small and intimate cove beach with stunning cliffs forming the back drop.  There is good access down to the beach but in the summer time its small size means that it can become very crowded and parking can be a challenge.

Praia de São Rafael  

A cove beach but this time with a bit more space making it a good place to go with friends or groups – although if you want to park it is a struggle during the summer months.  The cliffs here are beautiful and there is a good beach restaurant to soak up the views.  One of the highlights of this beach is the rocky outcrop on the shoreline – making this a perfect place for an Instagram post or two!

Praia dos Arrifes

One of the smallest local beaches with shallow waters, this beach is good for families with young children but be sure to get there early in the summer to find a space as it can get very busy making it perhaps more suitable for a visit out of season in the spring or autumn.

Praia do Túnel/Peneco

Known as both Túnel or Peneco beach this is the most local beach for anyone staying in the old town of Albufeira and is a long sandy beach with easy access.  Because it is one of the larger beaches you can get on to this beach at several different points which makes it a great choice for meeting up with friends as everyone is sure to be close to a way on! One of the access points is through the tunnel in the old town which is located next to the tourist information office and is worth seeking out for a great photo opportunity.

Praia dos Pescadores  

In English this beach is known as the fisherman’s beach and is one of the most famous and photographed beaches in Albufeira.  The city may now be a tourist hotspot but the fishermen still use this beach which is located near to the escalators in Albufeira old town.  A great spot for some people watching, or to catch a couple of hours of sunshine while exploring Albufeira old town.  This each is also home to a number of open air concerts, including New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Praia do Inatel & Praia dos Alemães  

These two beaches join so you can only tell which beach you are on depending on whether or not the café is to your left or your right!  The widest part of the beach is on the Inatel side while the beach becomes narrower as you move towards Alemães.  Because these beaches are still within walking distance of the centre of Albufeira they can become very busy during the summer but are perfect for those who don’t want to drive or take a taxi.

Praia da Oura

Once you have descended the very steep hill down from the Strip in the new part of Albufeira you will be met with Oura beach.  The very steep hill up and down to the beach makes this not great for people with accessibility issues but once you are there then you are rewarded with a sheltered beach with a small promenade area home to restaurants and bars.  This is the closest beach to the Strip so can attract a younger crowd, however plenty of families also use this popular beach.

Praia de Santa Eulália  

A long sandy beach with good parking.  This beach has a trendy feel to it thanks to Le Club being located here and feels a million miles away from other beaches.

Praia da Maria Luísa  

This beach is popular with people staying in Olhos de Água and is famous for the red cliffs that flank the golden sands.  The cove beach has an intimate feel and a relaxed atmosphere making it ideal for older visitors or those looking for a calm day down by the sea.

Praia dos Olhos d’Agua

This is the main beach of Olhos de Água and is right in the very heart of the resort town making it a top choice with the families and groups staying here who don’t want to drive to the beach in the summer.  This beach has a traditional feel to it thanks to the fishermen’s huts at the end of the beach and fishing boats that are still in use.

Which beaches have a Blue Flag near Albufeira?

Within easy reach of Albufeira there are over 20 beaches which have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag status. The Blue Flag means the beach has been assessed based on environmental standards, such as water quality and beach cleanliness, and also on important facilities including toilets and lifeguards.

In the Algarve the lifeguards normally work from 1st July to 30th September.

Below you can find a map of every Blue Flag beach near to Albufeira:

What are the best things to do in Albufeira?

Albufeira has the biggest range of attractions and activities in the Algarve so there really is something for everyone which means there is too much to fit into this guide! To find out more you might enjoy our dedicated guide on this “ Top 52 Things To Do & Love in Albufeira “.

When is the best time of the year to visit Albufeira?

Albufeira is a fantastic place to visit at any time of the year but the atmosphere and feel of the destination changes over the months, so choose when to come depending on what you are looking for!

Spring / Autumn – This time of the year the weather is mild and you will find many groups of golfers out and about taking advantage of the perfect golfing conditions.  The beaches are far less crowded and the weather is usually still good enough to get in a good few days of sunbathing.  With children in school at this time, there are less families with children around and visitors tend to be older and looking for a more relaxing holiday.  Weekends are when the nightlife is at its best and you are likely to come across a stag and hen party or two, especially along the Strip.

Winter – This is the quietest time of the year but if you are looking for a budget holiday then you can’t go wrong in Albufeira for the winter.  Many retirees choose to spend the winter months in Albufeira and you can find lots of great deals on food, drinks and long holiday rentals.  The weather is still generally good and if you enjoy walking then this is an ideal time to take in the natural beauty of the area.  Much of the Strip closes down for the winter but you will still find places for a drink, especially at the weekend when the locals come out for the night.  Albufeira also hosts a big New Year’s Eve party with fireworks and live entertainment on the beach and throughout the streets over the festive season.

Summer – The majority of visitors choose to come to Albufeira in the summer months, creating a busy, bustling and lively atmosphere.  Depending on the area of Albufeira you stay in will depend on the level of nightlife and crowds at this time of the year.  You can be sure of high temperatures, all the bars, restaurants and attractions will be open and pop up nightclubs, beach parties and shops all appear in the peak summer months.  Wherever you are in Albufeira during the summer you can be sure to find something going on and there are some great offers available for families, friends and groups coming to the area in June, July and August.

What is the weather like in Albufeira?

The Algarve enjoys some 300 days of sunshine every year, making it one of the very best places in Europe to come if you are looking for warm weather and blue skies throughout the year.

The hottest weather is in the summer months of June, July and August when daily highs can easily surpass the 30ºc mark and it is very rare to even have a single day of rain.

The coldest weather is in December, January and February. However its worth noting that even in these months, while you might need a jacket for the evening, during the day the temperature can be a very pleasant 18ºc.

Its also worth noting that even in the wetter months is often raining for less than 10 days in the whole months which still leaves 20 days of sunshine for you to enjoy.

You can find more information about the weather in the Algarve here.

Where is the best place to eat in Albufeira?

Albufeira has restaurants, snack bars and cafes to meet every budget and taste:

High end – If you want to treat yourself then head over to Vila Joya for a Michelin star meal in an exceptional setting.  This is true luxury at its best with incredible food served with an unforgettable view over the ocean.

Budget – All you can eat buffets and special promotions and offer run throughout the year in the Oura area of Albufeira.  Choose from Chinese food, Indian, British, Sushi, Portuguese, Mexican and much more in this area that is great for those looking to eat for less.

Portuguese – The old town in Albufeira is where to go if you are looking for more traditional Portuguese foods.  In the summertime it can be hard to get a table at peak times so consider booking ahead.  Don’t forget to try out some of the local fish specialties including the cataplana fish and rice dish.

Where is best place for a night out in Albufeira?

Families, couples and groups can all enjoy a great night out in Albufeira!

Families – Visit the Albufeira marina to promenade safely along the front without the worry of traffic in the evening.  Enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants, some family entertainment in one of the bars and an ice cream or two as you take in the atmosphere here.

Couples – Enjoy a great cocktail, some live music or simply sit back on one of the open air terraces and watch the world go by in the Albufeira old town.  There are some great intimate bars here, while the pretty main square is an ideal place for a walk with a loved one.

Groups – Hens, stags, groups and everyone looking for a big night out in Albufeira heads to the Strip in the new town of Albufeira.  In the summer months every night is a party night with special offers for groups, karaoke, live music, dancing on the bar tops and clubs that stay open into the very, very early hours!

How far is Albufeira from…?

Albufeira is in the centre of the Algarve making it ideal for exploring wherever you’d like to go!

Faro Airport – 45km (approx. 40 minute drive)

Vilamoura – 16km (approx. 25 minute drive)

Zoomarine – 11km (approx. 17 minute drive)

Aquashow water park – 33km (approx. 30 minute drive)

Algarve Shopping Centre, Guia – 8km (approx. 15 minute drive)

Spanish Border – 80km (approx. 50 minute drive)

Sagres – 85km (approx. 1 hour)

Lisbon – 250km (approx. 2hr 30)

Seville – 230km (approx.. 2hr 30)

(all distances have been rounded up)

Where is the bus station and train station in Albufeira?

The bus station is located on Rua Paul Harris which is about 1.5km from the centre of the Old Town or 2.5km from the top of the Strip.

The train station is not in the main town and is located in Ferreiras approximately 6km from centre of Albufeira. By taxi, traffic allowing, it normally takes about  15mins and cost about €5-€10 depending on where you’re staying.

How much is a taxi from Faro Airport to Albufeira?

Please bear in mind that Albufeira is quite spread out but as a guide if you’re staying near Oura the airport is approximately 45km and 40 minutes away.

As a guide for the price if you take a taxi from the rank outside the airport its about €50 each-way (€100 return), or by pre-booked private transfer about €35 each-way (€70 return) so its well worth booking in advance if possible.

Some taxis charge extra (€2-€5) if you take the toll road which is a little quicker. Larger vehicles, such as 8-seater mini-buses also cost a little extra however it does work out significantly cheaper than 2 normal (4-seater) taxis.

If you’re on a budget there are shuttle buses available which cost approximately €10 however note this is per person so while great value if you’re travelling on your own for groups you would be better with a private transfer. Also note that shuttle buses make several stops so can take considerably longer, but if you’re not in a rush that shouldn’t matter!

It is possible to travel by train, however note that you would need to get a taxi or bus from the airport to Faro train station, and then Albufeira Ferreiras station to your accommodation in Albufeira so for most people its generally not cost effective or convenient.

Algarve Fun

Algarve Fun are one of the leading ticket companies in Portugal for activities and attractions including water parks, theme parks, boat trips, water sports and over 200 more. Tickets and bookings can be made via their  website  and during peak season also at their  ticket shops  at various locations across the Algarve. Their friendly staff are available to answer questions and help you find your perfect attraction, activity or trip so don’t hesitate to  contact  them.

For further information you might also enjoy our articles:

Things to do with teenagers in Albufeira

Best albufeira beaches, albufeira attractions & activities, things to do with young kids in albufeira, top 52 things to do & love in albufeira – discover great activities, attractions & sites, things to do at night in albufeira.

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About Albufeira

Albufeira is where cultural authenticity meets modernity; where the sand meets the sea; where people come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment.

Exceptional place to enjoy a holiday in tranquility and safety, to discover landscapes full of contrasts, to taste the delights of a rich and varied cuisine, and to discover the hospitality of a people.

A cosmopolitan place, dotted with the white houses of its historic center where the blue of the sea merges with the blue of the sky and where the sun shines for more than three hundred days a year. 

Connected via motorway to the main points of the country, it is served by a modern transport network that allows a quick connection to the entire region, being just 35 minutes from Faro Airport.

Albufeira has the best and most diversified tourist offer: Quality accommodation, golf courses, theme parks, water parks, dream beaches, nature, nightlife, culture, gastronomy.

A world waiting for you! 

© 2023 Visit Albufeira | allrights | Developed by Kapta .

Getty Images/AWL Images RM

Once a scenic fishing village, Albufeira gained popularity for its sharp, red-gold sand beaches. Today, it's devoted to mass-market tourism, particularly cheap package deals, and has all but lost the vestiges of its past. Fishing boats are now moored at the ultramodern marina southwest of the centre, and the old town – with its pretty cobblestone streets and Moorish influences – is concealed by gaudy signs, English menu boards and rowdy bars.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Fiesa is the world's biggest sand-sculpture contest. Artists are given 45,000 tonnes of sand to sculpt, and their truly amazing creations (up to 12m high…

Praia da Falésia

One of the Algarve's most impressive beaches is this 6km-long strip of sand backed by stunning cliffs in several shades of ochre. Starting 8.5km east of…

Praia da Galé

Beginning 9km west of Albufeira, Praia da Galé is long (5km), sandy and less crowded than many other beaches in the area.

Museu Municipal de Arqueologia

Excavated from the municipality and its surrounds (such as the castle in the village of Paderne), pieces dating from the prehistoric era to the 16th…

Museu de Arte Sacra

This tiny museum is housed in the beautifully restored 18th-century Chapel of San Sebastian and exhibits sacred art from surrounding churches that…

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Home » Travel Guides » Portugal » 15 Best Things to Do in Albufeira (Portugal)

15 Best Things to Do in Albufeira (Portugal)

One of the Algarve’s top getaways, Albufeira has wild nightlife, an inexhaustible choice of activities and many world-beating beaches. A whopping 25 beaches fly the Blue Flag here, which is more than any other municipality in Europe. Safe to say, much of your time will be whiled away on golden sand, with ochre cliffs, azure surf and warm sun.

And despite Albufeira’s reputation for parties ’til dawn, the centre of town is a long way from all the craziest nightspots. This quaint old quarter is altogether more Portuguese, and has restaurants serving fish and seafood caught by the town’s fishing fleet.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Albufeira :

1. Praia da Falésia

This six-kilometre beach on the way to Vilamoura encapsulates the best of the Algarve.

There’s a long, spotless strip of golden sand bordered by continuous cliffs.

These are layered with red and yellow limestone and seem to change with the angle of the sun.

You can walk the length of the beach on a path on the cliff top, with access to the beach below by steep stairways.

With only isolated apartment buildings and villas on the cliffs, Praia da Falésia has a remote, untouched quality.

Kids can spend carefree afternoons building sandcastles and hunting shells, and when the tide goes out there are broad knee-high shallows to play in.

2. Praia de São Rafael

This stunning beach is a bit closer to Albufeira’s old town but totally removed from the resort.

It owes its remoteness to a rugged foreshore, which you’ll cross with the help of raised walkways.

There are strange rocks on three sides of the beach but also strewn on the water’s edge.

These are streaked with yellow, orange and red and rise in gnarled boulders and funnels.

The outcrops help to shield the beach from the wind and the surf is no more than a ripple on calmer days.

3. Nightlife

Going out in Albufeira is a very different prospect depending on where you’re based.

If it’s the old town there are squares with quaint seafood restaurants, cafes and typical Portuguese bars where you can sip a cold glass of sagres and chat.

But a couple of kilometres east is the neon mayhem of the “The Strip”. Avenida Dr Francisco Sà Carneiro is a north to south thoroughfare that gets crazier the closer you get to the beachfront.

There are bars, nightclubs, amusements, fast-food joints , and pretty much everything else for young people who want to paint the town red.

4. Old Albufeira

The historic centre of the town is great to idle around for an hour or so.

It has meandering streets that taper to little more than arm span, through ravines of whitewashed houses.

Many of these alleys have “Portuguese pavement”, laid in pretty patterns . The older part of Albufeira is on high ground, and you’ll find yourself turning a corner and being treated to the sight of the ocean across Praia do Peneco.

Down below there’s a foot tunnel through the rock, taking you straight from the pedestrian street Rua 5 de Outubro out to the beach.

5. Watersports

In between the phenomenal beaches, Albufeira has a coastline dimpled with caves, and the only way to approach many of these is by water.

That’s where the many companies arranging kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard excursions come in.

You’ll be instructed on safety and get expert guidance, and in many cases your guide will be wearing a GoPro, recording a keepsake of your trip.

The waves on Albufeira’s western beaches are often surfable, while the consistent breezes allow for windsurfing and kitesurfing almost any day.

Equipment hire and tuition are always on hand at the resort.

6. Praia da Galé

West of Albufeira there’s another long natural beach that feels far removed from the neon and noise.

The eastern end of Praia da Galé has bluffs and clusters of rocks, hiding pools and caves that are fun to explore if you keep an eye on the tides.

This is also the most built-up part of the beach, with restaurants and bars ensuring a little more comfort and convenience.

As you go east the scenery flattens out and things get a little quieter, but there are still a few low outcrops scattered along the shore, which kids will love clambering over.

7. Zoomarine Algarve

The essential day out for families in Albufeira, this attraction has marine animal demonstrations alongside a waterpark.

If you’re concerned about animal welfare you might be  glad to see that Zoomarine Algarve comprises the only wildlife rehabilitation centre in the region.

There are also habitats for a variety of animals including alligators and tropical birds, as well as arenas for dolphin, birds of prey and seal/sea lion presentations.

Add to these shows with stunt performers, a 4D cinema and the pools, wave beach, rapid river and water slides in the waterpark.

Book online : Algarve Zoomarine Amusement Park Entrance Ticket

8. Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira

With bluffs and steep hills, Albufeira has a few spots where you can stop and just enjoy the scenery.

The easiest to find is this one on a rock between Praia do Inatel and Praia do Peneco.

You’re at the southeastern corner of the old town you can gaze back across the bay and over the picturesque townscape of whitewashed houses rising up the hill.

There are escalators lifting you up to this perch and a handful of benches under a metallic canopy, pointing towards the town, beach or sea.

9. Igreja Matriz

Albufeira’s main church is from the end of the 18th century and has dignified Neoclassical architecture.

There’s a barrel vault, with filigree stuccowork on the ceiling and a modern altarpiece designed by the Algarve artist Samora Barros.

The real interest lies in the Marian statue of Nossa Senhora da Orada, sculpted in the 1400s.

This is the patron saint of Albufeira’s fishermen, and every August 15 there’s a procession carrying this image from the church down to the 15th-century hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Orada, where it was originally installed.

The route also includes a small voyage from the marina pier to Praia do Inatel.

10. Praia dos Salgados

The most secluded and natural of all the beaches in the Albufeira municipality is this stretch bordering a lagoon.

It’s almost redundant to say that the beach is spotless, and almost every beach in Albufeira is a perennial Blue Flag recipient for cleanliness.

But it’s the total absence of buildings, apart from the far-off village of Armação de Pera and a single restaurant, that makes you feel at one with nature here.

Unlike most of the other beaches in the area, this one faces west so is more open to the ocean breezes, has vigorous surf for watersports and gets beautiful sunsets.

There’s a boardwalk to the rear that grants views of the Salgados lagoon, which teems with birdlife in autumn and spring.

11. Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Albufeira

In the compact historic core of Albufeira, the archaeological museum is in the former town hall on Praça da República with views of the sea.

It’s for anyone curious about the different cultures that have called this place home down the ages, and there are artefacts from prehistory, the Roman period, Islamic Period, medieval Portugal and the Early Modern Age.

Some highlights are a Neolithic vessel, architectural fragments from an excavated Roman villa and sacred art recovered from Albufeira’s old church.

What’s impressive is that most of this collection was assembled by one man, Padre José Manuel Semedo de Azevedoa, a  priest and head of Albufeira’s tourist commission in the mid-20th century.

12. Outdoor Pursuits

The upside of the being in one of the Algarve’s busiest resorts is the fantastic array of things to get up to when you want a day away from the beach.

On land this can be treks, pony rides, hacks and lessons at one of the two equestrian centres near Albufeira.

For petrol-heads there are quad-biking trips into the hills, scrambling through dusty scrubland and discovering the little villages north and east of Albufeira.

And for families Luso Aventura Albufeira is an adventure park, with walkways, ziplines and rope bridges suspended beneath the canopy of stone pines like a tree village.

There’s no danger as you’ll be wearing a harness and hooked up to a safety line.

13. Castelo de Paderne

For a bit more history you can investigate the ruins of a medieval castle a short way from Albufeira.

The castle rests on a promontory at a kink in the Quarteira River, in an arid Mediterranean landscape of olive groves and carob trees.

The structure is in ruins but there’s a lot remaining, with archways, thick walls and the shell of chapel to adventure through.

It was built by the Moors in the 12th century during the time of the Christian Reconquista and was captured in 1248 after a massacre.

This castle is one of the seven that appears on Portugal’s coat of arms.

Down the hill you can also find a small bridge over the Quarteira from the same era.

14. Boat Trips

Albufeira’s marina is the stepping stone for adventures on the waves.

Sailing lessons and yacht charters are on offer if you want to take the wheel.

But you can also set sail on an organised cruise along Albufeira’s unmatched coastline.

Normally you’ll get to enter those caves, stop off at a quiet beach for a barbecue and if the seas are calm, will be able to dive off the side for a swim.

Nature abounds in these waters too, and dolphin-spotting trips offer a great chance of spotting pods of bottlenose, Risso’s or common dolphins in the wild.

15. Cuisine

With the Atlantic lapping at the shore, and a small community of fishermen still working in Albufeira you can bet that fish and seafood should be on the menu.

The signature dish across the Algarve has to be cataplana, a stew named after the metallic cookware it’s prepared in.

The recipe can vary, but it will normally have some combinations of clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops and lobster in a tomato broth.

Caldeirada is another delicious stew, this one including a blend of white and oily fish, as well as mussels, clams, squid and other seafood simmered with tomatoes, peppers and potatoes.

15 Best Things to Do in Albufeira (Portugal):

• Praia da Falésia
• Praia de São Rafael
• Old Albufeira
• Watersports
• Praia da Galé
• Zoomarine Algarve
• Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira
• Igreja Matriz
• Praia dos Salgados
• Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Albufeira
• Outdoor Pursuits
• Castelo de Paderne

• Albufeira Guide Algarve

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• Vila do Conde
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Albufeira, The Algarve

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Albufeira is the most popular resort town in the Algarve, with fine sandy beaches, water sports and a sailing center, and a lively night scene of bars and discos. The old center of this small settlement of about 30,000 people retains its historical look from centuries ago. The pedestrianized streets are full of stalls and entertainers, giving Albufeira a fun, friendly buzz.

Albufeira is without doubt the Algarve's largest and liveliest resort, packed with bars, restaurants, shops and tourist facilities for all the family.

Albufeira (from the Arabic al-buhera meaning "Castle on the Sea") is a fun resort, popular with people from the UK and the rest of Europe of all ages, with plentiful nightlife and things to do for children during the day. Enjoy a stroll on the pedestrianized seafront, a drink in one of the town's many fine bars and a sample a variety of food that takes in British fish and chips as well as Indian and Thai curries, Chinese and Japanese cuisine.

The Algarve continues to thrive as Portugal's most popular destination and Albufeira holidays set the scene for the perfect getaway, with stunning beaches , a beautiful climate with sunny days, cool evenings and low humidity, as well as a huge variety of bars and restaurants to relax after a hard day's sun worship.

The beach in town is the Praia do Penico (Praia do Túnel) but there are other fine beaches in and around Albufeira within easy reach: to the east of the town centre is Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen's Beach) about half a kilometer distant, Praia da Oura about 3 km, Praia da Falésia 10 km and Balaia and Olhos de Água slightly nearer to town. All of these beaches can be easily reached by local bus. To the west of Albufeira are some beaches located in coves such as the jet-ski and water-skiing center of Praia da Galé . Easily reached by car, there is no direct bus - its a 2 km walk from the main road to Portimão .

Back in Albufeira town the main square is the pretty Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco . Albufeira is all about sand, sea and fun but for sightseeing there's a worthwhile Archeological Museum (Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Albufeira) in the old town hall, the Ermida de São Sebastião better known as the Museum of Sacred Art (Museu de Arte Sacra) and the Igreja de Santana - two historic churches set in the old town.

Albufeira's main festival is the Festa da Ourada held on August 14 which celebrates the patron saint of fishermen with a procession and giant fireworks display.

Other things to do besides soaking up the sun on the beach include a visit to Zoomarine (Tel: 289 560 300) 8 km northwest in Guia with a host of swimming pools, water slides as well as an aquarium and dolphin shows.

Aqualand Algarve - formerly the The Big One (Tel: 282 320 230) claims to be Portugal's biggest water-theme park with a variety of huge water slides and pools. Aqualand is 15 km from Albufeira in Alcantarilha. There are buses from town and other places on the coast.

Aqua Show (Tel: 289 389 396) claims Europe's largest wave pool and also has exotic wildlife, bungee jumping, mini-golf and various water rides. Aqua Show is in Vilamoura, 10 km east of Albufeira.

There are numerous golf courses in the Algarve , riding facilities and tennis courts within easy reach.

Albufeira Tourist Office

Rua 5 de Outubro (tel. 289 585 279)

The main tourist office is near a set of stairs at Rua 5 de Outubro just before the tunnel to the town's beaches. There is another tourist office out near the beach at Praia da Oura to the east of the city centre. This modern, tent-like building is on Estr. de Santa Eulália not far from The Strip and close to a number of large resort hotels, bars and restaurants.

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Getting to Albufeira

Bus travel in portugal.

Albufeira bus station (tel: 289 589 755) is 2 km north of town reached by a Giro shuttle bus from outside the bus stop on Avenida da Liberdade. There are buses to Faro , Lagos and to Lisbon as well as to Huelva in Spain for Sevilla.

The local bus network in Albufeira is called Giro . There are 5 colour-coded routes, which depart and return to the Caliços Bus Terminal about 2 km outside town. You can purchase either a single ticket or a day pass, which gives unlimited travel on the buses for a day. There is also a rechargeable EVA bus card which can be purchased at the EVA bus stations at Avenida da Liberdade and Caliços.

Train Travel in Portugal

Albufeira Station has daily trains to Faro , Lagos and to Lisbon - change at Tunes. Albufeira Station is 5 km out of the center of town.

Car Travel in Portugal

Albufeira easily connects with the east-west IP1/EO1 (for the Algarve and Spain) and north-south A2/E1 (for Setubal and Lisbon) motorways. From the west, take Route 125. From Spain, get onto N125 going west or the IP1/EO1 motorway.

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From the Airport

The nearest airport is Faro 40 minutes by bus to the east. You will need to change buses in Faro town. First take a #16 bus from Faro Airport to Faro bus station and change to the bus to Albufeira. A taxi from Faro Airport to Albufeira costs 25-30 Euros and takes about 30 minutes.

Portugal Hotel & Hostel Accommodation

Featured Hotel

Baia Grande Hotel - 4 Star, 131 rooms, Sesmarias - 8200. Book this hotel

Between diving, dolphin-watching, boat trips and lots of great eating and drinking in the attractive little tourist town of Albufeira, make sure you stay somewhere wonderful. Here's a selection to get you started from the huge range of accommodation available: listed from high-end, to mid-range, to budget.

The Pine Cliffs Residence, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve , is a luxury resort with every facility imaginable on its more than 70 hectare (170 acre) landscaped site - a virtual town unto itself, dedicated to vacational rest and recreation. Just a 10-or-so minutes' stroll along a boardwalk to beautiful Falesia Beach, this holiday compound has several restaurants, a wellness center that includes a full gym and massage service, floodlit tennis courts, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a 9-hole golf course, onsite minimart, and fun playgrounds and games galore to keep kids happily occupied. The beautifully decorated, spacious rooms have a kitchen and a large deck with a view. Service is attentive, friendly and professional. A true pleasure ground amid nature. 7 km east of central Albufeira and 30 km west of Faro, with airport shuttle bus available. The best Albufeira has to offer.

The Vila Gale Collection Praia is right in front of the scenic Praia Da Gale beach, just a minute's walk away, and is open all seasons but winter. This hotel with its palm trees and broad green lawns is centered on a large outdoor pool surrounded by deck chairs. There is a spa facility with a big jacuzzi pool, sauna and Turkish bath, yoga lessons and body treatments. Plus there's a gym, library and billiards room. The tranquil atmosphere makes for a very relaxing stay, enhanced by friendy, attentive staff. Stylish rooms with full amenities and a highly rated breakfast help ensure an unforgettable sojourn. Free parking. Great value for money if you want to feel pampered.

The Alfagar Aparthotel is a contemporary apartment-style hotel, located in the east part of Albufeira, and with private access to the beautiful Santa Eulália Beach. With no less than three pools - one just for the kids, with waterslides, plus an indoor pool - and a broad, relaxing poolside area with deckchairs, there is fun and sun to be had just a minute from your room. The spacious one- or two-bedroom apartments have a kitchen for independent living, are decorated warmly and simply, and with deckchairs and a table on the balcony. Great restaurants, and entertainment for the children. Balaia Golf Course is 12 minutes walk away. As close as you'll get to luxury for the reasonable mid-range price.

The Orange Terrace Hostel is tucked down an alley in a buzzing area of Albufeira town, in a neighborhood of stores, bars, and restaurants, and only five minutes' walk to lovely Praia do Peneco beach. What this budget dormitory with comfortable bunk-bed sleeping facilities lacks in luxury, it more than makes up for in jazzy, upbeat colorfulness, sociability and - of course - unbeatable price. Bathroom and toilet facilities, kept spotlessly clean, are shared by all occupants of the dormitory, and there are small lockers for guests' possessions. Communal kitchen and chill-out terrace. Good breakfast served. Guests also love how helpful and friendly the staff are.

Another recommended 5-star hotel in Gale is Vila Joya . Vila Joya resembles a small oriental palazzo and is nestled in a breathtaking garden setting on a cliff with stunning views facing the sea. Winner of the 2009 World's Leading Boutique Resort Award, this Albufeira beach resort also boasts one of the top Michelin Restaurants in Portugal and features luxurious spa resort accommodations, exclusive golf packages, and rejuvenating body treatments.

See a range of other hotels in Albufeira .

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Albufeira has some of the most varied cuisine outside of Lisbon from traditional Portuguese through Indian, Chinese and British-style breakfasts and fish and chips.

Rua Candido dos Reis is the centre of the bar and disco scene as rival establishments compete for your Euro.

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Internet Cafe

The GOLDSPOT internet cafe in front of Hotel Paraiso de Albufeira, 2 mins from Modelo Supermarket on Rua Alves Corriera 81 8200-090 Albufeira is now closed.

The average high June temperatures for Portugal is between 22 degrees Centigrade and 26 degrees Centigrade. Get more weather information for Portugal

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Algarve Resorts

Other places to visit in the Algarve region of Portugal include Albufeira , Alcoutim , Aljezur , Alvor, Cabanas, Cacela Velha, Faro , Ferragudo , Fuseta, Lagos , Loulé , Monchique, Olhão , Portimão , Praia da Rocha , Sagres , Silves , Vilamoura and Vila Real de Santo Antonio .

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15 Best Things to do in Albufeira, Portugal

By Author Paulina

Posted on Published: May 26, 2022  - Last updated: July 21, 2024

Guide to all the best attractions and activities in Albufeira, Portugal for families, couples and outdoorsy people

If you’re looking to travel to Portugal and want the perfect destination to explore and relax, Albufeira should be at the top of your list.

There are many amazing things to do in Albufeira that will make your visit there an unforgettable experience.

With plenty of incredible activities to suit all kinds of travelers – from cultural immersion to world-class beaches – Albufeira in the Algarve is sure to offer something special for each and every visitor.

Stroll along stunning cliffsides overlooking deep blue waters or explore quiet fishing villages; whatever type of experience you’re seeking, it can certainly be found in this captivating corner of Europe.

Keep reading to discover some wonderful things to do in Albufeira that can make your next trip a truly unforgettable one!

Pssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of the Algarve? Have a look at my other posts:

• Things To Do in Algarve, Portugal
• Things to do in Lagos
• Things to do in Albufeira

You, dear reader, support this blog. When you purchase through a link, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Albufeira, Portugal

If these don’t work for you, or you are traveling around the Algarve region, you can also read my guides on the best hotels in Albufeira , where to stay in Algarve and the best AirBnbs in Algarve .

For a luxury visit, be sure to read my guide on the best 5-star hotels in Algarve, Portugal and the Airbnb in Albufeira guide.

Dive into the best things to do in Albufeira, Portugal

1. go for a hike.

If you want to go hiking in Algarve , then Albufeira makes a great base from which to do this.

There are so many options available that it’s easy to find one to suit both your likes and ability level, keeping you fit and providing one of the best things to do in Albufeira.

Whether you like long, flat walks along the coast, hiking in the hills, or trekking through the beautiful old villages that surround Albufeira, then with a little planning, all of these options are within easy reach.

Some of the best hiking trails are the Praia da Coelha Loop from Sesmarias (Easy) and the Paderne Loop from Paderne (Intermediate).

So if you like an active holiday and are looking for things to do in Albufeira, then you could do a lot worse than taking those hiking boots.

2. Enjoy relaxing on the beach

One of the greatest Albufeira attractions is its stunning array of beaches. Quite simply, the beaches here are among the best beaches in Algarve .

Be aware though, that as it is the Algarve, the main beaches can get quite crowded in the summer months.

Despite this, there are so many beaches in the vicinity that you’ll always find somewhere to escape the crowds.

Of course, if you want to avoid the crowds, consider a visit to the Algarve in October or another off-peak month.

And as a year-round destination with a climate to match, even if you’re spending winter in Algarve , daytime temperatures are such that you can still hit the beach.

Some of the main beaches are:

• Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach – this is Albufeira’s main beach)
• Praia da Falésia (stunning setting at the foot of a cliff)
• Praia da Galé (escape the crowds!)

The beautiful beaches really are high on the top things to do in Albufeira, and part of what makes the city one of the best places in Algarve .

3. Have a night out on The Strip

It’s nighttime and you’re looking for things to do in Albufeira, Portugal. Time to hit the notorious ‘Strip’.

Depending on your tastes (or lack of!), this will either prove to be heaven or hell.

Rowdy? Yes. Tacky? Yes. Fun? Whatever floats your boat!

The infamous Albufeira nightlife centers on the Avenida Sá Carneiro in the Montechoro area of town.

Here, you’ll find a half-mile strip of boisterous clubs and bars. The nightlife is contained to this zone, so if this isn’t your thing, it’s very easy to avoid the shenanigans that take place here.

In the summer months, The Strip is swarmed with predominantly young (and very drunk!) Northern Europeans, with many stag and hen parties making this their party destination of choice.

If this sounds like a good time to you, then go ahead and dive straight in!

4. Explore Albufeira’s old town

As Albufeira tourist attractions go, the old town has to be near the top of your list. This beautiful area is one of the best places to visit in Albufeira.

If you want to spend some time in Albufeira sightseeing, then make this your first port of call.

One of the best things to do in Albufeira old town is to simply wander the narrow, cobbled streets, marveling at the mosaic patterns and soaking in the atmosphere.

You’ll find something to delight you around every turn in this charming area.

Among the old town’s whitewashed buildings and breezy plazas, you’ll find many great options for dining, drinking, and shopping.

Several art galleries are immersed in the labyrinth streets, but the main attraction is the area itself.

A stroll through Albufeira’s old town is one of the best day trips from Lagos Portugal for a relaxing day out.

If you visit in the winter, one of the best things to do in Algarve in December is shopping at the Christmas Market in the Old Town.

5. Go camping

If the outdoor life is for you, then in and around Albufeira camping options abound.

You’ll find everything from basic pitches with little more than a shower block to offer, to sites containing swimming pools, tennis courts, soundproofed nightclubs, and excellent restaurants.

The popular Albufeira Camping is located in the north of town (there’s a frequent bus service to town that departs from near the entrance) and offers excellent facilities.

There’s a choice of restaurants, a huge swimming pool, a nightclub, a supermarket, and a spa.

If wild camping is your thing, bear in mind that this is actually illegal in the Algarve. The economy here relies on those tourist dollars so they want people who pay to stay.

However , in the quieter winter months, the authorities generally turn a blind eye to this.

6. Go to a waterpark

If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Albufeira, the attractions at Zoomarine Algarve are amongst the most fun things to do in Algarve .

There are waterslides, a beach, an amusement park, plus several shops and restaurants.

The park is located in Guia, just a few miles out of Albufeira, and easily accessible.

There are even pirate shows, a 4D cinema, a butterfly garden, and a wave pool boasting the biggest artificial wave in the country, making this one of the best things to do in Albufeira with kids.

Please don’t attend the dolphin shows though, keeping these beautiful creatures in captivity and having them perform for people is questionable in the extreme.

If you love playful dolphins and hidden caves, then a guided caves and dolphin watching boat trip is definitely a fun activity to do. – Get tickets here.

7. Visit the Benagil Caves

With the rugged, limestone-bedrock environment that surrounds Albufeira, caves throughout the region are plentiful.

However, if you’re seeking truly memorable things to see in Albufeira, then don’t miss the stunning Benagil Caves.

Located west along the coast from Albufeira, these sensational caves contain rock formations that defy belief.

The main cave here is distinctive due to its hole in the roof, through which the blazing Algarve sun casts its beams.

You can take a boat trip to the Benagil Caves from Albufeira Marina.

Alternatively, one of the most fun things to do in Albufeira is to make your own way there.

Once there, you can select from several ways to access the caves, including boat, paddleboard, and kayak.

Book here day trips to Benagil Cave

8. Go Scuba Diving

If you prefer life under the waves to on the land, then you find plenty of things to do in Portugal in February or in every month!

Albufeira offers great opportunities for diving, with shipwrecks, reefs, wall diving, and artificial reefs all located offshore.

In central Albufeira, diving can be arranged through EasyDivers .

They are conveniently located in Albufeira Marina and offer a range of options for all ability levels from beginner through to expert.

So if you simply want to go out snorkeling, they can accommodate this.

However, if you’re looking for a full diving experience, they offer ‘Try Dives’, where you dive in a controlled environment, accompanied by an instructor.

They also offer diving courses and boat trips to deeper waters.

Book here a dive with EasyDivers

9. Take a Jeep Safari

If you’re looking for things to do in Albufeira that are a little bit different, then a Jeep Safari is a fantastic alternative to the more mainstream activities.

This is a great way to explore the beautiful mountains that provide such a dramatic backdrop to the Algarve coast.

Coast and Country Tours do a marvelous range of Jeep Safaris, with half-day options (4 hours) departing twice a day, in the morning and afternoon.

This option costs around 30 Euros per person, so it’s quite a bargain. A more comprehensive full-day tour is also available.

The full-day tour departs each morning and is highly recommended as one of the most fun activities in Albufeira that you could possibly do.

It costs around 65 Euros, lunch included. In addition to the off-road fun, you’ll visit beautiful villages, wineries, waterfalls, and ruins. It’s also a great thing to do in Albufeira in November .

Book here a Jeep Safari in Albufeira

10. Go on an Off-road Buggy Adventure

Another of the great fun Albufeira activities for you to try is an off-road buggy adventure .

If you’re looking for fun, this is one of the best things to do in Albufeira!

Ticket Shop’s excursions depart from their office in downtown Albufeira, from where you’ll be taken to the starting point of the trip.

This starting point is the amazing Paderne Castle (see below) which is worth the trip all on its own.

You can select either a 1.5-hour or 3-hour excursion. From Paderne Castle, you will set out on a route that takes in some stunning Algarve scenery.

It’s all low speed so anyone can do it. They have either one seat or two-seat buggies to choose from.

Book here an off-road buggy adventure in Albufeira

11. Visit Albufeira Marina

If you’re not feeling energetic and would rather just stay in Albufeira sightseeing, then there are a whole host of things to see in Albufeira.

Part of any sightseeing itinerary must include a trip to the marina.

The marina is more than just a launching point for the many boat trips and diving excursions that depart from here, it’s one of the best places to visit in Albufeira.

In recent times, the marina has become something of a cultural hub.

There’s an array of wonderful bars and restaurants, so you can while away an afternoon or evening sitting in the sun with a warm breeze gently drifting over you.

You can also watch the comings and goings of marina life with a couple of cool drinks for company—definitely one of the best things to do in Albufeira in May or all year round!

12. Go Shopping

Staying in town and wondering what to do in Albufeira? Then go shopping!

Head down to Rua 5 de Outubro for Portuguese pottery and fashion stores.

Or, if you’re looking for a mall, at Albufeira Shopping (located downtown) you’ll find more typical mall stores inside.

Avenida da Liberdade is Albufeira’s main shopping street.

Here you’ll find all the usual high street culprits, including clothing, sunglasses, handbags, and footwear stores.

There’s also a small supermarket and several off-licenses.

For a shopping excursion that is slightly out town, get yourself along to the fantastic Flea Market in the town of Olhos de Água, just to the east of Albufeira.

The market runs every 2 nd and 3 rd Saturday of the month. You’ll find it on Rua da Escolas .

13. Take a High Rope Course

If you want to challenge yourself whilst on your trip, then one of the most fun things to do in Albufeira is to take a high rope course.

Here you can venture from tree to tree while tackling a variety of obstacles such as bridges, rope nets and giant zip lines.

For those wanting to take to the trees, Parque Aventura offers a range of high rope courses to suit all ages and levels.

Their standard courses are named Curious, Adventurous and Fearless (!!!), depending on height and difficulty level.

Safety here is top-notch, despite how scary it may seem. Each course takes around 3 hours to negotiate. Costs range from 13 Euros to 19 Euros.

This is great for a group of friends, but it’s also one of the best things to do in Albufeira with kids.

You’ll find their office at Estrada de Santa Eulália 215, 8200-381 Albufeira.

14. Visit the Castelo de Paderne (Castle of Paderne)

If you’re seeking cultural things to do in Albufeira, then take a trip to the Castelo de Paderne (Castle of Paderne).

Just a few miles north of Albufeira these magnificent ruins have great cultural significance within Portugal.

The Castle of Paderne is said to be one of the seven castles that sit around the shield on the Portuguese national flag.

Today, the castle is little more than a ruin. Hardly surprising considering that it was built by the Berbers in the 12th century.

What makes this a truly special place to visit is the location. Set upon the top of a hill overlooking Albufeira and surrounded by beautiful countryside.

The charming village of Paderne is also worth a look around.

15. Take a day trip to Alentejo Region

Although quite a trip from Albufeira, there are so many wonderful reasons to visit Alentejo that it’s well worth the journey.

It’s worth hiring a car and doing a Costa Vicentina road trip before looping inland and making sure to visit the unmissable historic city of Evora.

Stretching along the Atlantic coast, the Costa Vincenza is an area of outstanding natural beauty.

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds of the more touristy Algarve, then this is the place for you. Here you’ll find sensational deserted beaches and world-class surfing.

This world heritage site of Evora is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting this region.

Dating back to Roman times (and with ruins to prove it!), the history and architecture of Evora will take your breath away.

There are so many things to do in Albufeira that whatever floats your boat, you’ll find something to suit.

In this article, I’ve provided you with an overview of the many opportunities available in this marvelous setting.

Albufeira really does have something for everyone.

So if you’re looking for adventure, outdoor activities, culture, history, great food, vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, or stunning countryside, then Albufeira’s got it all.

Short FAQs About Things to do in Albufeira

What are the best things to do in albufeira for families.

Fortunately, there are many kid-friendly activities in Albufeira. But some of the best things to do with kids in Albufeira are hiking, waterparks, and the high rope course at Parque Aventura.

What is Albufeira known for?

Albufeira is a popular coastal town in Algarve, Portugal due to its wild nightlife and club scene. But it’s also renowned for its beautiful beaches.

What are the best outdoor activities in Albufeira?

The top things to do in Albufeira for outdoorsy people are hiking, high rope courses, camping, and visiting Benagil Cave. Of course, you can also spend time just soaking up the sun on the stunning beaches.

Before You Go: Top Tips for your Trip 

• You’ll snap tons of photos and I love to take my  GoPro  in order to shoot even in extreme situations. 
• Make sure to wear comfortable  walking shoes  and  hiking sandals   when traveling to warm countries. Consider trying some of these eco-friendly vegan hiking boots .
• Sunscreen is key! I always take with me my  eco-friendly sunscreen   by Thinksport.
• I always carry a  light rain jacket ,  just in case. Pack smart with these organic cotton clothing companies .
• Be environmentally friendly and get one of these awesome backpacks made from recycled materials .
• Get in the mindset with these amazing wilderness survival books .
• Travel insurance is essential! If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel is protected against all odds with  HeyMondo .

Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀

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Albufeira - Portugal holiday guide

Central on the Algarve coast and only 40 minutes away from the Faro airport, Albufeira has been the most popular holiday destination in the south of Portugal since the 1970s. Originally a fortified Roman town, and for centuries a typical algarvian fishing village awash with simple white houses and the smell of grilled sardines, this picturesque location is now a thriving tourist town offering activity and diversion day and night, and surrounded by a host of beautiful beaches.

The narrow streets of the centre have been well maintained and lead to Largo Duarte Pacheco , the main square. Near here there is a tunnel to access the town’s principal beach, the tourist information point and it’s also a good place to hang out and watch the town go about its daily business. As one heads out of the centre, Albufeira spreads into a multitude of tourist developments and hotels, and colourful new buildings surround the recently built marina.

Albufeira church

Cultural sights in the town include the Manueline doorway of the Church of São Sebastião and the archway in the Travessa da Igreja Velha , evidence of the Moorish presence in the town. The ‘ old church ’ in the name of the street refers to what was once a mosque, latterly transformed into a Christian church and destroyed in the earthquake of 1755. The clock tower on Rua Bernardino de Sousa is considered a local treasure and its filigree iron bell support is illuminated on festival days. Another tower of note is the 19th century bell tower of the Matriz Church . 28 metres high, it complements the neoclassical white church below whose interior boasts a precious piece by local painter Samora Barros above its main altar. The local municipal art gallery holds differing exhibitions and a collection of medieval Ming ceramics is on show at the local museum.

Albufeira nightlife

At night, myriad bars and restaurants open their doors as Albufeira's nightlife gears up. Local specialities include the steamed seafood served in its metal cooking dish, the cataplana, and freshly caught fish in various guises including caldeirada, fish stew. Sun blessed revellers of all generations spill out onto the cobbled streets later on and on certain days of the year local festivities include live music and fireworks (especially 20th August and New Years Eve).

Praia da Falesia

The beaches of the area are doubtlessly the main attraction, with their golden sand, the stunning colours and contours of the cliffs, and the reliably good weather. Aquatic sports and boat trips are very popular here and just 10km away the Zoomarine is a marine park where education about wildlife is offered via interaction with dolphins. Olhos de Agua and Falesia are the closest beaches offering good tourist facilities and therefore, although very beautiful, often the most crowded. Praia da Galé and São Rafael are a few kilometres along the coast but offer a more secluded experience whilst still providing the necessary facilities and the extra bonus of some stunning rock formations.

 For the visiting golfer, three courses stand out. Salgados is well-known and offers a challenge to even the most practised with its lakes and seaside terrain. Beginners fare well on the 9 holes at Balaia and The Sheraton Hotel, situated in a breathtaking cliff top location to the east of Albufeira, has its own 9-hole course, Pine Cliffs, built as its name suggests in pine woods.

Albufeira Guided Tours & Excursions

Seven Hanging Valleys - Departing from Albufeira

Full-Day Tour The Best of the West in Algarve - Private Tour

Beach Sunset w/ Sushi & Champagne

Albufeira - Faro Airport Transfers 4pax

Show all albufeira tours & excursions », related articles.

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28 amazing things to do in albufeira.

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Albufeira is undoubtedly one of the more touristy towns in the Algarve but that doesn’t mean it lacks charm or places of interest. On my many visits I’ve found loads of wonderful things to do in Albufeira to suit all ages and tastes, making it a popular base for many holiday-makers and longer-term residents.

As well as the historical, archaeological and architectural features in the old town and the beautiful beaches, there are a few art galleries and some quality crafts shops among the plethora of tackier souvenirs.

If you’re looking for tours, outdoor activities and excursions, these are plentiful, too. Read on to discover a wide range of things to do in Albufeira, although if you’re only interested in the hedonistic party scene on The Strip, you’re reading the wrong blog.

Top Picks For Albufeira Activities

Explore the highlights and hidden spots on a tuk tuk tour. LEARN MORE Indulge your senses on a wine and tapas tour. LEARN MORE Take a segway tour of Salgados Nature Reserve. LEARN MORE Soar above the beach on a parasailing adventure. LEARN MORE

Related : Decide where to stay in Albufeira with the help of this guide

1. Albufeira beaches for everyone

Along the 30 kilometres of Albufeira coastline you’ll find a whole range of beaches to satisfy all needs.

The most accessible (and popular) beach if you’re based in the Old Town is Praia dos Pescadores. It’s a family-friendly beach where the sand is golden and the water welcoming. There are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. A continuation of this, to the east, is Praia do Peneco (see #5 below.)

Praia da Oura, although usually frequented by the youngsters from The Strip, is a great place to enjoy the many water sports.

Praia dos Alemães is quieter with lovely clear water and to the west of Albufeira is Praia de São Rafael with its striking rock formations.

Further to the east of Albufeira is the renowned Praia de Falesia, backed by dramatic red sandstone cliffs.

Water-based activities from the beach

The coastline around Albufeira features intriguing caves that are ideal for kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboard. If you dont’ have a car, you may need to take a cab or Uber to the start point.

You can discover the stunning Portuguese coast on this 2-hour kayaking tour that starts from Praia do Castelo.

Or maybe test your balance with stand up paddle boarding (SUP) (beginners welcome) and explore the many beaches, coves, and inlets along the coast. This tour departs from Praia da Coelha.

If you want to polish up your surfing skills with an experienced instructor, this small group surf lesson should help you ride those waves with confidence.

For the really adventurous, this Parasailing Adventure on Albufeira’s Coastline should get the adrenaline pumping. Gaze down at the city of Albufeira from 80 metres high while feeling the wind rush through your hair!

2. Visit the famous Benagil caves

The amazing natural beauty of the nearby Benagil caves attracts thousands of visitors and it’s easy to see why. With sunlight streaming through the openings in the dome-like ceiling, golden sand and translucent water, it’s a sight not to be missed.

Because the cave can only be reached by sea there are many tours by boat, kayak and SUP tours on offer (swimming is NOT recommended). However, be choosy how you get there. Some catamarans have up to 80 people on board!

You can take a small group speedboat tour to the caves and do a bit of dolphin spotting. Or, after leaving Albufeira Marina by boat, change to a kayak or SUP to explore the caves in a more intimate way.

The chance to experience a beautiful evening sunset cruise to the caves, also leaving via the Marina, is one to consider.

Important update: Due to the increase in traffic and for safety reasons, from August 2024 new rules have been introduced by the National Maritime Authority. These include that no one is allowed to land or use the sand inside the caves, renting a kayak without a guide is prohibited and you can no longer swim to the caves. Before booking a tour please check with your tour providers.

3. Take to the water for some dolphin watching

The coast of Albufeira is the perfect place to spot these aquatic mammals so if you’re more interested in wildlife than rock formations, take a dedicated dolphin tour, which includes a visit to the Benagil Caves .

You’ll access the more isolated coastal areas and, because the Algarve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, you’ll get the chance to see many of the various species of marine life and birds along the way.

4. Explore Albufeira Old Town

Tourism in Albufeira can be split into two distinct areas; Areias de São João , known colloquially as The Strip, and the Old Town. 

The Strip is party land, full of hen parties and people out for a good time, fuelled by alcohol. Don’t ask me about it because it’s not my scene but it’s easily avoided.

The Old Town is still quaint in parts, with picturesque cobblestone streets where you can wander, learn about the local history and browse for quality souvenirs, although there’s an awful lot of tat on offer so you’ll need to be discerning.

Tip: Save your legs and see the best of Albufeira on a private tuk tuk tour

Jardim Publico de Albufeira in Largo Enginheiro Duarte Pacheco is the old town’s leafy main square and the heart of everything; an attractive place to watch the world go by. It’s quite busy so if you want to find quieter streets, head towards Rua da Igreja Velha and surrounds.

There is a circular pedestrian route of just over 7 km, which gives you the opportunity to discover more about the Old Town.

It begins at the Tourism Office where you can pick up a brochure with all the necessary information to get the best out of the walk. Alternatively, if you want to reduce the distance walked, pick up a lealet from the Archaeological Museum and just follow the route around the heart of the historical centre.

If you’re lucky try and get on a guided walk. They’re on every Thursday morning at 10 am and you can register at the local Camara (council). For more info email [email protected] .

5. Take the tunnel to the beach

There aren’t many towns where direct access to the beach is directly from a busy street in the town centre, through a short tunnel, but Albufeira is one of them. Built in 1935, the tunnel connects Rua 5 de Outubro with the sandy Praia do Peneco.

Expect to be entertained by buskers in the tunnel before you hit the sand.

Don’t worry if tunnels freak you out – there are other ways to access Albufeira beaches including an elevator at the far end of Praia do Peneco and escalators at Praia dos Pescadores.

6. See the monument to the fishing community

Praia dos Pescadores means Fishermen’s Beach, which is exactly what this was before tourism took over.

Just off the beach, you’ll find a sculpted monument dedicated to the families who earned their living from the sea, which offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of a bygone era.

7. Imagine the fish market at Cais Herculano

A few metres from the fishing monument is a covered area which was once a bustling fish market, Cais Herculano.

Nowadays, it’s surrounded by restaurants and has some benches where you can escape the sun for a while if needs be. When I visited, there was a temporary photographic exhibition in the space as well as more permanent sculptures.

8. Discover “A Different Algarve” photo exhibition

If you’re curious about life in the Algarve before it became a tourist hotspot, take a stroll along Esplanada Dr Frutoso da Silva.

Its white wall is home to an outdoor exhibition of black and white photgraphs taken by Artur Pastor, one of the best Portuguese photographers of the 20th century. His shots capture everyday scenes from the 1940s to 1970s, giving you a glimpse of times gone by.

8. Visit the Archaeological Museum

Not much of the ancient Albufeira escaped the 1755 earthquake and tsunami that devastated Portugal. If you want to get a sense of what the architecture was like, and understand quite how far back Albufeira’s history goes, the Municipal Archaeology Museum is well worth a visit.

The small but interesting collection takes you on a voyage from prehistory to the 17th century.

Praça da República, 1. Open daily from 9:30 to 5:30

9. See the remains of an Islamic home

In the square outside the museum, look out for a small excavation surrounded by a white barrier. This is part of an Islamic home, many of which still exist underneath Albufeira’s current buildings.

You can clearly see the hole in the ground that the occupants had carved out of the earth beneath their house in order to store precious commodities like food and water. This was common practice during the conflict between the Christian forces that eventually forced the resident Muslims to relinquish the territory. The origin of the name Abufeira is actually Arabic, “Al-buhera”, meaning “sea-castle”.

10. Check out some ancient doorways

The arched doorway on this small building on Rua Henrique Calado once led to the Old Inn (Antiga Albergue), which provided shelter and lodging to weary travellers. It’s one of the few buildings in Albufeira to have survived the 1755 earthquake.

The church of Saint Sebastion (Igreja de São Sebastião ) is in a small square in old town Albufeira and boasts a beautiful stone doorway.

11. Admire contemporary art at Galeria Municipal João Bailote

João Bailote was a local born artist who was one of the best-selling painters in Portugal and abroad between the 1960s and 1980s. Because of his local celebrity the Municipal Gallery of Albufeira was renamed after him.  

The gallery hosts a range of exhibitions throughout the year and is always worth checking out.

Rua do Município. Open Monday to Friday 9:30 to 12:30 and 1:30 to 5:30

12. Enjoy the views at Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira

Take in views over the old town including Praia dos Pescadores from this wonderful viewpoint. Thanks to the escalators you don’t have to wear yourself out walking up the hill. In the daytime you can take advantage of the shaded areas but at nightime, with Albufeira lit up, you get a lovely view.

Also a great spot for sunsets, too.

13. Hang out at Albufeira Marina

The marina is small in comparison to other marinas and noticeable because of the lego-like coloured buildings alongside it. As well as boats, you’ll find the usual hotels, restaurants, bars and a recreational and leisure centre.

You can save a little time by taking the tourist train or this tuk-tuk tour from the Old Town, otherwise it’s a bit of a walk.

It’s also where most boat trips start off from, like this 2.5 hr tour in search of dolphins and a visit to the Benagil Caves or this sunset cruise along the coast to the Benagil caves.

14. Study wildlife up close at Zoomarine

Albufeira’s Zoomarine complex is spread over 8 hectares and is the ideal place to watch presentations with dolphins, seals and sea lions, with tropical birds and birds of prey. Here you also find an amazing aquarium with sharks.

These kinds of places are not everyone’s cup-of-tea but they do a lot of conservation work and established the first Rehabilitation Centre for Marine Species in Portugal.

It’s very popular with families with kids, leading to long queues during the high season. You can purchase your entrance tickets in advance to save time.

Zoomarine opens from March 2023 until November 2023. For times check this calendar.

15. Find peace and quiet at Sant’Ana church

This 18th century church, (the original was destroyed, like so many buildings, in the 1755 earthquake), is dedicated to Saint Anne, the maternal grandmother of Jesus. It’s a tranquil place and, if it’s open, you can admire the Baroque altarpiece. Otherwise, just enjoy the views from the top of the steps.

16. Pay a visit to Albufeira’s homegrown saint

Cross the road from Sant’Ana church to see the bronze statue in memory of São Vicente of Albufeira in Largo Jacinto d’Ayet.

Born in Albufeira in 1590, Friar Vicente de Santo António began his overseas preaching endeavours in Mexico and ended up in Japan, where he was imprisoned, tortured and then burned to death, all the while proclaiming his faith in Christianity. Hence the cross in his hand, which he was apparently holding as the flames took his life.

17. See the latest exhibition at Galeria de Arte Pintor Samora Barros

You’ll find this contemporary art gallery in the historic centre of town, housed in a former power station. The attractive tiles and exterior motifs by the Portuguese painter Samora Barros add character to the building.

Temporary exhibitions are regularly rotated so check out what’s on during your visit.

Summer opening hours (July and August) are 3 pm to 8 pm and 9 pm to 11 pm (Closed on Sundays and holidays)

Winter hours are 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm. Entry is free.

18. Catch the Torre do Relógio at night

The Torre do Relógio is a clock tower in the heart of the old town on the corner of Rua José Bernadino Sousa and Praça da República. Dating from the Muslim era, the building was once part of the castle walls and defensive line.

In the centuries since then, it has also served as a jail. On the top of the tower is a crown of iron representing a belfry where a single bell is hung, added in the 20th century.

It’s a focal point when you’re in the old town and looks lovely when it’s illuminated at night.

19. Track down the castle walls

Very little remains of Albufeira Castle but there’s a small section of the walls visible near the former North Gate, which gives you an insight into the architecture of the period, and the former size of Albufeira.

These defensive walls protected the Arab population from Christian seiges for many years but eventually the castle and settlement was conquered in 1249/50 by King Afonso III.

20. Check out the quirky bar at Porta da Sant’Ana

Somewhat more attractive than the North Gate is Porta da Sant’Ana, which has a commemorative tile panel. This was originally the main entrance to Albufeira castle.

The main attraction these days is the quirky, shell-clad bar next to it, i.e. Portas da Villa Antiquity Bar. The owner has lovingly decorated this bar over the years with shells collected from the local beaches.

21. Find a quality Portuguese souvenir to take home

You’ll find an abundance of souvenir shops in Albufeira but take your time to track down the better quality ones if you want something that will last longer than your suntan.

If you’re looking for good quality cork products, try Surpresa Inadiável (Avenida 25 de Abril, 10). They have great collections by Portuguese designers and they also sell ceramics and cataplanas, among other things.

If you prefer leather goods then Kitanda at R. Alves Correia, 13, is the place to go. Summer season opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 am-10 pm, Saturday 9:30 am-7 pm. Regular opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 am-7 pm, Saturday 9:30 am-1 pm

If you’re looking for memorable gifts to give to friends and family then check out these unique Portuguese souvenir ideas.

22. Make your very own souvenir

To make your time in Albufeira even more memorable, why not make your own unique souvenir? Try this Private Jewellery Workshop where you can learn some traditional silversmith techniques and create a piece of jewellery to take home with you.

There are several places of interest near Albufeira so don’t confine your explorations to the town and beaches.

23. Explore Albufeira by bike

I’m not a keen or experienced cyclist but I do appreciate the joys of electric bikes. They make the cliffs and hills of Albufeira easy to navigate and you can feel satisfied that you’re enjoying yourself and not harming the planet.

You can take this 30km e-bike tour that covers the town and beaches . There are also many shops in Albufeira providing independent bike rental, both electric and normal.

24. Discover the village and castle of Paderne

Just over 7 miles to the north of Albufeira is the village of Paderne, where you’ll find Castelo de Paderne or Paderne Castle . Constructed in the 13th century, the castle is believed to be one of the original castles that can be seen on the shield of the Portuguese national flag.

When I visited, the castle was only open Wednesdays and Sundays and is down a dirt track. This is fine if you’re walking (there’s a marked trail, the Rota do Castelo PR1 ABF), cycling or doing a countryside tuk tuk or quad bike tour but it’s not really worth the drive, especially in a rental car.

The village of Paderne is serene and not at all touristy. I was disappointed that the Museum of the Accordion was closed on the day I visited. On display are accordions, concertinas, photographs and all other accordion related material, most of which belong to Francisco Sabóia, who fulfilled his dream of sharing his passion and so built the museum. 

Opening hours are Monday to Friday: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and closed for lunch from 1pm to 2pm. Weekends by appointment only. Tel: 289599508.

It was such a shame that Corte Real Gallery was also closed on my visit. The gallery is an old traditional farmhouse and each room has a special theme. The artists on display there are exceptional. Just take a look at these.

Gallery opening times are Thursday to Sunday 11.30 to 4.30pm. Tel: 961 528 679 or email: [email protected]  to check before making the trip.

25. Spend time in nature at Salgados Nature Reserve

Lagoa dos Salgados is one of the most important freshwater wetlands in the Algarve and a marvellous place to explore. The wooden walkways and cycle areas give you access to this relatively small but rewarding lagoon.  

You can take in wonderful panoramas on this segway tour and try to spot the variety of local wildlife on view.

If you’re patient (and / or lucky) you can catch sight of many rare birds. Enlist the help of an expert on this Bird Watching in Albufeira Lagoon tour , a program specifically designed for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Or you could really get down to details on this 7 kilometre (4.3 miles) walking tour that explores the different ecosystems, and allows you to make your own little work of art with a local artist!

26. Taste local wine and traditional tapas

The rural regions of the Algarve produce good quality wines and, although it’s easy to pick up a bottle from the local supermarket or restaurant, it’s well worth the effort to go and actually see how and where the wines are produced.

There are many family-owned wineries that offer tours and tastings. This wine and tapas tour shows how a local winery works and you get to take off-road tracks to view some amazing landscapes, too.

27. Make some time for golf

The Algarve can quite rightly claim to be Europe’s number one golf destination and Albufeira has some excellent courses nearby. There’s the luxurious Pine Cliffs just a 15 minute drive away and Balaia and Salgados are both easily accessible.

For more information about where to play golf in the whole of the Algarve region, check out this guide by golf travel expert, Andy Waple .

28. Indulge your wild side at the Adventure Park

Adventurous souls can try high-rope courses and paintball at Parque Aventura, ideal if the family needs an opportunity to swing from tree to tree, cross monkey bridges or whizz down zip wires into vertical nets.

Opening hours are 2pm to 6pm daily. For tickets and information check out Parque Aventura website.

Events in Albufeira

To find out about the latest events, markets and what’s going on in Albufeira, check out this site.

Getting to Albufeira

If you’re flying into Portugal, it might be worth looking into Faro airport as there are direct flights from several international airports. It’s 46 km and a straightforward journey to Albufeira from there.

If you plan to explore the surrounding area, or take a road trip, without using any of the tours I mentioned above, I’d consider hiring a car from the airport, just to give you that extra flexibility and freedom. Discovercars or Booking.com car rentals are great for finding the best deals for car hire.

Alternatively, take a private transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Albufeira .

For a budget transport option, Flixbus run a regular service. Albufeira’s train station is quite far out of town so you’d probably need a cab or bus to get to your lodgings .

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Albufeira is a beautiful place to go on your vacation with many different activity to do, places to explore and beautiful scenery to see.

Albufeira is an amazing destination, and this list is a great starting point for any traveller. I’ve been there a few times, and I always find something new to do. My favourite activities are relaxing on the beaches, exploring the old town, and visiting the Benagil caves.

Your blog has been an absolute lifesaver in planning my upcoming trip to Albufeira next year! The detailed insights into the beaches, activities, and local gems have truly set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. I can’t thank you enough for shedding light on the hidden treasures and offering such comprehensive guidance. I’m now counting down the days to immerse myself in the beauty and experiences Albufeira has to offer, all thanks to your fantastic blog.

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