Discover the charm of Albufeira! Explore the beaches, the old town, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. These are the best things to do in Albufeira Portugal.
About Albufeira
Albufeira, located in Portugal’s sunny Algarve region, is an enchanting seaside resort with a history dating back to Roman times. The Algarve is known for its breathtaking beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Albufeira fits this picture perfectly.
What really makes Albufeira a hot spot for travelers is its unique blend of history and contemporary charm. The historic city center also called the “old town,” offers an enchanting ambiance with its cozy squares, traditional restaurants, and lively markets.
But don’t let the town’s quiet past fool you; Albufeira also has a vibrant nightlife and modern amenities that make it an ideal destination for all types of travelers.
With miles of golden sandy beaches, a mild climate throughout the year, and an abundance of recreational activities, Albufeira is the perfect place for a sunny vacation. Whether you want to relax on the beach, dance late into the night, explore the local culture, or take adventurous walks along the coastline, this city offers something for everyone.
I myself spent no less than 7 weeks in Albufeira in the fall of 2020. Although I had my prejudices, Albufeira now has a special place in my heart. The city is so much more than nightclubs and beaches!
In this article, I’ll tell you all about the best places to visit in Albufeira and all the fun things to do. In addition, I’ll tell you about the best places to stay, amazing restaurants, and the best time to travel to Albufeira. Enjoy reading!
The best things to do in Albufeira Portugal
Now you probably want to know what to do in Albufeira! I can tell you, there is plenty! Let’s start with the best Albufeira tips.
Visit Albufeira Old Town
Albufeira Old Town (Baixa de Albufeira) is very beautiful and one of the best Albufeira sights. White houses (sometimes with colorful Portuguese tiles) are scattered over the hills here. Wander the narrow streets and climb the stairs to find beautiful hidden gems.
There are many orange trees, colorful flowers, and an awful lot of cozy restaurants and cafes. During my time in Albufeira, I lived in the middle of Old Town for five weeks and discovered new beautiful spots every single day. It is really wonderful to spend an afternoon just wandering around Albufeira Old Town!
Igreja Matriz de Albufeira
During your walk through Old Town, you will see some beautiful white churches. Igreja Matriz de Albufeira is one of them and stands on a knoll. All around the church, you will find a great display of flowers, which makes it very photogenic.
This beautiful church dates from the eighteenth century and is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. With its ornate facade, elegant tower, and interior rich in exquisite detail, the church offers a fascinating insight into Albufeira’s religious history. Inside, you’ll find beautiful azulejo tiles, gilded altarpieces, and a serene atmosphere that invites contemplation.
Discover the most beautiful beaches
One of the reasons Albufeira is such a popular destination in the Algarve is because of its beautiful beaches. During my stay, I visited almost all the beaches in Albufeira and these are my favorites:
- Praia dos Arrifes: hidden among the rocks
- Praia dos Alemães: for the best sunset
- Praia da Oura Leste: quiet with a beautiful nature reserve as a backdrop
It’s great to relax on the beaches, go for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean or just enyou a relaxing beach walk.
Tip: Some of these beaches are quite far apart. Don’t feel like walking? With this fun tour by Tuk Tuk you will discover all the beautiful beaches and fun places in Albufeira Old Town.
Museu Municipal de Arqueologia
Would you like to learn more about the history and origins of Albufeira? Then visit Museu Municipal de Arqueologia, or Municipal Archaeological Museum. Here you will discover archaeological finds dating back to the Roman and Moorish periods, including ceramics, coins and artifacts that highlight Albufeira’s unique heritage.
Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco
Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco is the main square in the city. The square is named after Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco, a famous Portuguese engineer and politician. The square is surrounded by colorful buildings, stores, cafes and restaurants, making it a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
What makes this square truly special is its lively atmosphere, especially in the evening when the terraces are packed and live music fills the air. It is a great place to enjoy the local cuisine, have a refreshing drink and enjoy the conviviality.
Visit Galeria de Arte Pintor Samora Barros
On the south side of the square you”ll see an unusual building, whose doors are often open. This is Galeria de Arte Pintor Samora Barros, a tribute to the talented painter Samora Barros. This gallery offers visitors a fascinating insight into the work of this artist, who is best known for his colorful and expressive paintings that capture the beauty of Portugal.
With changing exhibitions of contemporary art and a permanent collection of Barros’ masterpieces, this gallery is an artistic treasure trove that celebrates the region’s rich cultural traditions.
Go for a hike on the rocks
It took me a while before I found some hiking trails in Albufeira because they are not really indicated anywhere. Finally, I found a beautiful hiking trail over the rocks from Praia dos Alemães to Praia da Oura. Please wear good shoes as the rocks and sand can be very slippery (please note: this hike is not suitable for all ages as it’s close to the see with drop offs).
Parque Aventura
Do you like an adventure? Then head to Parque Aventura. This adventure park offers an array of exciting activities, including zip lines, climbing walls and rope bridges, all amid the lush greenery of nature.
It is a fun place to push your limits, enjoy the outdoors and create unforgettable memories during your stay in Albufeira. A nice place to visit if you are in Albufeira with a group of friends.
Taste the delicious Portuguese food
Did you know that you can enjoy delicious food in Portugal? In the Algarve, you can eat a lot of delicious grilled fish, and it is highly recommende to try the bacalhau. This is codfish and it can be prepared in many different ways. And for dessert (or as a snack on the beach) you should try a delicious bolo de arroz or pastel de nata.
Get out on the bar Strip
Do you like to go out dancing? Then you should go out for a night on the Albufeira Strip. Here you will find many different nightclubs and I’m sure there will be something you’d like. Even if you don’t feel like going out, it is nice to check out the Strip to see what is out there. It’s kind of like Disneyland for grown ups or a very small version of Las Vegas with all the neon lights.
Go on a tour to the Benagil Caves
Many boat tours leave from Albufeira to other places in the Algarve. One of the most enjoyable tours is to visit the world-famous caves of Benagil by boat. The tour will take you along the beautiful coast of the Algarve and if you are lucky you will even see dolphins!
A boat tour is easy to book through Get Your Guide. I went with this organization and I had an amazing trip. It was only a small group and the guide was great, he actually knew what he was talking about. He was able to name all the special features along the coastline and also told a lot about the dolphins we saw.
Discover other amazing tours from Albufeira
Besides a boat tour of the caves, there are several other fun tours you can take from Albufeira. Here are a few great suggestions:
- Algarve: off-road quad tour from Albufeira
- From Albufeira: Half-day wine tour and Silves
- Half-day Algarve Jeep Safari
The big advantage of booking a tour is that you don’t need a car in Albufeira. Moreover, a local guide accompanies you, who can tell you a lot about the area and its history. Easy and educational!
Visit the brightly colored marina
In Albufeira there are two harbors: Porto de Abrigo de Albufeira (here are mainly small fishing boats) and the larger Marina de Albufeira. The marina is very interesting to see because on the north side of this harbor is a brightly colored apartment complex.
It is a great place to explore for an afternoon because it has a boulevard full of nice restaurants and terraces. In addition, there is also entertainment in the form of a bowling alley and a go-kart track. It is virtually impossible to get bored here!
Discover the viewpoints
There are several viewpoints in Albufeira and the view from one point is even more beautiful than the other. It is therefore wonderful to walk from one viewpoint to another and check out all the viewpoints.
For example, go to Miradouro Porto de Pesca for a view of the harbor or the Miradouro do Peneco for a view of Praia do Túnel. The Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira is also highly recommended. Here, you’ll find some cool art works and from here you have a great view of Albufeira Old Town.
Enjoy the best water activities
Want to make your vacation in Albufeira a little more adventurous? In Albufeira, you can do many cool water activities. How about:
- Single, double or triple parasailing
- Algarve: 30 minutes on the jet ski
- Albufeira: 2-hour surf lesson on Falesia Beach
What do you think you would enjoy doing most?
Fun day trips from Albufeira
Albufeira is in central location of the Portuguese Algarve, making it a perfect location for some great day trips. These are a few fun places you should definitely visit while on vacation in Albufeira.
Faro
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Do you enjoy going for a hike? Just a half-hour drive from Albufeira you will find Praia da Marinha, one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. This is also the starting point of one of the most beautiful coastal walks in Europe: the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
This trail is about 6 kilometers one way (so 12 if you hike back) and the golden yellow coastline full of hidden beaches is beautiful to see.
Lagos
Lagos is by far the most beautiful city in the Algarve (I may be a bit biased, as I spend 2 months here every year) and a must see when you’re staying in Albufeira. It is on the coast, has a pleasant harbor and the historic city center is a maze of beautiful streets.
Make sure to walk to Ponta da Piedade, the most beautiful rock formation in Portugal. And did you know that you can also find beautiful beaches in Lagos? The gorgeous Praia do Camilo is world famous.
Silves
Just a half-hour drive from Albufeira is Silves, the oldest city in the Algarve. This historic city offers an enchanting trip back in time with its magnificent medieval castle, imposing cathedral and narrow cobblestone streets.
Stroll through the old town to discover its rich Moorish heritage and enjoy breathtaking views from the castle. Stroll along the Arade River and have a picnic in the park. You can also enjoy delicious Portuguese specialties in the charming cafes and restaurants.
Portimão
A short distance away is Portimão, the Algarve’s second largest city after Faro. The city roughly consists of two parts: the beautiful coastline at Praia da Rocha with vast beaches and impressive rock formations. In addition, you have the city center bustling with activity with lively markets, stores and restaurants where you can sample local cuisine. Portimão is the sardine capital of Portugal, this is the best place to eat them.
The best cafes and restaurants in Albufeira
Albufeira is filled with great cafes and restaurants. These are some of my favorites:
- Veggie Momi – Vegan restaurant in Old Town. Open for lunch and dinner. Small but nice and very tasty.
- Casa Da Fonte – Delicious Portuguese food in a good location in Old Town, near the beach. They have a very cool semi-open roof terrace.
- Casa Da Fonte – You’ll love the view here, as the terrace is on a cliff and overlooks the beach. A good place for a drink, a sandwich, and some tapas.
- Sal Rosa – Awesome cocktail bar with beautiful sea views.
- Oh Là Latte – Cool place for a nice cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast.
The best places to stay in Albufeira
Where are you going to stay in Albufeira? There are many accommodations, the choice is enormous! Albufeira is also bigger than you think, so it’s helpful to find accommodation in a location that matches your favorite activities.
- Old Town is the perfect place to stay if you like to be central. You have both a beach nearby, as well as many restaurants and a few bars. In addition, it’s a great place for evening walks. For me personally, this is the best place to stay in Albufeira.
- The Strip is the perfect place to stay if you like to go out as it is filled with bars and clubs. This neighborhood is also called Areias de São João. If you also want to be close to the beach, Oura is a good place.
- Praia da Balaia is a good location if you like peace and luxury. There are a few large luxury resort hotels here and a beautiful beach.
- Correeira is the neighborhood to be in if you want to stay in an affordable apartment. It is a residential area with several large supermarkets. Expect to walk at least 30 minutes to get to the beach or Old Town.
Hotel in Albufeira
There are quite a few luxury (and less luxurious) hotels in Albufeira and most of them have a swimming pool. The advantage of sleeping in a hotel is that your room is cleaned every day and if you are lucky breakfast is included. These are a few recommendations in terms of hotels in Albufeira:
- Hotel Sol e Mar – Adults only (4⭐): This hotel is in a great location. Right on the beach in Albufeira Old Town. Luxurious rooms with balconies and ocean views.
- Hotel California Urban Beach (4⭐): This is another wonderful adults only hotel in Albufeira Old Town. It has wellness facilities and a rooftop pool.
- Vila Origens Boutique Hotel Albufeira (4⭐): This highly rated hotel is one of the finest hotels in Albufeira. It is small, the rooms are cozy and modern, there is a pool and you have a nice view of the city.
Apartments in Albufeira
Another option is staying in an apartment. This is perfect if you like to have more space, are with a group, or like to cook your own meals. In addition, many hotels are adults only, so if you are traveling with children it is also more convenient to book an apartment in Albufeira.
The choice of apartments in Albufeira is huge. I slept in different apartments while in Albufeira and these were my favorites:
- MSHomes Corcovada: perfect apartment for 1 or 2 persons. It has a swimming pool and is near the strip. It’s a 15-minute walk to Praia da Oura.
- Apartment Cardoso 3: small but nice apartment for 1 or 2 persons. Large balcony, great location right in the Albufeira Old Town, and 5 minutes walk from Praia do Túnel. In terms of location, this was my favorite!
- Apartamento Deluxe Quinta da Bellavista: beautifully furnished apartment for 1 to 4 people (1 bedroom with a king-size bed and a large sofa bed). Convenient location for both The Strip and Albufeira Old Town.
Hostels in Albufeira
Do you have a limited budget? There are even a couple of hostels in Albufeira. For example:
- Son of a Beach Hostel: nicely decorated and in a great location in Albufeira Old Town.
- Boas-Vindas: small-scale hostel in Old Town with a very friendly owner.
As you can see, there are plenty of great places to stay in Albufeira. Check Booking.com for more options, availability, and prices.
The best travel time for Albufeira
The best times to visit Albufeira are spring and fall. Both seasons offer pleasant temperatures and less crowds, perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and a relaxed atmosphere. I myself stayed in Albufeira in the fall and I thought that was perfect. There were some beach days, and there was some rain, but overall it was sunny and not extremely hot.
In summer it gets very hot and there is a lot to do, which is perfect for sunbathing and water sports. Therefore, it is definitely crowded and touristy. In winter, accommodations are cheapest and temperatures are generally mild, but some activities and restaurants may be closed.
How to get to Albufeira?
An important question, how do you get to Albufeira? First, you’ll fly to Faro airport, this has many connections with other cities in Europe. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cash back.
From Faro to Albufeira: there are several ways to travel from Faro to Albufeira.
- By public transportation, it is not the fastest option, but it is cheap! First travel by bus from the airport to the Faro bus station, there you can change to a bus to Albufeira. Bring cash, you can’t pay with cards on the bus.
- A private transfer, by cab or Uber. I often use Uber when I’m in Portugal, as it is very affordable.
- With a rental car.
Transport in Albufeira
Albufeira is bigger than you might think. Although many places are easy to walk to, it is sometimes useful to look at other forms of transport.
Public transportation in Albufeira
In Albufeira, you have the local “Girobus.” These are small buses that run around the city. For example, the red line mainly runs around the old town of Albufeira and the green line runs around The Strip. You will find a map on this website.
You can also visit places in the area with the EVA bus. A ticket is not expensive and can be purchased from the driver. Bring cash.
Albufeira also has a train station, but it is about four kilometers outside the city. So from the train station, you need a taxi to get to the city. Check train times and prices on the Comboios de Portugal website.
Rental car in the Algarve
It is most convenient to have a rental car when you are in Albufeira, so you are free to go wherever you want to and it’s easier to go on day trips. Renting a car in the Algarve is not expensive at all, and the gas prices are quite low compared to other European countries. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals on rental cars.
Read more: Renting a car in Portugal: everything you need to know
Read more about the Algarve & Portugal
These were all my Albufeira tips! Do you have any further questions? Leave a comment below this article or email me at info[at]opreismetco.nl.
Would you like to discover other beautiful places in the Algarve or Portugal during your vacation in Albufeira? These are some fine travel guides filled with inspiration:
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I myself travel to the Algarve every year for a few months and have discovered many beautiful places as a result. Therefore, on this website, you can read a lot about a trip to Portugal. You might like to read these articles as well:
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This article was published in November 2020. Last update: September 2023 with more fun Albufeira tips.
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