Albufeira

Travel Guide
Albufeira featuring swimming, a sandy beach and a coastal town
Sunbathe on the beach, explore the old town andenjoy delicious seafood in Albufeira, one of themost popular holiday destinations in Portugal.

Albufeira is a quaintcoastal town where you’ll find some of the most beautiful and sunny beaches inPortugal. Cool off by swimming in the ocean or enjoy local dishes in arestaurant right on the beach. Of course, there’s more than just sea and sand.Wander the cobbled streets of the old city and visit the ruins of PaderneCastle. Go shopping for souvenirs in the city centre before spending yourevenings in one of the many bars on the Strip.

Albufeira’s historyspans back as far as the time of the Romans. In 1755 the city was largelydestroyed by an earthquake, and while a lot of its classic architecture hasbeen damaged over the years, by this and other occurrences, there are a stillsigns of its Roman past everywhere. Today, this ancient fishing village is oneof the most prosperous places in the Algarve.

Albufeira is known forits spectacular beaches. Just a short walk from the centre you will find thetwo largest and most popular beaches, Praia dos Pescadoresand Praia do Túnel. If you’d rather escape thecrowds, then head to one of the more secluded beaches such as Praiade Gale to the west. When it's lunchtime, simply follow thesmell of barbecued fish that wafts down to the beach from the nearbyrestaurants.

Head over to the marina to see the famousmulticoloured apartments overlooking the water, then find yourself a bar orcafe and enjoy a glass of local sparkling rose while watching the boats sailby. Or, better yet, get yourself a boat and get out on the water. With severaltour operators, it’s easy to take a fishing trip or cruise out along the coast.

Albufeira is locatedjust 36 kilometres from the capital, Faro.It’s easy to explore the place on foot and has excellent connections to thenearby airport, so no need to rent a car. You’ll find the weather is sunny throughoutthe year, like the rest of the Algarve. It’s no wonder Albufeirais such a popular destination.

Where to stay in Albufeira

Fisherman\'s Beach which includes a coastal town and a beach

Albufeira Old Town

4.5/5(76 area reviews)

Albufeira Old Town is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Albufeira Old Town Square or Peneco beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Albufeira Old Town
Albufeira featuring street scenes, a small town or village and night scenes

Albufeira Center

A noteworthy feature of Albufeira Center is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Albufeira Old Town Square and Peneco beach.

Albufeira Center
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Santa Eulália

4.5/5(49 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Santa Eulália, Santa Eulalia Beach and Oura Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Santa Eulália
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Correeira

Though Correeira may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Albufeira Old Town Square and The Strip.

Correeira
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Peneco Beach

5/5(6 area reviews)

Visitors to Peneco Beach enjoy its beaches, and if you want to do some exploring, Peneco beach is worth a stop.

Peneco Beach
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Alpouvar

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Alpouvar might not have many top sights, but Albufeira Old Town Square and Peneco beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Alpouvar
INATEL Albufeira
INATEL Albufeira
3 out of 5
Av. Infante D. Henrique, Albufeira
The price is €67 per night from 1 May to 2 May
€67
per night
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (432 reviews)
"Fabulous location everyone incredibly helpful"

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2024

INATEL Albufeira
The Patio Suite Hotel
The Patio Suite Hotel
4 out of 5
Urbanização Pinhal do Concelho, Albufeira
The price is €98 per night from 3 May to 4 May
€98
per night
3 May - 4 May
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the spacious rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
"What a gem of a place. We wish we discovered this spot earlier in our trip. Big, clean , spacious apartments . The staff are SO lovely and helpful they make everything run smoothly. I highly recommend this spot. Oh and the nearby beaches… out of this world! We hope to return one day."

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

The Patio Suite Hotel
Hotel Califórnia Urban Beach – Adults only
Hotel Califórnia Urban Beach – Adults only
4 out of 5
Rua Joaquim Pedro Samora 2, Albufeira, Faro
The price is €125 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
€125
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy a full-service spa, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (234 reviews)
"Its enterance opens to most vibrant street and with its pool, this place is a winner. Highly recommended.."

Reviewed on 13 Apr 2024

Hotel Califórnia Urban Beach – Adults only
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Turial Old Town Ocean View
Turial Old Town Ocean View
3 out of 5
Av. 25 de Abril, Albufeira, Faro
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free WiFi, a children's pool, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and ...
7.8/10 Good! (132 reviews)
"Great location to explore Albufeira. Would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 17 Apr 2024

Turial Old Town Ocean View
The Patio Suite Hotel
The Patio Suite Hotel
4 out of 5
Urbanização Pinhal do Concelho, Albufeira
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the spacious rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
"What a gem of a place. We wish we discovered this spot earlier in our trip. Big, clean , spacious apartments . The staff are SO lovely and helpful they make everything run smoothly. I highly recommend this spot. Oh and the nearby beaches… out of this world! We hope to return one day."

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

The Patio Suite Hotel
Cerro Mar Atlantico & Cerro Mar Garden
Cerro Mar Atlantico & Cerro Mar Garden
4 out of 5
Cerro do Malpique, Albufeira
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy 4 outdoor pools, 3 poolside bars, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (363 reviews)
"We had a great property, with a great view...though we did not know for sure we would get that prior to coming. We would not have wanted any lower level properties. Area is a little loud but that's to be expected. Loved the apartment and the balcony. Helpful staff and the restaurant was amazing - ..."

Reviewed on 15 Apr 2024

Cerro Mar Atlantico & Cerro Mar Garden
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Albufeira

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
294
" "5 - Excellent 46.15384615384615%
4 - Good
274
" "4 - Good 43.01412872841444%
3 - Okay
57
" "3 - Okay 8.948194662480377%
2 - Disappointing
10
" "2 - Disappointing 1.5698587127158556%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.3139717425431711%

5/5 - Excellent

Steve
18 Mar 2020

Been coming here for many years so will always recommend Albufeira as well as the other towns in the Algarve such as Carvoeiro, Vilamoura, Armacao De Pera, Portimao. Choosing a town depends on what type of holiday you are after.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
4 Mar 2020

Great if you want music bars and souvenir shops. Found the town tatty. We had been to Lagos the week before which was far nicer.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Mar 2020

Beautiful place. Quiet where we stayed with amenities close by. Decent supermarket with everything we needed across the road. The beach was beautiful.The Old Town was stunning with great pubs, clubs and restaurants. All very friendly people. Loved it

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Feb 2020

Would definitely recommend and stay again! Best staff ive had in a hotel so friendly and helpful

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Feb 2020

Very nice town. The council takes pride in public areas, there have even got a fitness park. All shops are close including Aldi and Lidl.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
18 Jan 2020

Nice winter holiday destination . Warm and sunny compared to U.K. temperatures.