Albufeira

Travel Guide
Albufeira which includes swimming, a sandy beach and a coastal town
Relax on the beaches, explore the old town and eat tasty seafood in one of Portugal’s most popular vacation destinations.

Albufeira is a scenic coastal town where you can find some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches.Cool down with a swim in the ocean or feast on local cuisine at a beachside restaurant. Wander the cobbled streets of the old town and visit the ruins of the castle. Shop for souvenirs in the town centre and spend your evening in one of the many bars on “The Strip.”

There has been a town on the site of Albufeira since Roman times. In 1755, an earthquake destroyed much of the town but it was rebuilt. Today, this old fishing village is now one of the most thriving destinations on the Algarve. 

Albufeira is famous for its spectacular beaches. Visit one of the main beaches, Praia dos Pescadores or Praia do Túnel, just a short walk from the centre of town. If you’re looking for somewhere quieter, head to the coves, such as Praia de Gale to the west. When it’s lunchtime, follow the smell of barbecuing fish wafting from the beachside restaurants. 

Head to the marina to see the famous, multicolored apartments that overlook the water. Enjoy a glass of local sparkling rosé and watch the boats go by or head out onto the water yourself. Several operators will take you on fishing or sightseeing tours around the coast. 

Spend a day exploring the town. Shop for local souvenirs along The Strip, which is located about 2 miles (3 kilometres) west of the old town. Stay in this area into the evening to experience the party atmosphere.  

Albufeira is located in the Algarve region of Portugal, 22.5 miles (36.3 kilometres) from the capital Faro. Albufeira is easy to explore on foot and with excellent links to nearby Faro airport, you don’t need to rent a car. The weather is mild year-round. Albufeira is a popular summer destination, so book your accommodation well in advance if you plan to come during this period.

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
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 S$245 per night from 12 Jun to 13 Jun
S$245
per night
12 Jun - 13 Jun
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy a full-service spa, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (253 reviews)
"Hotel was beautiful and well kept with regular housekeeping daily, however beware of the strip outside of the hotel. Every night blaring music will be impossible to sleep. Near toward the strip side is unbearable but other side is still able to hear the noisy mess of the nightlife"

Reviewed on 3 Jun,2024

Hotel Califórnia Urban Beach – Adults only
TUI BLUE Falesia - Adults Only
TUI BLUE Falesia - Adults Only
4 out of 5
Quinta do Milharó, s/n, Olhos d´Água, Albufeira, Algarve
The price is S$374 per night from 18 Jun to 19 Jun
S$374
per night
18 Jun - 19 Jun
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (502 reviews)
"Nice hotel. Big hotel not a boutique style by any means. Rooms very large and breakfast very good. Close to Falesia Beach"

Reviewed on 27 Apr,2024

TUI BLUE Falesia - Adults Only
EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
5 out of 5
Praia da Falésia, Pinhal do Concelho, Albufeira
The price is S$500 per night from 21 Jun to 22 Jun
S$500
per night
21 Jun - 22 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (517 reviews)
"We had such a lovely time at Epic Sana. The hotel was lovely, the staff were very friendly and welcoming and the beach was beautiful"

Reviewed on 6 Jun,2024

EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
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, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square ...
8/10 Very Good! (142 reviews)
"Great location right in the heart of activity. Can be a bit loud at night but overall good"

Reviewed on 15 May,2024

Turial Old Town Ocean View
Apartamentos Soldoiro
Apartamentos Soldoiro
3 out of 5
Rua Ramalho Ortigão, Praia da Oura, Albufeira
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and ...
7/10 Good! (340 reviews)
"I like proximity to town centre. The building needs some updates. But in general everything was OK. Thanks."

Reviewed on 28 May,2024

Apartamentos Soldoiro
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! (85 reviews)
Wonderful stay
"We enjoyed everything about the hotel. The staff were all so friendly and efficient, spacious clean rooms and communal areas, and a convenient location for nearby towns. It was a 15 minute walk to the beach. We were all inclusive and the food was varied, fresh, and really enjoyable. The pool did ..."

Reviewed on 30 May,2024

The Patio Suite Hotel
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

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

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

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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

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