Are you planning a trip to Portugal and wondering what the top things do in Albufeira in the Algarve ? The seaside resort most popular with international tourists has beautiful large beaches as well as many hotels. It’s often the destination chosen for all-inclusive stays. The downside is that you don’t really feel like you’re in Portugal. Fortunately, by leaving the city you can easily discover the southern coastline of the country and the treasures hidden there.
What to visit in Albufeira ? What are the must-see sights and activities ? Where to stay in Albufeira to be close to the beaches ? I share all my tips in this blog post.
What to do in Albufeira ?
You’ll quickly discover that there aren’t that many things to do in Albufeira for lovers of culture and history. The seaside resort, with its many hotel complexes and holiday apartments, is entirely devoted to mass tourism. Those who enjoy all-inclusive stays with beach time, activities, and nightlife will love it. Others won’t spend more than half a day in the city. As part of an Algarve road trip you can even skip the destination entirely, as you’ll find beaches all along the coast.
Many tuk-tuks allow you to get around the city easily (especially between the marina, the beaches, and the historic center). It’s quite funny because I was more used to seeing this type of transport in Asia. Always negotiate the fare before getting in to avoid unpleasant surprises. If you want to explore the city, you can choose this 2-hour guided tuk-tuk tour (in English) that will take you to the main highlights and the most beautiful viewpoints.
Strolling through the old town
Unfortunately, very little remains of the fishing village that existed here before Albufeira became an international seaside resort. Informed travelers will notice a few remnants of that time thanks to some signs placed here and there. The pedestrian streets lined with old whitewashed houses remind us of that distant past. However, it’s still far from the atmosphere of the village of Tavira. If you’re looking for things to do in Albufeira to escape the crowds, take a short walk through the streets above the historic center, the area is quite deserted (which is normal since there are no bars or restaurants).
To access the Baixa de Albufeira area, you need to go to the end of São Gonçalo de Lagos Street where the staircase is located. You’ll pass in front of the Porta de Sant’Ana (photo 1), the former entrance gate to the castle and the old town. It was destroyed, like many buildings in the Algarve, by the 1755 earthquake. Today it is incorporated into a wall, and only the inscription on azulejos reminds us of its location.
Walking through the narrow streets, you’ll reach the former military battery, of which nothing remains (GPS coordinates). You can still enjoy a superb viewpoint over Albufeira beach (Praia do Peneco) and the ochre cliffs characteristic of the Algarve.
At the intersection of Joaquim Pedro Samora and Dom Afonso III streets, you can see the old wall of Albufeira Castle (photo 4). The castle protected the old Arab quarter conquered by the Portuguese in 1250. Almost nothing remains of the ruins, honestly without the sign you would never guess what it is.
That’s all there is to do in Albufeira from a historical point of view. As you can see, the city cannot compete with the other villages of the Algarve. But in truth, travelers don’t come to visit Albufeira for its historic remains. The beach and partying in the bars are the main attractions for the many British tourists who come to Albufeira on holiday.
Relaxing on the Beaches of Albufeira
If most tourists come to visit Albufeira, it’s to enjoy its beautiful and large sandy beaches. In that respect, the Algarve in Portugal certainly deserves its reputation. Except for those who prefer small, quiet coves, the beaches of Albufeira should appeal to you. Our stay took place in May, which explains the small number of people on the beaches. In July and August it’s a different story, and the beaches of Albufeira quickly become crowded.
Albufeira has two main beaches located just below the old town, Praia do Peneco (in the photos above) and Praia dos Pescadores (below). In fact, the two beaches form one long stretch, but it’s so large that it has been divided into two separate areas. There is a private beach section offering sun loungers with umbrellas, but the public area is more than large enough to enjoy the beach for free. In that sense, you have a bit more space than in Sardinia, for example.
Other beaches located a little farther away are accessible on foot or by car. The advantage is that they are less crowded than the two beaches located directly in the city center. Praia dos Aveiros, 4 km east of the center (10 minutes by car), is a small beach with coves where you can enjoy some peace and quiet.
Having a drink and eating in the city center
Like any seaside resort, Albufeira has many bars and restaurants in its city center, right at the foot of the old town. However, you’ll have a hard time finding typically Portuguese food there. Most establishments serve international cuisine aimed at British tourists, who are the main visitors coming to Albufeira on all-inclusive packages. Everything is written in English, and it’s one of the places in the Algarve where you don’t feel like you’re in Portugal at all.
Food lovers and travelers with a larger budget will be pleased to know that there is a restaurant with two Michelin stars (Vila Joya) in town.
Water sports
One advantage of visiting Albufeira is that there are many sea activities available that you won’t necessarily find elsewhere. The resort offers many water sports accessible to both adults and children. Here are a few water activities I recommend doing in Albufeira :
- 30-Minute Jet Ski Experience
- Parasailing (1h30m)
- 2-hour surf lesson
- Kayak Tour of Albufeira
- Albufeira Beginner Scuba Diving
- Albufeira Caves Paddle Surf Tour
Paragliding flight over Albufeira
Want to gain some altitude and discover Albufeira from a new perspective ? Then you’re ready for this tandem paragliding flight. Paragliding is organized depending on the weather and flight conditions. Tandem paragliding flights in Albufeira consist of a 20 to 25 minute aerial flight in two different locations : Cerro Cabeça de Camara in the Loulé county and Praia da Falésia in Albufeira.
Available throughout the year, tandem paragliding flights depend on the weather, and flight times will be determined by prevailing winds and warm thermals, with generally longer flight times during the summer months. Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the activity.
4×4 Tour in the Algarve
During this 4×4 day trip, discover the beautiful landscapes of the Algarve with a English-speaking guide who will pick you up at your hotel in Albufeira. You’ll cross different areas of streams, hills, valleys, and meadows located around Alvor. The route follows dirt tracks and unpaved roads to reach the most remote places in the Algarve.
Along the way you’ll stop at a distillery where you’ll learn how medronho (a brandy made from shrubs) is produced. You’ll also observe the traditional honey-making process. The typically Portuguese lunch break will take place in a local restaurant serving various gastronomic specialties from the Algarve.
Things to do in Albufeira : exploring the surroundings
Unless you are visiting Albufeira to stay on the beach of your all-inclusive hotel, the most interesting things are outside the city. The Algarve has many treasures that would be a shame to miss. The ideal way to discover the surroundings is to rent a car, but it’s also possible to use public transportation. Otherwise, you can take some excursions to see the must-see places in the Algarve. One advantage of Albufeira is that the city is located in the middle of the southern coastline of Portugal.
Benagil Cave
This is a must-do outing for anyone looking for things to do in Albufeira. Benagil Cave is one of Portugal’s icons, you’ve probably already seen it in photos. Several excursions are possible. For our part, we went there by kayak to see inside the cave (since September 2023 it is no longer possible to enter it). You’ll find more information in my guide to visiting Benagil Cave.
From Albufeira, I recommend the Benagil hidden caves tour by kayak (3 hours). A boat will take you to Benagil, where you’ll then take a kayak or paddleboard to explore the surrounding caves.
You can also choose a cave tour aboard a motorboat (2.5 hours). Several providers offer boat tours of Benagil Cave. You can check them through the links below. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, so don’t hesitate to book as this activity is very popular.
Faro
You will inevitably pass through Faro Airport if you arrive in the Algarve by plane. Instead of heading straight to your hotel, you can take the time to visit the capital of this southern Portuguese region (or return on another day). The old town surrounded by ramparts is worth spending a few hours exploring. Plan at least half a day to discover the cathedral, monuments, and museums. Faro is located 40 minutes by car from Albufeira or 1 hour 30 minutes by bus.
For more information about things to do, I invite you to read my article about visiting Faro.
Tavira
Don’t miss the most beautiful city in the Algarve, located 45 minutes toward the Spanish border. There is no direct bus from Albufeira, so the best option is to rent a car to get there. On the way you can visit the Milreu ruins and the São Lourenço de Almancil church at the same time. The charming historic center with its old castle and walls will immerse you in Portugal’s Moorish period under Muslim rule. Tavira has many excellent restaurants, making it an ideal destination for a romantic dinner.
To discover everything there is to see, check out my article about Tavira.
Praia da Marinha
This beach, ranked among the 100 most beautiful in the world, is located 30 minutes from Albufeira. A car is necessary to get there as no public transportation serves it. On site there is a parking lot that quickly fills up (it’s also the starting point for the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail). I recommend going early in the morning or late in the day to admire the sunset.
On site you’ll enjoy a dreamlike setting between immense ochre-colored karst cliffs and the azure blue ocean. At the bottom of the staircase leading to the beach there is a bar-restaurant where you can rent kayaks if you want to explore the coastal caves.
Lagos
We were pleasantly surprised by Lagos, it’s one of the must-see places in the Algarve for us. The old town stretching along a river deserves a full day, especially if you don’t want to be disappointed after seeing what remains of the old fishing village in Albufeira. The historic city of Lagos is surrounded by 16th-century ramparts inside which you can wander through cobbled streets lined with old houses.
Lagos has good restaurants and pleasant terraces for having a drink. Shopping enthusiasts will find many shops to bring back souvenirs from Portugal. Lagos also has beautiful beaches in its surroundings, wilder and less crowded than those of Albufeira.
Silves
For a change from seaside towns and villages, I recommend discovering Silves inland. The town of whitewashed houses is dominated by a castle that is among the best preserved in the Algarve. The interior of this former Moorish fortress is quite empty, but it offers a nice view over the city. Among the must-see sites in Silves’ old town, you should visit the Sé Cathedral.
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet away from the bustle of the Atlantic coast, I recommend visiting Silves on a day trip. The town is located 30 minutes by car northwest of Albufeira (direct bus connection for those without a vehicle). You can also take part in an excursion to Silves if you don’t have transportation.
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
For a change from the beach, I recommend doing the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. It’s the most beautiful hike in the Algarve, so don’t miss it. The route starts from the Praia da Marinha parking lot (see above) and goes to Praia do Vale de Centeanes (13 km round trip – 4h40). You don’t have to complete the entire route ; even the first section gives you a great glimpse of the cliffs plunging into the sea. You can even return by Uber if you don’t want to hike back.
Unfortunately, we weren’t very lucky because the morning we did this hike there was a lot of mist coming from the sea and we couldn’t see much. I was only able to take photos on the way back when the fog cleared around noon. The route is marked with explanatory panels showing the hike profile so you can find your bearings. You won’t get lost because there are always plenty of people around.
Albufeira boat rental
Would you like to discover the Algarve coast in total freedom, stopping at the most beautiful beaches and secret caves? The solution is to rent a boat with Click&Boat. This company, a leader in online rentals of sailboats, catamarans, and motorboats, offers the best prices and a choice of more than 40,000 boats from private owners and professionals. You can choose a boat with or without a license and with or without a professional skipper, the options are numerous for spending one or several days at sea.
Where to stay in Albufeira ?
Accommodation prices in Albufeira vary greatly depending on the season. They reach their peak in July and August, which mark the height of the tourist season in the Algarve. In general, I recommend booking well in advance to get the best rates. Many apartments are rented for a full week. Here is a list of accommodations with good value for money that I recommend for staying in Albufeira.
If you haven’t yet decided which town to stay in, I invite you to read my article about where to stay in the Algarve.
- 30 € : Orange Terrace Hostel, the cheapest option for staying in Albufeira. At this price you’ll have to settle for a bed in a dormitory in this youth hostel. It’s well located (200 m from the beach). Ideal for backpackers who want to party !
- 75 € : Residencial Capri by Umbral, this residence located in the city center offers double rooms with private bathrooms at a good price-quality ratio. Street parking is possible if you have a car.
- 112 € : Apartamentos Benvindo, apartments for 3 to 5 people with a balcony and two outdoor pools. They are located 450 meters from Forte de São João beach. Free public parking on site.
- 114 € : Peneco Albufeira GuestHouse, this property located in the old town 1 minute from the beach offers triple rooms that will particularly interest couples traveling with a child. Also rooms for four people.
- 119 € : Apartamentos Sereia da Oura, these rental apartments with balconies and views are located just a 10-minute walk from the famous Oura beach. Outdoor pool, quiet setting, and free parking.
- 133 € : Oceanus Aparthotel, this aparthotel with breakfast included offers suites with balconies for two people and apartments for four. Pool, fitness center, and beach just a 3-minute walk away.
- 215 € : 3HB Falésia Garden, for those seeking a relaxing and lazy holiday, this hotel offers apartments of various standards for 2 to 3 people. It has two pools and the beach is 300 meters away. Breakfast included.
Tips and travel guide for visiting Albufeira
How to get to Albufeira ?
If you arrive in the Algarve by plane, you will land at Faro Airport. From there you can reach Albufeira in several ways :
- By car: a vehicle will be useful if you plan to do a road trip in Albufeira and the surrounding area. You’ll find many agencies at the airport. To get the best deal I always use this price comparison tool that allows you to rent a car at the best rate.
- By bus: Many buses connect Albufeira with Lagos (1h20) and Faro (1h30) in the Algarve. For the capital Lisbon there are 6 departures per day (3 hours).
- By train: Faster than the bus, you can reach your hotel in Albufeira by train from Faro. The journey takes barely 35 minutes.
- Private transfer: This is the most comfortable way to reach Albufeira. The driver will wait for you directly at the airport in the arrivals hall. The journey takes about 40 minutes. The price is €39 for up to 4 people and €48 for up to 8 people. Book your transfer to Albufeira here.
Parking in Albufeira
If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort in Albufeira, parking won’t really be an issue since you won’t need a car, or only to leave the city. But for travelers on a road trip in the Algarve, parking in Albufeira can be a bit complicated.
To park as close as possible to the beach and city center, we used the parking lot located right next to the Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira. The parking is covered and paid (address). An escalator allows you to go down to the beach and the historic center.
How long to spend in Albufeira ?
As you’ve seen in this Albufeira travel guide, there isn’t much to see or do in the city from a heritage and cultural perspective. In fact, the seaside town doesn’t promote itself based on that but rather on its beautiful beaches and the many activities available.
Allow a maximum of 2 hours to walk around the old fishing village and the city center. Of course, if you plan to enjoy the beach, take a boat trip, take a surf lesson, and dine at a restaurant, you can easily spend the whole day there. Or even a full week if you go out every day to explore the surroundings between Lagos and Tavira.
Best time to visit Albufeira
If you want to party with a lively atmosphere in the city, July and August are the months to come. During this period the seaside resort is full and the beaches are crowded.
To enjoy the beach with a little more peace and quiet, June and September are two good months for a stay in Albufeira. The water is warm enough for swimming and there are not yet too many tourists. You’ll also get better accommodation prices.
If, on the other hand, you want to visit towns and villages and go hiking, spring and autumn are good periods because it’s not too hot. In winter, the mild and sunny climate of the Algarve makes it a great destination for those looking for sunshine during this season.
As you can see, you can visit Albufeira and the Algarve all year round, it all depends on what you want to do.
My opinion about Albufeira
I had some concerns before coming to visit Albufeira because I had heard many things about this seaside resort specializing in mass tourism and cheap all-inclusive stays. Yes, the whole coast is very built-up with countless apartment buildings, but if you stay in the part of the old fishing village by the sea it’s not that ugly. The beach also helps a lot. In the end it doesn’t look like the south coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, for example.
However, it’s a thousand miles away from an authentic atmosphere. You feel more like you’re in England than in Portugal. But that may appeal to those who like the standards of international establishments. And Albufeira has a central position on the Algarve map, making it easy to visit the rest of the coast. Add to that the many activities available on site, and you can easily spend a week of vacation there.
For our part, we don’t like this type of atmosphere at all, we chose a Portuguese quinta lost in the mountains, here is the address if you’re interested.
You now know what to do in Albufeira and the surrounding area. If you have any questions, feel free to use the comments section of the blog.