Albufeira

Travel Guide
Albufeira showing a sandy beach, swimming 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 center 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 center 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 kilometers) 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 kilometers) 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 sandy beach

Albufeira Old Town

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

Albufeira Old Town is a destination visitors seek out for is 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 neighborhood.

Albufeira Old Town
Albufeira which includes nightlife, a coastal town and a small town or village

Albufeira Center

Travelers to Albufeira Center praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Albufeira Old Town Square and Peneco beach.

Albufeira Center
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Santa Eulália

4.5/5(5 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

While there might not be top attractions in Correeira, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Albufeira Old Town Square and The Strip.

Correeira
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Peneco Beach

5/5(1 area review)

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

While Alpouvar isn't home to many top sights, Albufeira Old Town Square and Peneco beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Alpouvar
W Algarve
W Algarve
5 out of 5
Estrada da Galé, Sesmarias, Albufeira
The price is CA $530 per night from May 14 to May 15
CA $530
CA $568 total
includes taxes & fees
May 14 - May 15
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (41 reviews)
"ive been all over the world and I can confirm the hotel and the service is 10/10 special shout out to the concierge team! Thank you and I will now be looking to stay in many other W hotels"

Reviewed on Apr. 30, 2024

W Algarve
EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
5 out of 5
Praia da Falésia, Pinhal do Concelho, Albufeira
The price is CA $521 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $521
CA $558 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
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! (510 reviews)
"This property has excellent landscaping, a beautiful sea view, and nice service and facilities."

Reviewed on Apr. 14, 2024

EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
NAU Sao Rafael Atlantico
NAU Sao Rafael Atlantico
5 out of 5
Sesmarias, Albufeira
The price is CA $237 per night from May 17 to May 18
CA $237
CA $257 total
includes taxes & fees
May 17 - May 18
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"This property is nothing but beautiful and in a peaceful location, though I would day some of the services in the pool bar area was not upto the standards one would expect as a 5 start resort. Furthermore, vegetarian options were very limited for lunch and dinners. Breakfast, however was excellent! ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 27, 2024

NAU Sao Rafael Atlantico
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.
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! (83 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 Mar. 20, 2024

The Patio Suite Hotel
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (137 reviews)
"Great location to explore Albufeira. Would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Apr. 17, 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! (339 reviews)
"This was my 2nd stay here. A lovely place with kind, helpful and local staff. Very well looked after. I was made to feel at home, away from home. :) I like the way they upkeep the portugese algave charm throughout the premises. I had a fantastic seaview and is close to many restaurants, shops and ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 26, 2024

Apartamentos Soldoiro
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

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
46
" "5 - Excellent 48.421052631578945%
4 - Good
41
" "4 - Good 43.1578947368421%
3 - Okay
6
" "3 - Okay 6.315789473684211%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 1.0526315789473684%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 1.0526315789473684%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Mar. 16, 2020

Beautiful place for holidays

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Feb. 19, 2020

Nice place that has good prices. I had excellent weather during my stay.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Feb. 16, 2020

A little overdeveloped for our taste

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Jan. 29, 2020

Second trip for us. We like that it is low season, quiet and not crowded in january and february.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Sep. 29, 2019

Beautiful scenic area, great restaurants!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Sep. 19, 2019

The Old Town is fun to see, very pretty

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