Albufeira

Travel Guide

Albufeira showing a beach and landscape views as well as an individual male
Albufeira showing a coastal town, swimming and a beach
Fisherman\'s Beach which includes a beach and a coastal town
Gale Beach featuring waves, a beach and general coastal views
Albufeira showing a city, café scenes and a house

Relax on the beaches, explore the old town and eat tasty seafood in one of Portugal’s most popular holiday 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 beach and a coastal town

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, nightlife 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)

Peneco Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Peneco Beach and Golfo de Cádiz.

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 Da Gale

Hotel Da Gale

2 out of 5
Largo Dos Luisadas Albufeira
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
5.4/10 (485 reviews)
I booked this hotel then read the review and panicked!i dont think they stayed in the same hotel as us!lovely lady on reception greeted us,room spotlessly clean,breakfast was an added bonus! The views must be some of the best in albufeira!lots of lovely areas to sunbathe too and nice pool. We would ...

Reviewed on 2 Oct 2025

Hotel Da Gale
PortoBay Blue Ocean

PortoBay Blue Ocean

4 out of 5
Quinta do Milharó, s/n Albufeira Algarve
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (115 reviews)
Could not fault the room. Clean and very well maintained

Reviewed on 28 Dec 2025

PortoBay Blue Ocean
W Algarve

W Algarve

5 out of 5
Estrada da Galé, Sesmarias Albufeira Faro
The price is HK$1,703 per night from 18 Jan to 19 Jan
HK$1,703
HK$1,805 total
18 Jan - 19 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (106 reviews)
Overall the experience was excellent. Really enjoyed the stay and made us feel at home. The Whatever/ Whenever team is amazing and they made our trip a memorable one. We wanted a quiet and relaxing holiday and we were pampered by all the Hotel staff. Every one of the staff were very friendly, always ...

Reviewed on 2 Jan 2026

W Algarve
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.
Hotel Apartamento Brisa Sol

Hotel Apartamento Brisa Sol

4 out of 5
Do Municipio Lote 27 Albufeira
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (210 reviews)
Great hotel

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

Hotel Apartamento Brisa Sol
Alfagar Village

Alfagar Village

3 out of 5
Santa Eulalia Albufeira
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and Falesia Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (613 reviews)
Beautiful high floor apartment, comfy bed, kitchenette, good linen, great view, spacious bathroom. Everything we needed for a short stay. We were 'upgraded' to prestige on arrival, which was fine - i dont usually like staying in hotel blocks but it was out of season and quiet so was great. I had ...

Reviewed on 12 Dec 2025

Alfagar Village
Muthu Oura Praia Hotel

Muthu Oura Praia Hotel

4 out of 5
Estrada de Santa Eulália Albufeira Faro
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free parking, 3 restaurants and 6 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (524 reviews)
The hotel was lovely but we was only told that we are not allowed to stay at the hotel we originally booked and this was the day b4 we fly so not happy about that but overall the new place was great

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

Muthu Oura Praia 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%
4 - Good
274
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
57
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
10
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

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.