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 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 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)

Peneco Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Peneco Beach and Elevador do Peneco.

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
EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
5 out of 5
Praia da Falésia, Pinhal do Concelho, Albufeira
The price is HK$4,556 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
HK$4,556
HK$4,866 total
16 Jul - 17 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (682 reviews)
"It is right by the beautiful beach and the people are so lovely. You can walk around the area and explore the neighborhood. Very clean and attentive staff to take care of your needs."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira by IHG
Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira by IHG
4 out of 5
Av. do Estádio, PO Box 2445, Albufeira
The price is HK$951 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
HK$951
HK$1,045 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (226 reviews)
"A great stay at this newly rebranded/renovated property. Although some works are still ongoing, it didn’t impact our stay and on the surface the property seemed to be operating normally."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira by IHG
Hotel Da Gale
Hotel Da Gale
2 out of 5
Largo Dos Luisadas, Albufeira
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
5.4/10 (439 reviews)
"The stay was amazing , the girl at reception was very helpfull. The only issue we had the television remote wasn't working ."

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Hotel Da Gale
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.
Cheerfulway Minichoro
Cheerfulway Minichoro
3 out of 5
Rua José Afonso Lt23 - Apartado 1059, Albufeira, Algarve
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the property condition ...
5.8/10 (43 reviews)
"O importante pra nós é cama boa e chuveiro bom isso foi o suficiente para nós apesar de que as tomadas não pegam bem, e não tem ventilador pois estava muito quente essa noite, mas foi ok pelo preço que pagamos."

Reviewed on 15 Sep 2024

Cheerfulway Minichoro
Cheerfulway Acqua Maris Balaia
Cheerfulway Acqua Maris Balaia
3 out of 5
Estrada de Santa Eulalia, Apartado 978, Areias de S. Joao, Albufeira, Faro
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free parking, onsite spa services, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Albufeira ...
5.6/10 (28 reviews)
Perfecto
"Amazing magnificento es bonita ❤️"

Reviewed on 8 May 2025

Cheerfulway Acqua Maris Balaia
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 in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (154 reviews)
"very pleasant family break, Would have become a little bored of the food selection should we have stayed much longer, it did change every day but the model was generally the same each meal time. The Staff were great, the rooms were wonderful we even had a terrace, I would recommend a hire car if ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2025

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%
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.