Albufeira

Travel Guide
Albufeira showing a coastal town, swimming and a beach
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)

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
INATEL Albufeira
INATEL Albufeira
3 out of 5
Av. Infante D. Henrique, Albufeira
The price is HK$550 per night from 3 May to 4 May
HK$550
per night
3 May - 4 May
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (435 reviews)
"Very nice view worth the upgrade"

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

INATEL Albufeira
Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort
Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort
5 out of 5
Estrada de Albufeira - Olhos de Água, Albufeira, Faro
The price is HK$918 per night from 1 May to 2 May
HK$918
per night
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (886 reviews)
"Staff were lovely and very helpful. The beach location was perfect. Best breakfast ever!"

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort
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 HK$957 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
HK$957
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy a full-service spa, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (235 reviews)
"Its enterance opens to most vibrant street and with its pool, this place is a winner. Highly recommended.."

Reviewed on 13 Apr 2024

Hotel Califórnia Urban Beach – Adults only
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, a children's pool, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and ...
7.8/10 Good! (135 reviews)
"Great location to explore Albufeira. Would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 17 Apr 2024

Turial Old Town Ocean View
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! (79 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 20 Mar 2024

The Patio Suite Hotel
Cerro Mar Atlantico & Cerro Mar Garden
Cerro Mar Atlantico & Cerro Mar Garden
4 out of 5
Cerro do Malpique, Albufeira
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy 4 outdoor pools, 3 poolside bars, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (368 reviews)
Great experience
"Fantastic place to stay, close to the old town, I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

Cerro Mar Atlantico & Cerro Mar Garden
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
18 Mar 2020

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
4 Mar 2020

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
3 Mar 2020

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
3 Feb 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Feb 2020

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
18 Jan 2020

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