The butter-coloured beaches for which the Algarve is famous are within easy reach of Albufeira, a popular holiday resort that boasts a vibrant nightlife scene. Exploring the Atlantic by boat is one of the top things to do in Albufeira, as is searching for bottlenose dolphins and admiring the dramatic cliffs that dominate the coastline. The Benagil Cave is most photogenic—the swirling sandstone structure is reminiscent of a Dali painting. After a day at sea, visitors with a taste for glamor head to nearby Vilamoura, a marina famed for its high-end restaurants and sleek yachts.
The beating heart of the Algarve, Albufeira sees an influx of European holidaymakers between June and September, when the sun shines down on the golden sands of the beaches. If you’re going to surf the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find the best swells between September and April.
Albufeira’s small size and quaint marina means that it’s easy to explore on foot. Albufeira and the wider Algarve area are serviced by a regular and well-connected train service that stops at all major towns between Faro and Lisbon. It’s a great way to hop between beaches.
The Algarve is famous for its golden beaches and the dramatic sandstone cliffs that surround them. To beat the crowds, hire a car and head off the beaten path to the clothing-optional Praia Joao de Arens—you can also use this as a jumping-off point for the cliff walk that showcases some of the area’s best coastal scenery.
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Albufeira is best known for its nightlife scene and golden sand beaches. Within the municipality, Albufeira has an impressive 25 Blue Flag beaches—two of which are within walking distance of Albufeira Old Town. From the marina, you can take boat trips to the famous Benagil Cave.
...MoreAlbufeira’s three main beaches are all within walking distance of its Old Town. Praia do Túnel and Praia dos Pescadores (the most accessible) boast golden sands and great conditions for swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. The Blue Flag–rated Praia dos Alemães is a 10-minute walk from Albufeira train station.
...MoreSoak up Portugal’s year-round sun on Blue Flag–listed beaches, such as Praia do Túnel; explore the cobbled streets of Albufeira Old Town, home to Roman and Moorish architecture; go on a boat trip to see dolphins and the Benagil Cave; or dance at a bar on Albufeira Marina.
...MoreIf you’re looking to party with vacationers from around Europe, Albufeira is Portugal’s premier spot. The epicenter of Albufeira’s nightlife scene is in Montechero, where you’ll find Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro, or what’s known as “The Strip”—home to bars and discos open until the early hours of the morning.
...MoreYes, Albufeira’s stunning sunsets, food scene, and sandy beaches make it a nice location for a romantic trip. For the ultimate couples evening, take a catamaran cruise on the Atlantic Ocean at sunset before dining on traditional Portuguese food on the cobbled streets of the quaint Old Town.
...MoreAlbufeira usually hosts three flea markets. Calicos Market is on the first and third Tuesday of every month, and the second and third Saturdays, while the Santa Eulália Market runs on the 4th Saturday of each month. Each one lasts from early morning until just after lunch.
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