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Of course, you could spend every day of your holiday in Albufeira beach bumming around on one of the glorious beaches. It would be understandable as ‘The Algarve’ is home to some of the world’s finest beaches.
However, if a holiday for you means getting out and about; exploring a destination, its cuisine and culture, you won’t be disappointed with Albufeira.
Situated in central Algarve, Albufeira has grown from a sleepy fishing village to the beating heart of Portuguese tourism with activities, experiences and excursions to delight every type of traveller.
If you are curious to learn more about the Algarve’s rich history, want to explore the great outdoors or cruise the coastline on a yacht. Or perhaps the mark of a good holiday for you is getting to savour the region’s delicious gastronomy and wine.
This article will take you on a journey of the best things to do and places to visit during your stay in Albufeira.
OK, we concede… a holiday to Albufeira wouldn’t be the same without a few heavenly days spent on the Algarve’s golden sand beaches and what a lot of beaches to choose from in and around Albufeira… 25 to be precise!
We couldn’t complete our top things to do in Albufeira without mentioning a few of our favourites.
Situated between Albufeira and Vilamoura is Praia de Falésia: one of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches and frequently included on the World’s Top Beaches list. Praia de Falésia is 6 kms of beach perfection with soft golden sands, turquoise clear waters backed by pine topped cliffs.
On the western side of Albufeira is the rugged beauty, Praia de Galé. Circling the bay of Armacao de Pera, the beach is easily accessible with no challenging steep cliffs or stairs to ascend or climb. Dunes back the main beach and here you’ll find accessible ramps to help you along. The five kilometre stretch of sand is dotted with fossil laden rocks. Perfect for little adventurers and would-be dinosaur hunters.
Playa de Salgados is a contrast to the cliff-backed beaches of Albufeira. Instead of the quintessential orange and terracotta cliffs, a cordon of golden dunes form the backdrop to this golden sand beach. Beyond the dunes, is the Laguna de Salgados, a point of passage for various migratory birds, including some protected species.
Surrounded by amazing cliffs, Praia do São Rafael is a smaller sand beach with wonderful rock formations rising out of the sand. It may be small, but Praia do São Rafael is perfectly formed backed by orange gold cliffs, the beach is separated into two sections: sunbeds and parasols to the left and bring your own to the right.
Praia Marinha (Navy Beach) is a beach to be reckoned with. Acclaimed as one of Europe’s Top 10 beaches and in the World’s Top 100 from the Michelin Guide and CNN, Praia Marinha is exemplary with its orange sandstone cliffs, incredible rock formations and sea arches, and not forgetting, the feel of the finest golden sand between your toes and crystalline waters to dive into. Praia Marinha is not to be missed during your stay in Albufeira.
Before we leave the beach, it’s worth mentioning the coastal rock formations of the Algar Seco caves. Situated 35 minutes drive from Albufeira close to the town of Carvoeiro, the Algar Seco Caves are a series of natural rock formations and caves which reveal hidden natural pools of the bluest water.The caves have been carved out by the winds off the Atlantic for hundreds of years and the holes appear to be carved out windows and terraces. The entrance to the caves are found just below the Boneca (the doll). An inverted rock formation that takes the form of a doll when seen from out at sea. Discover more beaches in our article on Algarve’s Best Beaches.
If there is one thing aside from beaches that Albufeira is famous (or infamous) for it’s its nightlife. If you are looking for a party vibe combined with great beach life, Albufeira is your kinda town.
Head to The Strip (Areias de São João) where you’ll find the liveliest bars and nightclubs, and where you can dance until dawn. This is where most young holidaymakers conglomerate and where you’ll also bump into hen and stag parties.
The two kilometre strip is just one main through road, which over the years has grown into the party centre of the Algarve. You’ll also find decent restaurants and cafes, so you can fuel up before you get started.
Aside from drinking establishments there are several nightclubs on the strip, such as KISS and Club Heaven, and just 7 kms outside of Albufeira, you’ll find Portugal’s most coveted nightclub Kadoc, with its 7000 guest capacity for hedonistic night’s of music and fun.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed side of Albufeira and prefer your nights to be filled with delicious local cuisine and Portuguese wine, followed by a stroll around town to soak up the atmosphere, Albufeira Old Town is the place for you.
During the day, the hustle and bustle is centered around Jardim Público de Albufeira Albufeira Old Town’s main square with its al fresco dining and collection of shops that sell everything from Portuguese souvenirs and beach accessories, to clothing boutiques and craft stores.
During the warm summer evenings, live music fills the square and the restaurants and bars are packed out with a mix of locals and holidaymakers. During the autumn and festive season, Albufeira old town is more relaxed, but no less charming.
From the main square you can wander off and explore the cobbled mosaic streets where you can sense the rich culture and history and discover the monuments and landmarks that tell the story of Albufeira’s past.
If you want to spend a half day or day, visiting cultural sites and learning about Albufeira’s history, these three will give you a good sense of the Algarve’s rich heritage.
The Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Albufeira is a small museum housing artifacts from prehistoric, Roman and Islamic occupations.
The parish church of Igreja Matriz de Albufeira is one the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in the Algarve. Built in the late 18th century, the single nave church exudes simplistic beauty and purity. And the cool interior is a perfect escape from the midday sun.
Just above Albufeira town in the small parish of Paderne is the Castelo de Paderne (Paderne Castle).The 12th century fortification is one of the seven castles represented on the Portuguese flag.
If you want to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the old town and the coastline in all of its glory, head up to Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira.
The viewpoint is the ideal spot to catch the sunset over Albufeira and, of course, you can’t leave without grabbing a selfie or two!
There is shaded seating, so that you can enjoy the view anytime of day without wilting under the beating Algarve sun.
To reach Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira, you’ll find escalators located next to Edificio Albufeira to take you up and down from the viewpoint.
Starting out as a fishing village, it’s no surprise that fresh fish and seafood are high on the menu in many of Albufeira’s restaurants and tapas bars.
Grilled sardines and mackerel are simple but delicious fresh bites from the sea and more complex seafood stews and rice dishes are also local delicacies of the Algarve.
If you are craving meat dishes during your stay in Albufeira, you’ll find plenty of options. Frango assado (Peri Peri Chicken to you and I) is simple, delicious cuisine, served with salad or chips, or both! Regional sausages and Cozido de Grão (boiled meats with chickpeas) are also regularly found in local speciality eateries.
However, there is much more to the gastronomy scene in Albufeira than just the catch of the day and regional dishes. Here, there are restaurants to cater for all tastes. Cuisines from all over the world vye for your attention, all of the usual suspects and a few that might surprise.
From beach terraces and tapas bars to two Michelin star fine dining establishments. Albufeira is a delight for foodies and wine aficionados.
And if you prefer to serve than be served, why not learn how to prepare and cook your own delicious Portuguese cuisine during your stay? The Algarve has several renowned cooking schools where you can take your Portuguese cookery skills to the next level.
Taste Algarve has a range of culinary activities from cooking and dining on a farm, preparing an authentic beach picnic, or enjoying a cookery class in the privacy of your Albufeira villa.
One of the greatest pleasures of staying in a holiday home on the Algarve is shopping at food markets for local products. The Mercado Municipal dos Caliços is Albufeira’s principal food market and there is a twice monthly outdoor market (first and third Tuesday) close to the bus station.
The Algarve is the southernmost wine producing region of Portugal. Grapes cultivated along the coastline are protected by the surrounding mountain range and grow in a perfect climate and conditions.
If you are a wine aficionado and want to brush up on your knowledge of Algarve wines during your stay there are several excellent winery tours and tasting excursions. Learn about Portugal’s winemaking culture, tour the vineyards, and enjoy a tasting. You’ll be able to stock up on your favourites to take back to your Algarve villa.
Adega do Cantor and Wine Senses are two wine experience companies and wineries local to Albufeira.
A boat trip is the best way to explore the Algarve coastline. Out at sea you can marvel at the beautiful stretches of golden sand beaches, backed by iconic colourful cliffs and pine forests. The glittering turquoise waters below are so inviting, so make sure you take your bathing suit onboard!
Boat trips depart from Albufeira and Vilamoura marinas with sailing boats, catamarans, luxury yachts, and speed boats for rent.
You’ll find a choice of boats and a choice of boat trips and tours to choose. From family-friendly dolphin safaris, trips to the Benagil Caves, fishing trips and coastal cruises; to fun in the sun bbq cruises and boat parties.
Did we already mention that there are 25 beaches that surround Albufeira? This Algarve holiday destination is a beach-lovers paradise and whilst some of us love to just relax on the beach with a cocktail in hand and a good book, others love nothing better than catching a few waves for some wet and wild fun.
As with boat trips, there are lots of great Albufeira water sports to choose from: kayaking, snorkelling, surf lessons, inflatable fun, jet ski hire, wakeboarding,stand-up paddle, sit-down paddle (if you’re not feeling too confident to start out with!)
There are several professional water sports rental companies and schools along Albufeira's beaches and in the marina. Make sure to do your research on prices and client feedback before choosing which to book.
Zoomarine Algarve
Zoomarine Algarve is a top attraction on the Algarve, and although there are water and theme parks all along the coast, most are around 30 minutes plus drive from Albufeira, whereas Zoomarine Algarve is Albufeira’s very own star attraction.
The emphasis here is on family-friendly fun with lots of educational and interactive focus put on the activities and events that take place.
Zoomarine focuses on the natural world and bringing the sea world to you. Of course, there are popular dolphin shows, sea lion and sea shows with a few pirates thrown in, however, there is also a strong emphasis on conservation and the centre is involved with rescue and rehab of marine animals, beach clean-ups and other local environmental projects.
Aside, from getting up close to dolphins and other marine wildlife, Zoomarine Algarve has water slides, a wave pool and a beach, so you won’t feel like you’ve missed out on a day at the beach!
If you’re bored of the beach, done the boat trip, kayaked to your heart's content, and are still looking for more adventure, head into the countryside where you’ll find plenty of outdoor pursuits around Albufeira.
Forest trails and rural terrain are perfect for off-road quad bike and jeep safaris, and horse riding, or if you prefer to stay on two legs, this is fantastic hiking country.
Heading out into the countryside is a great way to explore a different side of the Algarve. Away from the busy coast where you can enjoy fresh air, nature and wildlife.
Depending on your chosen activity your tour company will take you through the rugged Algarve countryside, where you can swim in lakes and under hidden waterfalls, and then enjoy a rustic lunch and a sampling of the region’s wine and brandies.
If you don’t want to go rushing around the countryside in a jeep or quad bike, you can also spend a lazy day visiting the whitewashed villages in the hills above Albufeira, such as Paderne and Alte. See the other side of Albufeira life, which would you choose?
If you are staying in Albufeira and want to enjoy a day on the golf course, or have booked a golf holiday in Albufeira, you will be absolutely spoiled for choice in terms of the courses on offer.
There are three courses in Albufeira itself:
Balaia Golf to the east of town is a small 9-hole course which gives the player the opportunity to practice their short game and improve their iron shots.
As the name suggests, Pine Cliffs Golf is located amongst the beautiful pine trees in the cliffs just east of Albufeira. This 9-hole course is managed by the Hotel Sheraton and nicknamed the Devil’s Parlour!
Salgados Golf is a flat 18-hole course set back behind a sandy beach and often compared to a Links Course and features several water hazards.
Over in Vilamoura, golf enthusiasts can play The Old Course - Dom Pedro, Golf Vilamoura and a little further on, Quinta do Lago.
Golf courses galore are close to hand in Albufeira!
So there you have it, our top 11 things to see and do during your stay in one of our villas in Albufeira. Make sure you bookmark this article and then come back and let us know what you enjoyed the most during your stay in one of our villas in the Algarve.