Albufeira holidays

Albufeira holidays

Deals from £168 per person

As one of the most visited destinations in the Algarve, holidays to Albufeira are undeniably fun. Its spectacular golden sand beaches pull in the crowds, while its buzzing nightlife scene could rival that of any party resort. You’ll find a good mix of traditional and modern charms here too. For a peek into the past, stroll through the stunning Old Town admiring its Moorish beauty, before discovering its super stylish marina, whose colourful buildings are a stark contrast to the area’s whitewashed houses. And when you’re done sightseeing, Albufeira is home to some fantastic activities with a surf school and championship golf courses at your fingertips.

Things to do

From fun-filled excursions to relaxing days on the beach, families won’t run out of things to do on holidays to Albufeira. Find a spot for your towel on the silky sands of Salgados beach, or take a stroll around the ruins of Paderne Castle to learn more about the region’s history. How about some dolphin spotting at the resort’s luxury marina? Here, fancy yachts and speed boats fill the turquoise waters. If it’s adrenaline-inducing watersports you’re after, paragliding, kayaking, wakeboarding and scuba diving boat trips all depart from here.

World-class beaches

Not many places can compete with the Algarve’s beaches, and Albufeira is home to some of the area’s most striking spots. If you don’t want to wander far for a day on the sand, Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach) can be found to the front of the Old Town. Stretching for about 225 metres, its combination of soft sand and shallow waters is perfect for families with young children. Plus, there’s no shortage of nearby restaurants when you need to refuel.

To the west, Praia da Coelha promises extraordinary beach scenery with its yellow cliffs and calm waters. Keep walking further along the coast and you’ll come to the stunning Praia de São Rafael. A must for couples seeking privacy, find your own secluded sunbathing spot behind the beach’s scattered rocks. Praia da Falesia is another beautiful stretch thanks to its magnificent red-hued cliffs made from ochre stone. Prefer an upbeat atmosphere while you work on your tan? Then, the Blue Flag Praia d’Oura has a great selection of watersports.

History and culture

Originally Albufeira was known as Baltum and was later renamed Al-Buhera by the Moorish settlers in the 8th century.  Look out for historical gems hiding in the Old Town like The Igreja Santana, an 18th century church, or head inland to see the sandstone ruins of Paderne Castle. From here, you can even explore what’s left of a roman villa with a trip to the ancient site, Cerro da Vila. For a more in-depth look into the site’s past, visit the museum and see artefacts from three eras; Roman, Islamic and the Bronze Age..

A nightlife scene for everyone

What was once a sleepy fishing village is now a nightlife heaven. And there’s a party for all tastes on holidays to Albufeira. Head to the neon-lit Strip for the biggest nights, where the bars and restaurants span for a mile. Sip relaxing post-beach cocktails in a chilled-out setting, or dance until the sun comes up at must-visit clubs like Kiss Disco, which hosts regular themed nights. Those looking for a family-friendly evening will prefer the tamer Old Town. When you’re not sinking cocktails in Sir Harry’s and Merlin’s Bar, the square has a great after-dark atmosphere with street performers and market stalls creating a nightly buzz.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Algarve | Alvor | Carvoeiro | Lagos | LisbonMadeira | Praia da Rocha | Vilamoura

 

Map of Albufeira

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10-34 ℃

The weather is typical of the Mediterranean; hot summers and mild winters with little rainfall.

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2 hours 45 minutes

Just 47km east of Albufeira isFaro Airport (FAO), also known as Algarve Airport.

Albufeira is best for...

Night owls: Things don’t slow down after the sun sets. Holidays to Albufeira centre around the lively Strip, where clubs and bars don’t get busy until midnight. More casual nights out can be found in the Old Town, where you’ll find a mix of karaoke, themed and wine bars sitting on its cobbles. 

Beach lovers: Albufeira’s golden coast and 300 days of sunshine are perfect for sunbathers. At nearly four miles long, Praia da Falesia’s impressive cliff backdrop should be top of your list, as should Praia Gale with its away-from-it-all feel.

Foodies: Explore the Old Town’s side streets for the most authentic restaurants. Tuck into Portuguese specialties like sardinhas no churrasco (grilled sardines), or hit the two-Michelin-starred restaurant at Vila Joy for the culinary experience of a lifetime. For seafood, freshly caught that day, don’t forget to stop by a local fish market.

Fast facts for Albufeira

Language: Portuguese is the official language, while English is the second most spoken. However, a few local phrases are always appreciated by the locals.

Currency: The currency is the Euro (€).

Local time: Albufeira is the same as GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Faro Airport. The transfer time to Albufeira is about 1 hour. 

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Albufeira is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at the official website for tourism in Portugal.

Visa / Health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

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Getting around Albufeira

On foot: Albufeira’s pedestrianised Old Town (Cerro da Vila) is easy to navigate by foot, while it will take around 40 minutes to reach the New Town from here. 

By taxi: To get the most out of your holidays to Albufeira, jump in a taxi. Expect to pay extra if you have luggage and keep an eye out for unlicensed cars. Licensed vehicles will have a 'taxi' sign on top and a meter. 

By hire car: Choose a hire car for added convenience. Simply pick it up from the airport when you land, or collect it closer to where you’re staying. This way you can explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

Events in Albufeira

Local festivities: From riotous dancing at the carnival in February to tasty seafood at the Festa do Pescador (Fish Festival) on Fisherman’s Beach in September, Albufeira’s social calendar is jam-packed. Watch fireworks illuminate the sky and a seafront parade at August’s The Festival of Our Lady of Orada.

Balloon Meeting: With scenic views as impressive as these, what better way to see them than from up high? Visit in the middle of June and you’ll see a sky full of hot air balloons as they sail over the landscape.

Sardine Festival: Every August, the neighbouring fishing village of Olhos de Agua hosts this fish-inspired event. Freshly caught sardines are slapped on the grill, as the mouthwatering aroma fills the air.

Albufeira weather

Temperature: 12 - 24°C

The Algarve is one of Europe’s sunniest places, so you can expect great weather in the peak  summer months (July and August). But with a mild climate, you can still enjoy warm, cloud-free days from spring right through to the end of autumn. 

The temperature starts to increase in July, peaking at 30°C with the area’s sunlight hours reaching their maximum. You’ll often experience a gentle breeze, perfect when you need some relief from the heat - just make sure you’re applying plenty of sun cream. Rainfall picks up during winter, but the comfortable temperature means you’ll still be able to go sightseeing.

 

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