Discover what to do in Albufeira, one of Algarve’s most vibrant destinations. Once a humble fishing village just 45 km (28 miles) from Faro, Albufeira has grown into the Algarve’s most popular resort town, attracting visitors from all over the world.
With its golden sandy beaches, lively nightlife, enchanting Old Town, and spectacular coastline, Albufeira is a place where history, culture, and leisure blend perfectly.
I first visited the city in 2008 and I’ve returned countless times — not just because I have family here, but because every trip reveals something new and exciting.
From Albufeira beaches to Old Town charm, the famous nightlife, boat trips to hidden caves and dolphin watching, this guide covers the very best things to do in Albufeira to make the most of your stay.
Table of Contents
20 Best Things to Do in Albufeira
1 – Visit Praia da Coelha, the most beautiful beach in Albufeira
There are many beautiful beaches in Albufeira, and Praia da Coelha is at the top of my list.
Located around 3.7 miles west of Albufeira Old Town, Rabbit Beach is a breathtaking beach surrounded by yellow cliffs and has fine golden sand with seashells and crystal-clear turquoise water.
This Blue Flag beach has a parking lot, calm water, extraordinary rock formations and very picturesque scenery. There are also lifeguards, a restaurant, SUP and beach chairs and umbrellas for hire.
When visiting Praia da Coelha, you can’t miss the opportunity to walk on the trail path along the hilly landscape to find hidden coves and marvel at the beautiful landscape.
2 – Admire the vistas from São Rafael Beach viewpoint
Just 25 minutes on foot from Praia da Coelha, São Rafael is surrounded by orange cliffs and golden sand. It’s known for its turquoise water and natural rock formations, making it a favourite spot for swimming and snorkelling.
The beach has excellent facilities, including a large parking lot, a restaurant, a kiosk, and affordable water sports. You’ll also find sunbeds, umbrellas, and even seaside massages. São Rafael Beach is wheelchair accessible and popular with both tourists and local families.
For a quieter experience, head to the second section of the beach, shaded by cliffs. Don’t miss the São Rafael viewpoints, which offer breathtaking coastal views. Just be cautious near the cliff edges due to erosion.
- Start planning your holiday here: Algarve itinerary for 3, 5 and 7 Days
3 – Go on a boat trip in Albufeira
The best way to explore the breathtaking Algarvian coastline is definitely by boat.
This is the reason that when you’re in the Algarve, you don’t miss the opportunity to sail along with beautiful scenery and discover sea caves, grottoes, hidden gem beaches and magnificent rock formations from the perspective of the boat.
There are several Albufeira boat trips that you can take, and the more popular choices are: Benagil Cave Tour from Albufeira, 2.5-Hour Dolphin Watching and Caves Cruise (a must-do if you’re with kids), and 3-Hour Cave and Coastline Boat Trip.
Tours start from 30 euros, and bookings in advance are highly recommended.
4 – Wandering around the Old Town
An Albufeira holiday cannot be complete without visiting its charming Old Town! The heart of the city features cobblestone streets, whitewashed and tiled houses, museums, lovely alleys, lively squares and a myriad of restaurants, stores, bars and pubs.
The main streets, Rua 25 de Abril and 05 de Outubro, and squares, Largo Eng. Duarte Pacheco and 25 de Abril are the busiest places in the Old Town, so after walking through them, I suggest finding narrower and quieter streets for a more relaxed atmosphere.
And if you’re wondering where to go in Albufeira Old Town to get a bird’s eye view, head to Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira and Peneco, two famous viewpoints. Also, make your way down to the beaches, especially Praia dos Pescadores, an iconic Albufeira beach.
Whether you go during the day or at night, you’ll find many things to do in Albufeira Old Town!
- Don’t miss: Best Things to Do in Algarve
5 – Have a sunset drink at Restaurante Pedras Amarela
Located on Praia da Galé, approximately 4.35 mi west of Old Town Albufeira, Pedras Amarelas is a beach bar and restaurant serving Mediterranean and Portuguese cuisines.
The beautifully renovated restaurant has a modern main dining area with floor-to-ceiling glass panels, a stylish roof terrace with umbrellas, loungers, live performances, full moon parties and stunning views.
I love going to Pedras Amarelas to watch the sunset! On my last visit, a DJ was performing. We ordered some sangria and watched the sun go down and the sky get painted with vibrant shades of gold. It was thrilling and magical!
6 – Enjoy the vivid Albufeira nightlife
If you like to party hard, Albufeira has the hottest Algarvian nightlife with a plethora of bars and clubs that attract young locals and tourists.
The greatest thing about Albufeira’s nightlife is that you can go to two different areas of the city: the Old Town, where you can find lots of bars with live performances and entertainment; and the Strip, a 2 km avenue full of neon lights, cafes, restaurants, themed bars and clubs.
Some of the most famous and best bars and clubs in Albufeira are Matt’s Bar, Wild & Co, Le Club, Kiss and Club Vida.
I personally prefer the Old Town, where you can walk around and see live performances on the street with people gathering and singing along. The crowd is also a bit older, and the night doesn’t get as crazy and wild as in the strip.
Both parts get busier from 9 – 10 PM and go until 3 – 4 AM.
7 – Go exploring and discover hidden beaches in Albufeira
I love beaches, and one of my favourite free things to do in Albufeira is beach exploring.
The city is home to 25 Blue Flag beaches, the highest number anywhere in Europe. Another great thing about Albufeira is that some of its best beaches are very close to each other, so you can take in a few in one go.
Whether you decide to explore the east or west coast, you’ll find impressive beaches surrounded by towering cliffs, with fine golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise water.
You can start at Praia da Galé, located around 4.4 mi west of Albufeira Old Town, and walk for about 2h all the way to Praia dos Arrifes. Or do the 25-minute walk from Praia de São Rafael to Praia da Coelha.
8 – Go shopping
With a great variety of boutiques, souvenir and gift shops, jewellery stores, bookshops, a nice shopping centre and thriving gipsy markets, you’ll feel very tempted to go shopping while in Albufeira.
You can buy some clothing for yourself or as a gift, beach accessories such as hats and sunglasses, handmade bags, watches, designer jewels, magnets, tiles, etc.
I like shopping in Albufeira, whether in the Old Town or at Albufeira Shopping. I always buy swimming suits or shorts for myself, and magnets, tablecloths and tea towels for gifts. People always love it.
9 – Visit Praia da Falésia, one of the best family-friendly beaches in Albufeira
Praia da Falésia is the longest beach in Albufeira, stretching for nearly 6 km from Olhos de Água to Vilamoura. Its vast golden shoreline and dramatic backdrop make it one of the most iconic beaches in the Algarve.
The striking scenery of red-and-white cliffs topped with green pines against the blue sky creates a picture-perfect setting. This Blue Flag beach is ideal for long walks, family outings, and relaxing in the sun.
You can enjoy a variety of water sports, including kayaking, surfing, jet skiing, and parasailing. Recognised by TripAdvisor as one of the best beaches in Portugal and Europe, Praia da Falésia is a must-see in Albufeira.
10 – Go dolphin watching
Dolphins are constantly seen in the Atlantic Ocean, and one of the must-do things in Albufeira for kids is dolphin watching. These adorable and playful creatures are some of the most liked marine animals, and nothing is better than seeing them in their natural habitat, swimming and jumping in front of you
Dolphin watching tours in Albufeira are offered from March to November, although the best months to spot dolphins are from June to September.
A tour costs an average of € 35 and takes between 1 and 3 hours. Children usually pay a lower price. Most of the dolphin tours depart from the Albufeira Marina, and I highly recommend booking your tour in advance here.
11 – Take your kid to a waterpark, one of the best family activities in Albufeira
With plenty of slides, tunnels, inflatable mattresses, giant buoys, wave pools and fountains, spending the day at one of the Golden Coast waterparks is certainly an unforgettable experience!
The four best waterparks in the Algarve are: Slide & Splash, Aquashow, Zoomarine and Aqualand.
Zoomarine, in Guia, municipality of Albufeira, probably the best and most beautiful, also offers live performances, a dolphin show and interactions.
The first time I went to a waterpark was in July 2019. My family and I went to Slide & Splash, and we had a blast.
- You may also be interested in: 10 Best Things to Do in Algarve with Kids
12 – Do water sports
The Algarve is blessed with fantastic conditions for water sports, with over 300 days of sunshine a year and regular thermal winds.
So, naturally, one of the top things to do in Albufeira is to take a dip in the sea and do water sports.
Most of the beaches in Albufeira offer water activities, but the ones in the centre, as well as Praia de São Rafael, Galé, Santa Eulália and Falésia, have more options. You can choose from inflatable rides to kayaking, jet skiing, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, surfing, parasailing, and coasteering.
- Watch my video: Flyboarding for the first time in the Algarve
13 – Take a day trip from Albufeira to Lagos
If you’re looking for things to do near Albufeira, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Lagos, one of the best cities in the Algarve.
This ancient marine town, whose history stretches back more than 2000 years, has some of the most beautiful and famous beaches in the world, and also a great variety of restaurants and bars.
You can explore the delightful and historically important Lagos Old Town, visit the Mercado de Escravos, the Baroque church of Saint Anthony, Forte da Bandeira, Lagos’s Castle and see the remains of the ancient city walls.
After visiting the city centre, it’s time to explore one of the greatest shorelines on the globe.
You must see Praia Dona Ana and Ponta da Piedade, the two most famous Lagos beaches, and also Praia do Camilo, one of my favourites in the Algarve.
- Further reading: Best Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal
14 – Eat plenty of Algarvian food
When visiting a new destination, besides the desire to see famous tourist attractions and have memorable experiences, there is also the curiosity to taste local and different dishes.
While in the Algarve, you must not miss the opportunity to taste Portuguese cuisine.
Some of the foods you should try when visiting the Algarve are:
- Bacalhau à Brás (fried potatoes, codfish and parsley mixed with eggs);
- Cataplana de mariscos (mix of seafood with herbs, tomatoes and white wine);
- Enchidos (smoked sausages filled with different ingredients);
- Grilled sardines;
- Pastéis de nata (the famous Portuguese custard tarts).
I love Bacalhau espiritual (Spiritual Codfish) and Pastéis de nata, and every time I’m in the Algarve, I eat a lot of it.
15 – Go wine tasting
Portuguese wines have gained fame, recognition and multiple awards across the globe. Better known for Port, the fortified wine produced in the Douro region (north of the country), Portugal also produces other brilliant types of wines.
Even though the Algarve has only started to revitalise its wine sector in the past few years, you should go on a wine tour from Albufeira and discover the best wineries in the area.
During your wine-tasting tour, you can also explore the scenic Algarvian countryside, historical sites and even some beaches. There are plenty of options, and you can check them all here.
16 – Renew your faith at the Igreja Matriz de Albufeira
The Parish Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição is an 18th-century neoclassical church located in the Old Town. It features a single nave, four side altars, a barrel-vaulted ceiling, and striking religious artworks, including a triumphal arch dedicated to Our Lady of the Conception, the patron saint of Albufeira.
A highlight of the church is the statue of Nossa Senhora da Orada, revered as the protector of Albufeira’s fishermen. This spiritual connection makes the church one of the most important religious sites in the Algarve.
Every August, visitors can witness the Festivities of Nossa Senhora da Orada, which include prayers, concerts, fireworks, and a unique sea procession from the marina to Praia do Inatel. Outside of festival season, the church remains a must-see attraction when exploring Albufeira Old Town.
17 – Learn about Albufeira’s history at the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia
Located in the Old Town, within walking distance of the Igreja Matriz, this museum is housed in a two-story building overlooking the sea.
The collection is closely linked to the history of Albufeira and is divided into four sections: Prehistory, Roman Period, Islamic Period and the Modern Age.
A curious fact is that the main collection was gathered by a priest, Father José Manuel Semedo de Azevedo, and includes a Neolithic vase dating back to 5,000 BC, a set of architectural elements and artefacts from Villa Romana da Retorta and the Old Parish Church of Albufeira, as well as some pieces of unknown origin found in the city.
The Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Albufeira is open from Tuesday to Sunday, costs only €3, and the visit takes between 20 to 60 minutes.
- Read next: Best Unusual Things to Do in Algarve
18 – Visit the colourful Albufeira Marina
The vibrant Marina de Albufeira, constructed in 2009 and located around 1 mi west of Old Town Albufeira, is considered one of the best marinas in the country.
In addition to the marina itself and the Nautical Club, this development hosts several types of restaurants, stores, tour agencies, beauty parlours, self-catering apartments and villas for rent, etc.
Visiting this complex is one of the best things to do in Albufeira when raining, as it provides family-friendly entertainment such as bowling, a leisure centre and indoor karting.
19 – Best Day trips from Albufeira to discover the nearby towns and beaches
Albufeira, Lagos, Vilamoura, Carvoeiro and Portimão are generally considered to be some of the best places to visit in the Algarve. But the Golden Coast, which extends for an area of 4,997 km2 (1,929 sq mi), has many other attractions.
And this is the reason that when you’re in Albufeira, you should take advantage of its central location to discover lovely towns and beaches.
If you like history, take a day trip from Albufeira to Loulé, Faro or Silves. If you prefer unique beaches, don’t miss Lagoa and Portimão, two of the most breathtaking beaches in the Algarve are in these municipalities.
But if you’re more into the off-the-beaten track, my top recommendation is Costa Vicentina Natural Park, where you can find a bit of history and gorgeous beaches.
- Complete Guide to Praia da Marinha – One of Portugal’s Best Beaches
20 – Conquer the Ruins of the Castle of Paderne
If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Albufeira, put the Castelo de Paderne, one of the few remaining castles in the Algarve, on your list.
This ancient fortification, constructed in the late 12th century by the Moors, is located on a hilltop in a valley dotted with Mediterranean vegetation.
After several battles between Muslims and Christians, the castle was conquered by the Portuguese in 1248 and abandoned in 1858.
When visiting the Castle of Paderne today, you’ll see the remains of a trapezoidal structure, almost a hectare in size, surrounded by thick walls and a tower/gate with a walkway made of Taipa (a mixture of mud, chalk, lime and aggregate that sets like concrete).
You can visit the Castle of Paderne by car, but I recommend booking this Quad-biking Tour that combines thrilling driving with historic sightseeing. I’ve done that and I had so much fun!
- Watch the video: Quad Bike Tour in Albufeira
This is my list of the 20 best things to do in Albufeira, and below you will find a suggested itinerary and some tips to help you plan your trip.
Safe travels and have fun in Portugal.
What to Do in Albufeira in 1 Day – Full Itinerary
- 09:00 – Take in the scenic views from Elevador do Peneco
- 09:30 – Explore the Old Town and its beaches
- 13:00 – Have lunch by the sea on Praia da Coelha or São Rafael, two of Albufeira’s best beaches
- 14:00 – Spend the rest of the afternoon lounging around the beach
- 18:30 – Get a sunset drink at Praia da Galé
- 21:30 – Have dinner in Old Town
- 22:30 – Enjoy Albufeira’s lively nightlife
FAQs About Albufeira
- Is Albufeira good for families?
The city is considered one of the best family destinations in the Algarve, and there are several things to do in Albufeira for kids. From boat tours, to safari excursions, water sports, tree top walking, paintball, indoor karting, and waterparks.
- What is the best beach in Albufeira?
The best beaches in Albufeira are Coelha, São Rafael and Falésias. These extraordinary Blue Flag beaches are surrounded by red, orange, and yellow cliffs, with crystal-clear water, and offer many facilities.
- Can you visit Benagil Cave from Albufeira?
Absolutely! There are plenty of Benagil cave tours from Albufeira, and you can choose from kayak tours to SUP, catamaran and speed boat tours. But if you’re driving, you can head to Benagil Beach and hire a kayak or a paddleboard to visit this iconic cave.
- What is Albufeira nightlife like?
Wild and crazy, full of British men, but also fun. The city has two main nightlife areas, the Strip (Rua dos Bares), youngsters’ favourites, and the Old Town, which attracts an older crowd.
There are many things to do in Albufeira at night, such as going bar hopping and clubbing on The Strip, going to restaurants, sports bars, and singing along with the crowds in the Old Town.
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Visiting Albufeira, Portugal
Where is Albufeira?
Albufeira is a coastal city in the southern Algarve region of Portugal, located 45 km (28 mi) from the capital, Faro (check the exact location here).
How to get to Albufeira, Portugal?
There’s an international airport in Faro, but Lisbon is the more popular choice for travellers from outside of Europe.
From Lisbon, you can take a bus or a train to Albufeira. The prices are basically the same, and they take around 2h30min to get there.
From Faro, you can take an airport transfer, a train or a bus to Albufeira, which costs €3.40 and €4.90 respectively.
You can find the best deals on airline tickets at Skyscanner. This is the website that I use, trust and recommend.
Best time to visit Albufeira?
Albufeira is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit it is from mid-May to June and September to mid-October. In July and August, it gets too hot and crowded.
The Christmas Holiday season is also a popular time because there’s a big New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach.
How many days to spend in Albufeira?
At least 3 full days. There are many things to see, and if you stay longer, you can also take a day trip to Lagos, which is also one of the best places to visit in the Algarve.
Where to stay in Albufeira?
If you want to stay in a central location from where you can easily reach most of Albufeira’s points of interest, I would suggest anywhere between the Old Town and Praia da Oura.
If you prefer a quieter area, I would suggest near Praia de São Rafael or Praia da Falésia.
Some Albufeira hotels that I recommend are:
- Budget: Apartamentos Turísticos Novochoro, Água Viva and Albufeira Beach Hotel.
- Great Value for Money: Villa Alegria – Happy Home, Hotel Topázio, Rocamar Exclusive Hotel & Spa and Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort & Hotel Spa.
- Luxury: Salgados Dunas Suites, Pine Cliffs Residence a Luxury Collection Resort and Aqua Pedra dos Bicos.
How to get around?
The best thing is to hire a car because public transportation in Albufeira isn’t good.
Local buses don’t run very often, and neither do intercity buses or trains.
If you don’t hire a car, you can use taxis, tuk-tuk, or Uber, but that isn’t cheap.
If you’re visiting only Albufeira and staying in a central location, you may not need a car; however, it is easier to get around and much more convenient with a car.
You can hire a car with Rental Cars here at no extra cost to you.
Have you been to the Algarve? What do you think of my list? Leave a comment below 😉
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- Book Accommodation Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine. But Hotels.com and Hilton Hotels have very interesting reward programs.
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