Hotels in Albufeira

The liveliest resort town on the stunning Algarve coast, Albufeira is renowned for its gold-hued beaches (like Praia da Galé) and scenic, soaring cliffs. Located right between Lagos and Faro, the town is surrounded by a number of alluring rural and fishing villages offering the best of Portuguese local cuisine.

There are a number of attractive budget accommodation options available in Albufeira, including waterfront hotels and inland apartments.

Neighbourhoods of Albufeira

Albufeira is a town of contrasts, offering the following distinct neighbourhoods:

• Old Town: Offering a faint glimpse into the town's old fishing heritage, this region features a museum, outdoor dining, bars and architectural landmarks from the city's Moorish heritage.
• Marina: The marina area is vibrant and modern, offering picturesque walks and seaborne excursions, as well as a number of fresh seafood restaurants.
• The Strip: Sometimes raucous and loud, this is the city’s main bar and club area – you may want to avoid it if you’re looking for quiet or flock there if you want a lively night out.
• Cerro Mar: Residential and apartment area with great views over to the Old Town and just 10 minutes from the beach.

What to see and do in Albufeira

Albufeira is first and foremost a sea resort, so expect plenty of beach and bar activities. Several museums are well worth a visit, including the Museu de Arte Sacra and the Museu Municipal de Arquelogia, the first of which is housed in a lovely 18th-century church/chapel. For families, there are several waterparks in the vicinity, including Zoomarine and Aqua Show Park.

What to eat in Albufeira

Ignore the tourist bars and head to Quinta do Frances, a winery offering delicious local wine. For food, expect fresh seafood typical of the Algarve like Cataplana de Marisco, grilled sardines, shellfish and Rissole. You can also head to the nearby and walkable town of Guia for the original Piri Piri chicken.

Typical events and festivals in Albufeira

Albufeira has many festivals and event year-round, with most taking place in summer. In particular, Feira de Artesanato de Albufeira is a 9-day event with music and crafts in July. There are plenty of music festivals too, including a jazz festival in September.

How to move around in Albufeira

Albufeira is fairly compact with regular city buses and coaches throughout the Algarve. A train station serves the town with connections to the main bus station. A car is recommended for visiting more rural regions.

The climate in Albufeira

With a warm, dry summer and a mild and rainy winter, you can expect average temperatures of up to 30°C in July.

More interesting facts about and sights in Albufeira

If you have a chance, try to visit the impressive Fiesa, the world's biggest sand-sculpting contest housed in a “sand city” very close to Albufeira.