The Old Town
Spend a morning or afternoon getting lost in the winding, stylish streets of Albufeira's old town - from the descent down the escalators at Pau da Bandeira to the Miradouro Rossio, there's plenty to fall in love with.
See on the map →Albufeira holiday guide
We have been looking after holiday apartments in Albufeira since 2010, and these are the places we send our own guests to: the beaches within reach of the apartments, things to do in town and along the coast, day trips worth the drive, and where to eat and shop. It is not a complete guide to the Algarve, only what we would recommend ourselves.
Things To Do
The Main Strip (New Town)
The second centre of Albufeira, coming alive most at night with plenty of eat & drink and trinket-shopping by day too. An upper and lower side connect via the main road, Av dos Descobrimentos.
See on the map →The Marina
Built only two decades ago, the Marina now rivals the old and new towns with a wealth of restaurants and day and nighttime activities for the whole family.
See on the map →The Tourist Train
A great way to get a loop tour of the city, stopping at many locations around town.
See on the map →City Sightseeing - Albufeira
The internationally-recognised hop-on hop-off bus tour, in operation for a full "360" drive through the city.
See on the map →Quinta do Canhoto - Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting Wine lovers
One of our favourite hidden gems - Albufeira's own premium wine-maker, offering tours and seasonal meal events hosted al fresco.
See on the map →Olhos de Água
A secondary urban space east of Albufeira with its own charm, and an excellent selection of authentically Portuguese restaurants in the evening. Best reached by car, Uber or taxi rather than on foot.
See on the map →Vilamoura
One step further east again, with its own distinct style, marina and casino.
See on the map →Beaches
Fisherman's Beach (Praia dos Pescadores) Most popular
The most famous beach in Albufeira, connecting with Tunnel Beach, Inatel Beach and Germans' Beach for plenty of room to spread out. Straight down from the escalators at Pau da Bandeira.
See on the map →Oura Beach (Praia da Oura)
Opens up at the end of the Main Strip - a great point to finish a walk started at the Jardim Municipal de Albufeira. The final stretch down is known as Cardiac Hill, so be ready for it on the way back up.
See on the map →Olhos de Água Beach (Praia dos Olhos de Água)
A great complement to a day out in Olhos de Água, heading east out of the main area of Albufeira.
See on the map →Galé Beach (Praia da Galé) Car/taxi only
West of Albufeira, a real jewel in the crown - there's no way to reach it except by car or Uber/taxi, but it's hard to beat for a different Albufeira experience.
See on the map →Day Trips
Tavira ~1 hour drive
East towards the Spanish border - the river Gilão through the centre and typical low-rise Algarvian architecture make it well worth the trip.
See on the map →Lagos ~1 hour drive
West of Albufeira - an unforgettable historic coastal city with its own distinct Algarvian character.
See on the map →Sagres & Cabo São Vicente ~1.5 hour drive
Continue past Lagos to the most southwestern point of Europe - admire the Atlantic where the east-west and north-south currents meet.
See on the map →Monchique
The Algarve in unapologetically mountainous form - great for hiking or a scenic drive. Head up to the peak, Foia, for a clear-day view of the entire southern coast.
See on the map →Alte ~30 minutes drive
Caters to every kind of holiday - a quiet, leafy stroll or higher-octane activities in a jungle-like setting. Good for couples and families alike.
See on the map →Where To Eat
Tasca da Xica Quite Casual
A 5-minute drive out of Albufeira towards Ferreiras - an excellent selection of both meat and fish-based local and national cuisine, with a wine list not to be ignored.
See on the map →Memórias Formal
A must for a demanding palate - a wide selection of world and local meat and fish, with an eye-watering array of wines for an unforgettable night.
See on the map →Mar e Terra Very Casual
Just off the main strip - an authentically Portuguese diamond in the rough, with a great menu of locally-sourced meat and fish.
See on the map →Atípico Somewhat Formal
"Unusual" by name - mixes modern and traditional in a 5-star Tapas dining experience, with plenty on the menu for vegetarians too.
See on the map →Shopping
Good Market New Town - Corner shop
Handy corner-shop option in the New Town for everyday essentials.
See on the map →Intermarché New Town - Main shop
The main supermarket option in the New Town for a full grocery shop.
See on the map →Areias S. João New Town - Food market
A dedicated food market in the New Town.
See on the map →SPAR Old Town - Corner shop
Handy corner-shop option in the Old Town for everyday essentials.
See on the map →Modelo Continente Old Town - Main shop
The main supermarket option in the Old Town for a full grocery shop.
See on the map →Caliços Old Town - Food market
A dedicated food market in the Old Town.
See on the map →Algarve Shopping 9 km
Full shopping centre experience, closest of the three to central Albufeira.
See on the map →Mar Shopping 30 km
A larger full shopping centre experience.
See on the map →Forum Algarve 40 km
The furthest but most comprehensive of the three full shopping centres.
See on the map →Local Facilities
Sermais Gym, Hotel Paraíso de Albufeira Fitness
Located on 2 floors in the lower section of the hotel. Excellent options for daily, weekly and monthly passes.
See on the map →Where to stay
Our apartments are in Albufeira, in complexes with their own pools: