Albufeira holidays: where the nights are as sizzling as the peri-peri chicken, the beaches are bangin', and the cocktails are as vibrant as the historic Old Town.
Highlights
Golden beaches galore (so many, you'll lose count)
A watersports haven - from jet skiing to banana-boating
The Algarve's party capital, with an iconic bar and club scene
Scorchio weather for most of the year (we're talking a delightful 25°C)
Home to a historic Old Town with bags of character
What are the best beaches in Albufeira?
Who doesn't love a good sunbathing sesh on the sand? We obviously do, it's in our blood (and our name), and thankfully, Albufeira more than delivers on that front. It's got a beach for every mood, whether you're looking for action (calm yourselves, we mean sports), or just a quiet spot to perfect your tan. Give these hotspots a whirl:
Praia dos Pescadores - smack-dab in the city centre, this beach is always buzzing, with sunbeds, seafood shacks serving up the catch of the day, and all 'round good vibes
Praia da Oura - a top pick for the youngsters thanks to the surrounding nightlife scene - come for a day of chilling before getting your fill of the local cocktails at night
Praia de São Rafael - a cute laidback stretch with scenic cliffs and hidden little coves that feel a world away from the bustling city
Praia da Falésia - one of the longest beaches in Portugal, decked out with an epic cliff backdrop - perfect for a romantic beach day or a seafront stroll
Praia da Galé - a great choice for families or groups, this place has you sorted with beach games, calm waters for paddling in, and plenty of cafés to grab a bite or a cheeky tipple
Praia da Coelha - a bit of a local secret in Albufeira (but of course we had to tell you guys), this tiny little beach is sheltered by cliffs with cool, shallow caves and sands that hardly ever get crowded
Praia dos Olhos de Agua - a beaut of a beach tucked in a quiet fishing village, this is the perfect spot to watch the fishermen at work and admire the Insta-worthy landscapes
Praia de Santa Eulália - it might be mid in size, but there's nothing mid about this baby, with balmy waters even during off season, easy access, and bags of space for sprawling and sandcastle-building when the tide's low
Praia dos Salgados - a more remote beach, with a nearby lagoon (a fave spot with the local flamingos, so keep your eyes peeled!), steady waves that're great for watersports, and a handful of pubs and huts if you need a break
What are the top hotels in Albufeira?
Wondering where to crash after all that sun-soaking? Albufeira holidays have that perfect mix of chills and thrills, and we've done you a solid of picking out these cracking hotels to get your trip started:
Muthu Clube Praia da Oura - a top pick in Albufeira, just a quick hop from the beach and decked out with an outdoor pool, a giant inflatable course for the kiddos and more restaurants and bars than you'll know what to do with
Monica Isabel Beach Club - a budget-friendly beaut right by the beach (try saying that after a few sangrias!), with pools for the whole fam, a mini golf course for those obligatory family arguments, and a beach kiosk serving sandwiches and ice creams
Jupiter Albufeira Hotel - Family & Fun - an action-packed resort that the kiddos will love, with 4 pools to dunk into, an epic waterpark, day-to-night entertainment, and a whole bunch of bars and restaurants
Auramar Beach Resort - a stylish hotel that's just steps from the beachfront, kitted out with a choice of pools (including a cliffside one with 10/10 views), a Games Room for the youngsters, and a handy poolside snack bar for bites and tipples
Paraiso de Albufeira - the lagoon-style pool at this place is just begging for a dunk, and you'll also have a hot tub to relax in, a choice of restaurants, and a bar that puts on iconic shows and events at night
Grand Muthu Oura View Beach Club - a five-star stunner boasting a dine-around all-inclusive programme so you can try everything, a gorg infinity pool, and an on-site spa for a cheeky pamper sesh
Need a holiday ASAP?! Gotcha. Browse our last-minute deals and get yourself off. You deserve it.
Popular Albufeira hotels
Weather in Albufeira
JAN
16°C
FEB
17°C
MAR
19°C
APR
20°C
MAY
23°C
JUN
26°C
JUL
29°C
AUG
29°C
SEP
26°C
OCT
23°C
NOV
19°C
DEC
17°C
We've got good news: Albufeira holidays dish out the sunshine all year round (300 days of the year, to be exact), so if you're looking to swap the damp drizzle for some Portuguese sizzle, you've come to the right place.
Springtime is pleasant and mild, ranging from 16°C - 22°C between March and May. This is perfect for anyone looking to do more exploring than sunbathing, or just for those who don't like it too scorchio. In summer, however, things heat up massively to a whopping 28°C - 30°C average. The weather back home could never. Pack your sun cream!
Even as autumn creeps in, temps stay between a toasty 19°C - 25°C, cooling to around 15°C once winter hits, but let's be honest - it's still about 20 degrees higher than back home. Big coat? You won't need it here.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Albufeira?
It takes around 3 hours to fly to Albufeira from the UK/Ireland, which is the perfect amount of time to watch a film, get stuck into your beach read, or just enjoy a cheeky 3-hour nap. We don't judge!
What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Albufeira?
There is no time difference between the UK/Ireland and Albufeira, so you don't need to worry about jet lag. Winner!
What currency do they use in Albufeira?
The official currency of Albufeira is the Euro.
What language do they speak in Albufeira?
The official language of Albufeira is Portuguese.
Book book a tuk-tuk
Sightseeing on foot is so last year - in Albufeira it's all about the tuk-tuks! These nippy little vehicles are the best way to tuck into narrow streets and back roads that you wouldn't be able to see in a car or bus. Just hop on the back and a guide will whizz you around town - most likely rounding off a load of facts as you go, meaning you can take it all in without feeling like your legs might drop off, and you can learn a thing or two along the way.
Live out all your Total Wipeout fantasies
The sea at Praia de Pescadores and Praia dos Alemães totally levels up during the summer season with huge inflatable waterparks and obstacle courses. We're talking everything from sloping slides and diving boards to climbing walls and tunnels - all made from inflatables. It's like a bouncy castle but EVEN better - trust us, the kiddos will be all over it (literally). As for you? You can join 'em, or just watch from the sand (someone's gotta keep the sun loungers warm!).
Admire the view from Miradouro Do Pau Da Bandeira
It might sound like a bit of a mouthful, but all you need to know is that this viewpoint is the best in Albufeira. By day, you'll be greeted by gorg views of Praia do Tunel beach, with its sweeping sands and the Atlantic stretching out in the background, while come night-time it's *the* spot to catch the sunset. And when you've finally had your fill and snapped a million pics for Insta, the snazzy outdoor lift will carry you back down to the beach.
Spot birds at Salgados Lagoon
Twitchers, this one's for you. Tucked behind Praia dos Salgados is Salgados Lagoon, a whopper of a lake that's home to around 200 different species of birds. It's a no swimming allowed kind of zone, but don't worry - the beach is just a hop away, and there are loads of wooden boarded walkways so you can still stroll right past the water and take it all in from dry land.
Sample the local vino
Slurping wine in the beaut Algarve countryside? Sign us up! There are a handful of different wine tours you can do in Albufeira, but the most common one is a 4x4 trip where you'll cruise through rural landscapes and pretty orange groves, before stepping out into the vineyards and getting whisked on a tour of the winery. Here you'll be able to taste some of the region's finest wines paired with fresh bread and cheese. Heaven, is that you?!
Make a splash at Aquashow Waterpark
Just a half-hour drive from Albufeira, you'll find this whopper of a waterpark that's all kinds of epic. It's got an outdoor section decked out with jaw-dropping slides, rapid rides and even a few rollercoasters thrown into the mix. It's the definition of fun for the whole fam, with a separate indoor park kitted out with even more waterslides, waterfall pools and relaxing spa experiences for when you need to dial down the adrenaline and dial up the pampering.
What events can I go to in Albufeira?
Whether you're after a jam-packed holibob or just an event to add a bit of extra spice to your trip, Albufeira holidays have always got something going on. Think traditional carnivals, food festivals and vibey concerts. Whatever you're into, keep your eyes peeled for these:
Festa de São Vicente (January) - kick off the year in style with traditional music, parades and a delish feast of local dishes to honour the patron saint of Portugal
Carnival of Albufeira (February) - watch the streets come alive with vibrant parades, cool floats, samba beats, flamboyant costumes and a contagious festive spirit
Fisherman's Festival (April) - a nod to the town's fishing heritage, celebrated with fresh seafood (obvs), traditional music and boat races
Albufeira Wine Show (May) - a 3-day showcase of national wines, presented by the producers themselves, with contests and - of course - plenty of opportunity for tasting
Albufeira Jazz Festival (July) - jazz hands at the ready for this festival of smooth tunes and ultra-cool vibes in the peak of summer - expect a chilled vibe and music from local and international artists
Silves Beer Festival (July) - Silves is just a quick drive away from Albufeira, and this annual festival is a must-visit for any beer-drinkers out there, spanning over a few days and celebrating all things beer with food stalls, entertainment and a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic bevs
Annual Sardine Festival (July - August) - yep, it's a thing - and it's actually a really popular thing with locals and tourists, where freshly grilled sardines are served all along the promenade at Olhos d’Agua
Guia Chicken Party (August) - taking place in nearby Guia, this annual chicken party is a chance to tuck into Portugal's trademark grilled, piri piri chicken with a line-up of music and entertainment on the side
FIESA Sand Sculpture Festival (September) - AKA, the world's largest sand sculpture festival (no biggie), held in nearby Pêra and attracting artists from around the globe to showcase their sandy masterpieces
Never Ending Summer (September) - the Albufeira marina comes to life with music, entertainment, street food stalls, local wines and sport events, with the idea being that even after summer, there's always fun to be had in Albufeira
Albufeira Christmas Markets (December) - held near the local sports pavilion, this is your chance to channel your festive energy into buying cute crafts, filling your face with Algarve sweets, and drinking wine under twinkling lights
Where’s the best nightlife in Albufeira?
With a healthy mix of bustling bars and vibrant nightclubs, there's always something to get up to after sundown in Albufeira. The Old Town's obviously where it's at for the most lively nights, but even if you're dancing around the outskirts (literally), there are plenty of pubs to pop into. Give these a whirl for some top-tier vibes:
Sir Harry's Bar - raved about for its reasonably-priced booze and all-round good vibes, this bar smack-dab in the central square of Albufeira is a great shout for a night out - we hear they serve a pretty mean Aperol Spritz
Libertos Club - expect thumping international DJ beats and a dancefloor just begging for a boogie, open every single night of the week until well into the early hours
Rooftop Mermaid Bar - a rooftop bar with ocean views, chilled vibes and a menu packed with creative cocktails
Legends Bar - a classic bar for all ages, with good music, great service and delish cocktails
Le Club - your go-to for a high-end night with swanky vibes, gorg views, free-flowing champagne and music that'll have you dancing 'til sunrise
Sharky's Bar - a cracking waterfront venue with tasty snacks, sports screens and an outdoor deck where you can sip cocktails overlooking the marina
Matt’s Bar - blending classic bar vibes with some nightclub flair, this gem in Jardim de São Frutuoso always draws a lively crowd, dishing out its fair show or chilled and upbeat vibes, depending on the playlist
Kiss Club - mingle with locals and tourists under flashing lights, with DJs spinning the hottest tracks on the decks and a menu of delish drinks
Wild & Co. - plonked right along the main strip, this club brings live music performances, dazzling light shows and a dancefloor that's always packed with energy
Heaven’s Rooftop Bar - your one-stop shop for a stylish night under the stars, with themed parties, guest DJs and a 10/10 atmosphere
What's the food like in Albufeira?
We hope you're hungry, because Albufeira's food scene is pretty flippin' delish. With a glorious spread of Portuguese flavours and seriously fresh seafood, there's loads to chomp on here. Give these local dishes a try when you're in the area:
Cataplana de Marisco - an absolute seafood sensation, cooked up in a clam-shaped copper pot that locks in all that salty flavour - brimming with seafood and spices
Piri-piri chicken - Nando's could never - there, we said it. There's nothing quite like the real thing, and this fiery fave is marinated in chilli-infused oil before being grilled to perfection
Sardinhas assadas - grilled sardines are the star of the show, especially during summer - best served fresh from the grill with a slice of bread and a hearty squeeze of lemon
Pastéis de Nata - these creamy custard tarts are like the crown jewel of Portuguese sweets, made from flaky, buttery pastry and dusted with cinnamon - perfect for any time of day, even breakfast!
Caldo Verde - a hearty kale and potato soup with spicy slices of chorizo for an extra kick
Arroz de Marisco - tasty rice packed with seafood goodness, cooked in a rich tomato sauce that'll have you savouring every spoonful
Petiscos de taberna - the Portuguese version of tapas, usually comprised of tiny meat sandwiches, seafood fritters and slices of cured sausage - traditionally served with a cool class of locally-brewed cerveja
Drooling yet? Yeah, so are we. If you're wondering where to sample some of these delish dishes from Albufeira, we know just the places:
Restaurante Dom Carlos - a cosy, charming spot serving up a tasty menu that showcases the best of Portuguese food
O Marinheiro - located right near the beach, this is the perfect setting for a date night dinner, with gorg seafood dishes and a peaceful atmosphere
A Ruína - perched right by the sea, this is an ideal spot to tuck into fresh fish and seafood while soaking up the top-tier views
Os Arcos - a local fave for traditional Portuguese dishes, where the atmosphere is as warm and welcoming as the food is delish
Casa do Cerro - known for its beaut views and even lovelier menu, this spot is ideal for a more upscale dining option
Ramires - famed for its finger-licking good piri-piri chicken, this casual joint is a must-visit for anyone craving a Nando's, but 10x better
Pastelaria Riviera - it's impossible to walk past this sweet little bakery without grabbing a pastel de nata (or three) - the perfect way to round off any meal (or start the day...)
Places to visit
Benagil Cave
You might be used to seeing caves that are all dark and dingy with dripping ceilings, but this place is something else entirely. Instead, you've got a light-filled dome with a huge natural skylight. Getting here's a bit of an adventure, because you can only enter via one of the two archways leading from the sea, meaning you'll either need a kayak, a boat guide, or extremely strong arms if you're up for swimming it (although this one's only recommended for the seasoned pros, and you'll need lots of safety equipment). Just a heads up that this place is super popular and therefore super protected, so there are a few guidelines in place such as staying aboard the boat at all times if you visit via boat trip, and there might be a time cap on your visit to avoid it getting too crowded. Don't worry - you'll still have plenty of time to admire the view and snap a some pics!
Albufeira Old Town
We love an Old Town around here if you didn't already know (not quite as much as the beach, but almost), and Albufeira's is up there with some of the best. Think cute cobblestone streets, a pretty marina with waterfront restaurants, and two beaches just a lazy stroll away (okay fine, that might have swayed us). For a slice of the real deal, head over to the main square (Jardim Publico de Albufeira - we'll let you work that one out), which is backed by galleries, buzzing bars, shops and cool cafés where you can sip coffee (or beer) and watch the world go by. The marine on the other hand has more of a modern, laidback vibe, lined with foodie spots so you can sample some fresh seafood while looking out at all the boats. Bliss.
Zoomarine
This mahoosive ocean-themed park is a total winner if you've got the kiddos in tow, located just a 20-minute drive from Albufeira. It's decked out with waterslides for you and the kids, tons of pools to dunk into, rollercoasters, ferris wheels and a super cool Jurassic River Ride where you can bob along in a little wooden rapid while spotting dinosaurs. Fake ones, obviously, but you don't have to tell the kids that. There are also regular animal shows, and a 4D cinema showing educational vids about the different creatures, plus an on-site aquarium and plenty of spots to grab a bite to eat in between. Otherwise, there are loads of areas to plonk down a picnic blanket if you prefer to bring your own lunch. Tickets are (surprisingly) very reasonably priced, giving you access to the whole park for a day - and trust us when we say you'll have more than enough to go at (in fact, you might even want to extend your ticket for a cheeky second day!).
Key facts about Albufeira
Flight Time
3 hrs
Time Difference
No difference!
Currency
Euro
Language
Portuguese
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Albufeira?
We recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all of the up-to-date vaccination info before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Albufeira?
Tourist tax in Portugal ranges from 1-2 euros per person, per night, dependent on season and resort.
