A lively city located in the south of Portugal on the southern coast, spending a day in Albufeira is a must when you are visiting the Algarve. Once a quiet fishing village, it has been transformed into one of the Algarve’s most popular tourist destinations whilst still managing to retain its traditional charm.
The town is divided into two main areas. Firstly, you have the picturesque Old Town, with its cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and bustling squares. Then, on the other side of town you will find the lively New Town, known for its energetic nightlife along the famous ‘Strip’.
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How Many Days in Albufeira?
I think 1 to 2 days in Albufeira is generally enough to enjoy the city and the varied coastline but you could easily spend 4 to 5 days in the area, taking it slow and living like a local.
With one day, you’ll be able to get a real feel for the city itself, from the old town to the lively ‘Strip’. You will also have time to visit at least one of the local beaches and sample some of the famous Portuguese cuisine.
If you want to squeeze it all in, it is possible to visit the city and take a boat trip in one day but doing it this way, you may feel a little rushed.
If you have a little longer, you may want to consider extending your stay to two days. This way, you can enjoy the city, the more ‘off the beaten path’ beaches, head inland to discover the historic Moorish culture of this area and take a boat tour along the coastline all without watching the clock.
For extended visits to the Algarve region, I think Albufeira also makes an excellent base as it is slightly smaller than the larger cities such as Faro and Lagos.
It’s big enough so that there is plenty to see and do but not so big that you feel overwhelmed by the city atmosphere. It’s easy to access the main tourist hot spots from Albufeira and most of the boat tours depart from the marina here.
Getting To & Around Albufeira
Regardless of where you are staying in the Algarve region, it’s likely you will fly into Faro Airport. From the airport, there are several options to reach Albufeira, although the public transport services are not the most reliable.
I think your best option is to book a private airport transfer or take a shared shuttle bus. You will save money by booking in advance with both of these options and a guaranteed seat will prevent you from having to hail a taxi, which will be more costly.
The journey time is around 45 minutes and can cost anywhere between €10 and €40, depending on whether it is a private transfer or shuttle bus. You can check bus schedules here.
Once you have arrived in Albufeira, getting around is easy. It’s a very walkable city and exploring on foot provides you with the opportunity to discover hidden gems, meander down side streets and really take in the atmosphere. There is also a tourist train which is a fun, budget-friendly way to get around when your feet get tired.
If you are considering spending longer in Albufeira, you may want to hire a car. This way you can take day trips along the coast, visit the quieter, out-of-city beaches and explore nearby cities such as Faro and Lagos.
1-Day Albufeira Itinerary
Praia de Albufeira
The laid-back local way of living means that nothing is open before 9am, sometimes even 10am. You may find the odd cafe offering coffee earlier than this but before you head into the city to explore, the best way to spend your morning is by taking a stroll along the city’s beach.
Praia de Albufeira stretches for several kilometers and is split up into smaller named beaches such as Praia dos Pescadores and Praia do Túnel (named after the access tunnel from the city centre). You can walk from one end to the other in around 30 minutes so this is the perfect way to start your day.
If you start at the eastern side and walk west, you can end your stroll by heading up the Elevador do Peneco, an elevator that takes you up to a viewing platform where you can look back at the coastline and out over the entire city. From here, it’s time to turn inland and head into the city.
Old Town (Baixa de Albufeira)
Albufeira is split into three main districts, the old town, the more modern, new town where you will find nightclubs, bars and pubs and the marina.
The old town is the beating heart of Albufeira. Home to traditional white washed buildings, local boutiques, market stalls and quaint on street cafes and restaurants. It’s easy to explore independently but you can also join a walking tour.
Take your time strolling through the cobblestone streets, stop off at a cafe for breakfast and a hot drink then visit the local shops.
Try a local’s favourite, a Tosta Mista for breakfast. A hearty toasted ham and cheese sandwich or a lighter Pastel de Nata, an iconic Portuguese custard tart available all over this sunsoaked country.
Albufeira may not be known for its shopping opportunities but you will find plenty of souvenir vendors selling local cork jewellery, postcards, magnets and all the other typical souvenirs.
Boat Trip
For the purpose of this Albufeira day trip, I will include the boat tour but if you have two days, you may want to spend a leisurely morning on the beach and in the Old Town, using day two as your boat day.
The boat tours depart from the Albufeira marina, a short 15-minute walk from the old town. Most tours depart around noon but some run multiple times throughout the day so you could opt for a departure later in the afternoon to give yourself more time on the beach and in the old town.
There are several options for boat tours such as this 2.5 hour tour or this half-day tour. Most include a cruise out to sea to watch dolphins then a visit to the Benagil sea caves.
The first stop is out to sea, looking for dolphins. There is nothing quite like watching them jump playfully in the wake of the boat. The local guide on board will be able to tell you all about these wonderful creatures as well as guide you through the geology of the area.
The Benagil sea caves are the next stop and are a must visit for any trip to the Algarve. These limestone cliffs have been worn away by the crashing tides for thousands of years, creating a grotto in the cliffside. Inside, the turquoise waters contrast against the towering orange-toned cliffs.
Whilst you cannot disembark the boat to swim in the caves after a change in regulations to protect the fragile environment, the small boats can enter so you won’t miss out on the perfect photo opportunities.
Some tours do offer a stop for swimming outside of the caves so if you are keen to plunge into the sparkling waters, make sure to book a trip that includes this, such as this catamaran.
Enjoy Albufeira by Night
There is no shortage of options when it comes to spending an evening in Albufeira. Whilst the city is known as the ‘party capital’ of the Algarve region, if the idea of partying at the many bars and nightclubs along the ‘strip’ is not your thing, there are plenty of authentic Portuguese taverns and restaurants in the old town where you can sample the cuisine and local wines.
One of the best options for your evening meal is Taberna Visentia, tucked away on a side street. This little restaurant is a long way from a ‘tourist trap’ and has Portuguese cuisine and wines at a great price.
Or, if Portuguese food doesn’t appeal to you, I can suggest Alfredo which is a popular Italian restaurant in the old town.
Celebrating a special occasion? There is also a two Michelin Star restaurant in Albufeira, Vila Joya. The finest European cuisine set along the beach front, this is as close to paradise as you can get.
Whether you are a party goer or not, it is worth visiting the new town at night just to soak up the atmosphere. If you have no intention of entering any of the bars or nightclubs, the best way to do this is by taking the tourist train.
They run every 20 minutes up until 7pm where the timetable switches to once every 40 minutes. You can hop on in the old town, meander your way through the ‘strip’ from the comfort of the train carriages and loop back around.
If you do want to embrace the party town atmosphere, you can get off the train right in the centre and dance the night away.
Have More Time?
If you have more than one day to spend in Albufeira, you have a couple of options. If you are more of a laid-back traveller and want to take things slowly, it may be best to divide this itinerary up, spend the full day on the beach and explore the old town then take the boat tour on day two.
If you are happy to keep the higher pace going on day one, you could spend your second day taking a day trip along the coast to one of the other beautiful Algarve beaches. Some of the best local beaches include Praia dos Arrifes and Praia da Coelha to the west and Praia Santa Eulália to the east.
If you only pick one, Praia da Coelha is on the smaller side but it is much quieter than the resort beaches and there are some incredible rock formations including a cave you can walk through at low tide. If you don’t want to hire a car, you can easily walk to this beach from Albufeira.
The coastal trail is around 6 kilometers so you can expect to spend 3 hours walking there and back. There’s a restaurant right beside the beach where you can stop for lunch and get refreshed, ready for the walk back.
Alternatively, you could take a trip to the nearby town of Silves, known for its Moorish heritage. Unlike most of the Algarve hotspots, Silves is an inland town. Packed full of medieval charm, the main draw is the red sandstone castle, perched high up in the hills.
Nearby, you will also find the Sé de Silves, a Gothic cathedral built on the site of a former mosque. Strolling through Silves’ cobbled streets, you can explore traditional cafés, quaint shops, and the Municipal Archaeological Museum, which houses fascinating relics from the town’s Moorish past.
Where to Stay in Albufeira
Guest House Dianamar – This comfortable guest house is well-located to explore Albufeira. There are several en-suite rooms to choose from, air conditioning in each room and a lovely terrace to enjoy.
Regency Salgados Hotel & Spa – This 4-star hotel has a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool, a lovely spa and wellness centre, 2 restaurants, a great breakfast each morning and plenty of plush rooms.
Pine Tree Apartments – Offering studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, this is a great self-catering option. There is an outdoor swimming pool, BBQ facilities and a free parking, as well.
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Albufeira has everything you need for the ultimate adventure in the Algarve. From the towering limestone cliffs along the coast to the cosy taverns, welcoming locals and endless sandy beaches.
Are you planning to visit Albufeira? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!
