- Travel Enthusiast
- Mar 17
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 22
ALBUFEIRA: YOUR ULTIMATE ITINERARY
Once a quiet fishing village, Albufeira has grown into one of the Algarve’s most popular coastal towns - and it’s easy to see why. With its golden beaches, whitewashed Old Town, and dramatic cliffs lining the coast, this is the kind of place where you can slow down and enjoy the best of southern Portugal.
Planning a trip? This detailed itinerary covers the must-sees, the best activities, how to get around, and where to stay.
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ALBUFEIRA HIGHLIGHTS
Want to see the best of Albufeira? Start with these:
Old Town Albufeira – Wander through cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses, colorful tiled façades, and lively squares filled with restaurants and cafés.
Sant’Ana Church – A simple yet beautiful 18th-century church offering a quiet moment and views over the Old Town.
Marina de Albufeira – Known for its colorful buildings, this modern marina is home to boat tours, seafood restaurants, and watersports.
Praia da Falésia – About 15 minutes from the center, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve - stretching for miles beneath dramatic red cliffs.
Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s Beach) – One of Albufeira’s most popular beaches, backed by cliffs and the historic Old Town.
Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira – The best viewpoint for panoramic views over Albufeira’s beaches and rooftops.
GETTING TO AND AROUND ALBUFEIRA
Getting around Albufeira:
Albufeira is a compact town and easy to explore on foot, especially around the Old Town and the nearby beaches. Keep in mind, though, that some areas are hilly and the summer heat can slow you down.
If you’d rather save some energy, here are a few ways to get around:
Albufeira Tourist Train (Comboio TurÃstico) – A fun way to connect the Old Town, beaches, and the Strip without too much walking. It runs in a loop and is a great option if you want to avoid the hills or just take a break.
Local buses and taxis – Useful for reaching places outside the center like Praia da Falésia, the marina, or some of the farther beaches.
Scooter or bike rentals – A great way to explore the coastline at your own pace and get to beaches a bit further out.
Getting to Albufeira:
Arriving by train? Albufeira is connected to Lisbon, Faro, and other Algarve cities by regional trains. You’ll arrive at Albufeira-Ferreiras Station, a short taxi or bus ride from the Old Town.
Coming by bus? Regular buses connect Albufeira to Faro, Lagos, Lisbon, and even Seville, with arrivals at the central bus terminal just outside the Old Town.
Planning to explore beyond Albufeira? Renting a car makes it easier to reach hidden beaches, villages, and natural parks that public transport doesn’t cover. Albufeira is about 40 minutes from Faro Airport by car.
ALBUFEIRA ITINERARY
Spending a day or two in Albufeira? This itinerary has you covered. It’s easy to see the highlights in a day, but it’s worth slowing down and enjoying the relaxed coastal vibe.
DAY 1
Morning: Head to Albufeira Marina and join a Benagil Caves & dolphin-watching boat tour. The cliffs, hidden beaches, and sea caves are incredible - but seeing the cave’s natural skylight from the water is the real highlight. And with a bit of luck, you’ll spot dolphins along the way.
Lunch: Grab lunch at Adega Dom Pipas - a local spot known for grilled fish and seafood rice. It’s simple, tasty, and a great place to recharge before the afternoon.
Afternoon: Head to Praia da Falésia, one of the most stunning beaches in the Algarve - red cliffs, golden sand, and endless views. Or stay closer and relax at Praia dos Pescadores, right by the Old Town, where the wide sandy beach meets the historic heart of Albufeira.
Evening: Explore Albufeira’s Old Town - the narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and tiled façades have a charm of their own. Stop by Sant’Ana Church, a small 18th-century gem tucked away in the old streets. Then head to Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira for one of the best sunset views over the rooftops and coastline.
DAY 2
If you're staying for 2 days or more, here are some other activities that you can pick and choose from:
Join an Algarve Jeep Safari – Explore off-road tracks, traditional villages, and orange groves in the Algarve countryside with this guided tour.
Relax at Praia de São Rafael or Praia da Coelha – Both beaches are known for dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear water.
Spend the day at Zoomarine Algarve – A marine park with dolphin shows, rides, and water slides - perfect for a family day out. Find tickets and more info here.
Try parasailing along the coast – Soar above the ocean for panoramic views of cliffs, beaches, and the marina during this parasailing ride.
Walk along the Albufeira Strip (Avenida Sá Carneiro) – The heart of Albufeira’s nightlife, packed with bars, restaurants, and clubs.
Go off-road on a quad bike tour – Ride dirt tracks and scenic trails, passing through hills and countryside on this exciting quad experience.
Play a round at MiniGolf Adventure Park – A fun stop with themed courses, ideal for families or groups. See the park here.
Take a surf lesson at Galé Beach – Learn the basics with experienced instructors during a surf session at one of Albufeira’s best beaches.
WHERE TO STAY
Looking for a place to stay? Here are some of the best options in Albufeira:
3HB Falésia Garden – Set above Praia da Falésia, this property offers apartments with incredible views and easy beach access.
Alfagar Village – A family-friendly resort with pools, gardens, and direct access to the beach.
Hotel Sol e Mar Albufeira – Centrally located in the Old Town, this hotel offers modern rooms with sea views - perfect for exploring Albufeira on foot.
EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel – A luxury resort near Praia da Falésia with direct beach access, multiple pools, and a spa.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What should you avoid in Albufeira, Portugal?
Albufeira is a fun destination, but like anywhere, there are a few things to keep in mind. The Strip (Avenida Sá Carneiro) can get loud and rowdy at night - especially in summer - so if that’s not your scene, it’s best to avoid staying right on it. Also, some restaurants in the most touristy areas may feel overpriced or generic, so it’s worth wandering a bit further for better local spots.
Is Albufeira a party town?
Yes - and no. Albufeira has a reputation for its party scene, mainly around the Strip, with bars, clubs, and late-night spots. But beyond that, the Old Town, beaches, and nearby villages offer a much more laid-back vibe. If you’re not into partying, it’s easy to enjoy Albufeira without ever setting foot on the Strip.
Is Albufeira worth visiting?
Definitely. Albufeira has beautiful beaches, a charming Old Town, and plenty to do - from boat tours and exploring coastal cliffs to relaxing by the sea. It’s also home to Praia da Falésia, one of the most stunning beaches in the Algarve. No surprise it’s one of the region’s most popular spots - and while it gets busy, there’s still plenty of charm to discover.
Can you walk from Albufeira Old Town to the New Town?
Yes, you can walk between them. The Old Town and the Strip (New Town) are about 20 to 30 minutes apart on foot, depending on where you’re staying. It’s an easy walk, though expect a few hills along the way. If you don’t feel like walking, taxis and tuk-tuks are easy to find.
BEYOND ALBUFEIRA
Have more time? Here are a few amazing places just outside Albufeira that are worth checking out.
Lagos – A historic coastal town about 45 minutes away, where cobbled streets lead to beautiful beaches and a scenic harbor. Stroll the old city walls and catch the sunset at Ponta da Piedade - one of the Algarve’s most iconic viewpoints.
Faro – The Algarve’s capital, with a charming Old Town, lively marina, and easy access to the Ria Formosa lagoons. It’s the perfect mix of history and nature, all packed into one laid-back city. Want to know more? Take a look at our Faro guide.
Tavira – One of the Algarve’s prettiest towns, where cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and Roman bridges meet the Gilão River. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, wander through town, and hop over to the nearby beaches on Tavira Island. Planning a trip? Check out our full guide for everything you need to know.
Portimão – A bigger town with a long riverside promenade and easy access to Praia da Rocha, one of the Algarve’s largest beaches. It’s a good stop if you’re looking for shopping or something a little more urban.
Silves – Once the Algarve’s Moorish capital, Silves is known for its red-brick castle and narrow streets lined with orange trees. If you’re into history and slower inland towns, this one’s worth the drive.
Carvoeiro – A charming coastal town known for its colorful houses, dramatic cliffs, and scenic boardwalk. Perfect for a coffee stop with ocean views or a peaceful walk along the coast.