Albufeira is a beach town in Portugal’s southern Algarve area. It is 250 kilometres (160 mi) from Lisbon and is within close proximity of Paderne Castle. Lagos is located 30 kilometres (19 mi) to the west, and Faro 45 kilometres (28 mi) to the south-east.
Albufeira’s origins trace all the way back to ancient times. It was afterwards colonised by the Romans, who gave it the name “Baltum”. Albufeira derives from the Moorish name “Al-Buhera,” since the town was a major commerce centre in the eighth century. There are few relics from this era, with the exception of a plaque commemorating the previous Moorish castle atop the upper town. Albufeira was regained in the mid-13th century by the Order of the Knights of Santiago under the leadership of Afonso III of the Moors. Following then, it was a little fishing community for many centuries. Albufeira was particularly hard hit by the massive Lisbon earthquake of 1755. The ensuing tsunami swamped the village’s bottom section. This resulted in the destruction of all notable monuments.
Albufeira’s fortunes were restored in the last quarter of the twentieth century. Its identification as the Algarve’s primary tourist destination triggered a massive development from fishing village to town to metropolis. Today, the hotels and resorts run nearly along the stunning Albufeira shoreline. Summer months see an increase of up to 300,000 vacationers, in addition to the typical 22,000 locals.
Albufeira is a municipality (concelho) and a city (cidade) in the Faro area of Portugal (Algarve). Albufeira is one of the most popular and globally renowned tourist spots in the Algarve, continental Portugal’s most southern and sunniest area. From Olhos d’Agua to Galé, the resorts and hotels stretch along the area’s stunning rocky coastline. Numerous holidaymakers come year after year due to the beautiful beaches, excellent temperature, and accessibility to numerous restaurants, bars, and pubs.
The tourism districts are separated into two distinct sections: Areias de São João, informally referred to as The Strip and the Old Town. Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro is the Strip’s major thoroughfare, lined with clubs, restaurants, and open-air discothèques.
Over 25 magnificent beaches, several of which have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag by FEE, tempt vacationers to swim and walk. The miles-long sandy beaches of Praia dos Pescadores, Praia do Tunel, and Praia do Inatel in front of the old town are ideal for water activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, and kayaking. Smaller sandy beaches are shielded on all sides by rocky coves with unusual sandstone cliffs.
The marina is an artificial basin on the city’s western outskirts and can moor almost 500 boats.
Alufeira has a diverse range of culture, entertainment, and family activities.
There are lots to do in Albufeira, the Algarve’s salt-washed and bustling holidaying hotspot. It’s every inch a summertime vacation drenched in sunlight, from a chirpy waterfront studded with bars and clubs to a cobblestone Old Town bursting with souvenir booths and Portuguese tapas eateries. People come to get a tan during the day, play golf, and have hedonistic nights of fresh seafood and dancing on the dance floor.
Albufeira is the centre of an area known for its beaches and charming hill villages. With gorgeous Arrifes Beach and the ochre-tinted cliffs of Praia da Coelha nearby, you won’t have to travel far to get away from the crowds. Other suggested excursions include seaside cruises and visits to Alte’s babbling springs.
Things to do and see:
- Praia dos Pescadores
Unwind on Albufeira’s biggest beach. Praia dos Pescadores, often known as Fisherman’s Beach by Albufeira’s devoted repeat tourists, is the closest stretch of beach to the town itself. You simply need to stroll to the south end of the Old Town to see a 220-metre expanse of gold-flecked beach kissed by the sea.
- Praia da Coelha
If you’re searching for someplace private on the Algarve’s gorgeous shore, head to Praia da Coelha. You simply need to go a little distance west of Albufeira. The car trip takes around 15 minutes. Then it’s down a winding trail past pockets of bush and stones before emerging onto a broad bay surrounded by high sandstone cliffs.
When compared to the beaches closer to the resort’s centre, Praia do Coelha rarely has the same crowds to cope with. But you get the same typical south-Portuguese experience, with golden sand, sparkling green-blue ocean, and a delightful tiny tavern serving regional seafood only metres from the surf.
- Alte
Bathe in pristine springs in a rural hill village.
Alte, a little village hidden between olive groves and low hills, is about 16 miles north of Albufeira. It’s famous for its springs. With so many beautiful beaches to choose from, it’s easy to overlook the natural landscapes that dot the Algarve’s interior. The rushing Queda do Vigari waterfall and the wooded slopes of the Serra do Caldeirao ranges entice you to explore the Alte River’s natural swimming holes and walking pathways. The centre, with its cobblestone alleys dotted with typical Portuguese bars and whitewashed homes, is also worth a visit.
- Castle of Silves
Uncover Moorish and Roman history in an amazing ancient fortress. The Castle of Silves towers over the town of the same name, some 30 minutes northwest of Albufeira. It has adorned the Algarve’s slopes since the time of Moorish dominance in the region started in the 8th century. It is regarded as one of the most well-preserved Arab fortresses in the nation.
- Aventura Theme Park
Test your courage in the treetops.
Parque Aventura is a daring expedition of the Algarve’s forest canopy that is not for the faint of heart. This adventure park is located about 10 minutes by car east of Albufeira.
The unnervingly called High Ropes Course is the show’s star. It will transport you to the very summits of the pine trees, where you may walk across swinging wire bridges, zip down zip lines, and overcome your vertigo.
