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10 Top Things to Do in Albufeira Portugal: Beach & Fun
Albufeira is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Algarve because of its sandy beaches and lively atmosphere.
However I’ll be completely honest with you, it’s not my favourite city in Southern Portugal. The lively party atmosphere is a bit too much for me personally, but there are still some amazing things to do in Albufeira Portugal.
You can ride an elevator at the beach and do an unforgettable boat trip to the famous Benagil Caves. Continue reading to find out what else this coastal city has to offer.
10 Best Things to Do in Albufeira Portugal
1. Take a Boat Trip to the Benagil Caves
I know it’s weird that the first thing to do is to leave but the boat trip to the Benagil Caves was the highlight of my visit to Albufeira.
On the way to these stunning sea caves we saw a lot of dolphins, which was amazing, it was the first time I saw dolphins in the sea. The caves itself an the surrounding unique rock formations are very impressive as well.
The boat tours usually also include stops where you can swim in the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, but unfortunately that wasn’t possible when I did my tour.
š¤© I did this tour and loved it!
2. Relax on the Beach
One of the absolute best free things to do in Albufeira Portugal is to relax on the city’s sandy beaches.
The main beach, Praia dos Pescadores, is a wide stretch of golden sand lined with restaurants and bars. Some other beautiful beaches in Albufeira include Praia do TĆŗnel, Praia da Oura, and Praia de SĆ£o Rafael.
For a quieter option, just walk along the coastline in either direction until you find the best beaches for you.
If you want really quiet beaches you need to head to the east of the Algarve, I found some almost deserted sandy beaches in Tavira and some beautiful beaches on small islands near OlhĆ£o.
š¤© See the most beautiful beaches on this amazing Tuk Tuk tour!
3. Have Fun With Water Sports
If you’re looking to add some fun and excitement to your beach day, Albufeira has plenty of water sports options.
You can rent jet ski, paddle boards, or go parasailing for a unique perspective of the coastline. Some beaches even offer banana boat rides and flyboarding.
There are stalls at the beach where you can book the activities but if you want to go save you can also book it in advance online.
š¤© Try out jet-skiing sounds like fun!
4. Ride the Elevator on the Beach
The most unique thing to do on the beach in Albufeira is to take an elevator!
Since the hight difference between the beach and the city of Albufeira is quite significant, there’s a panoramic elevator that takes you up and down.
Even if you don’t intent to ride the elevator, just taking a look at Elevador do Peneco is worth it.
5. Walk Through the Albufeira Tunnel
Another way to get from the beach to the old town of Albufeira is to walk through the Albufeira tunnel.
This historic tunnel is just about 20 meters long but it’s a very cool way to get from one part of the city to the other.
š¤© Discover some hidden gems with this guided tour!
6. Explore the Old Town of Albufeira
Speaking of the old town, this is another must-visit while in Albufeira.
With its cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings, it’s easy to get lost in the charm of this coastal town.
Make sure to visit the main square, Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco, where you can many restaurants and cafƩs and even some market stalls selling souvenirs.
š¤© Explore Albufeira old town with a local guide on this epic Tuk-Tuk tour!
7. Look At the Colorful Houses at the Marina
The Albufeira Marina is another popular spot to visit. Most people only come to the Marina to set of on a boat trip, which I can definitely recommend by the way. But when you’re at the Marina take some time to stroll around and take in the colourful buildings next to the water front.
In case you head to the marina for a boat trip, make sure to set off early enough. It’s a bit of a walk from the city center to the marina.
š¤© This amazing boat trip to the Benagil Caves sets off at the Marina!
8. Go for a Coastal Hike
I just love the coastline of the Algarve region, and the best way to see it is by walking along it. During my visit I walked all the way from Praia da Oura to Praia do Peneco. You get some amazing views on the way and you might even find a somewhat quiet bit of beach in between.
Just make sure to stay on the path. I tried to shorten the coastal walk and head back toward the city center at some point and found myself accidentally in private property with a guard dog. So, I recommend to stick to the coastal path until you see a proper road leading away from the beach.
9. Enjoy a Delicious Ice Cream
I love the popsicle ice creams from ColĆ©. Although they’re sold all over Portugal, Albufeira is a fantastic spot to enjoy one of their super fruity and refreshing treats.
You can get them at many cafƩs or shops with a freezer. Then you can stroll through the city with your delicious vegan ice cream.
10. Stroll Down the Strip
I saved the Strip for last because it’s not quite my thing but it might just be the main attraction in Albufeira.
The so-called Strip is actually Avenida SĆ” Carneiro, which is a long road lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants. It’s known for its vibrant nightlife and attracts many young tourists looking to party.
If you’re into clubbing or just want to experience this side of Albufeira, then definitely check out the Strip at night. But don’t expect a peaceful evening stroll, it can get pretty crowded and loud.
(11. Water Parks)
One of the very best things to do in Albufeira with kids is to visit one of the water parks in the area.
Aquashow Park and Aqualand Algarve are both within a short driving distance from Albufeira and offer a day filled with fun water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
I put this point in brackets since I haven’t tried any water parks out myself.
Best Day Trips from Albufeira
If you’re looking to explore more of the Algarve region beyond Albufeira, here are some great day trip options:
- Benagil Caves: As mentioned before, the boat trip to the Benagil Caves is a must-do activity from Albufeira.
- Lagos: Just a 45-minute drive from Albufeira lies the picturesque coastal town of Lagos. It’s known for its stunning beaches and charming old town. I spent 2 full days in Lagos and loved it, there are so many cool things to do there.
- Silves: Known as the “orange capital” of the Algarve, this inland town is about a 30-minute drive from Albufeira. It’s famous for its medieval castle and beautiful views over the surrounding countryside.
- Faro: The Algarve’s capital, Faro, is an hour by car from Albufeira and features a charming old town with rich history. I actually recommend staying in Faro and taking a day trip to Albufeira instead to get a more authentic feeling for the Algarve.
Best Time to Visit Albufeira
The best time to visit Albufeira is during the shoulder season from April to June or September to October. The weather is still warm and pleasant, but there are fewer crowds compared to the peak season.
However, if you enjoy a lively party atmosphere and you don’t mind the crowds then the high season of July and August might be the best time for you as that’s when the city is at its busiest.
How to Get to Albufeira
Albufeira is easily accessible from major cities in Portugal. The nearest airport is Faro Airport, about 40 minutes away by car or taxi.
You can also take a bus or train from other cities like Lisbon and Porto. Buses go directly from Lisbon to Albufeira, trains change in Faro. The train station in Albufeira is a short drive away from the city center. The best way to get there is by taxi.
How to Get Around Albufeira
Albufeira is quite spread out, so walking everywhere might not be the best option especially in hot weather. It takes for example about 30 minutes to walk from the city center of Albufeira to the Strip.
There is a tourist train available which goes to all the main attractions. You can buy a day ticket at the drivers.
š¤© See the stunning Algarve coast and the iconic Benagil Caves on a boat trip!
Final Thoughts: What to Do in Albufeira Portugal
Albufeira offers golden beaches, a historic old town, and it’s probably the best city in the Algarve for nightlife.
From soaking in the sun and fun water sports, to enjoying a fruity popsicle as you wander through cobbled streets, and experiencing the buzz of the nightlife at the Strip, there’s no shortage of experiences.
The panoramic elevator ride and coastal hikes present unique ways to explore the beauty of the Algarve region. Yet, despite these offerings, Albufeira isn’t my favorite city in the Algarve.
Its appeal depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation spot, so I suggest weighing these highlights against your personal travel preferences to decide if Albufeira is worth visiting for yourself.
Read more about the Algarve:
- 10 Absolute Best Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal
- 2 Days In Lagos Portugal: Amazing 2-Day Itinerary
- Is Lagos Portugal Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons Why It Is
- 10 Top Things to Do in Albufeira Portugal: Beach & Fun
- Is Albufeira Worth Visiting? Why I Donāt Think It Is
- Ultimate Algarve Itinerary For Different Trips
- Best Time to Visit Algarve Portugal for a Perfect Holiday
- 5 Best OlhĆ£o Boat Trips On the River Formosa
- 15 Best Things to Do in OlhĆ£o Portugal
- The Best OlhĆ£o Beaches to Relax and Swim
- Salinas Do Grelha near OlhĆ£o: A Hidden Gem in The Algarve
- Fuseta Portugal: Ultimate Travel Guide
- 13 Incredible Things to Do in Tavira Portugal
- Most Beautiful Beaches in Tavira Portugal & How to Get There
- Faro Old Town: Travel Guide to Visit the City Center
- Epic 2 Days in Faro Portugal: Gateway to the Algarve
- Is Faro Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons Why It Is
- 7 Amazing Day Trips from Faro to Explore the Algarve
- Best Day Tours From Faro Portugal to Explore the Algarve
- Best Tours From Lisbon to Algarve
- Amazing 10-Day Portugal Itinerary by Train
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