In this article, you will read about the top 10 places to visit in Albufeira Portugal, but first, let’s read something about the history of Albufeira. The Algarve’s most famous city, Albufeira, has a population of nearly 44,000 and is a favorite with European tourists.
It is bordered to the west and northwest by Silves, to the northeast and east by Loulé, and to the south by the wide coastline of the Atlantic Ocean.
Albufeira is one of the busiest cities in the Algarve, with very lively days and nights, known for being one of the most emblematic of the southern region of Portugal, with beauty, good location, and infrastructure. Albufeira is the most popular beach holiday destination in the Algarve between June and September.
There’s nothing like warm summer temperatures to enjoy its golden sandy beaches and attractive waters, so plan to visit Albufeira from June to September. But Albufeira’s climate is great all year round and the city is not just about the beach.
Furthermore, the bathing season is the one with the highest influx of tourists and holidaymakers, which causes the prices of accommodations and restaurants to skyrocket. For more travel articles about Portugal check this category and for all articles about Europe check this list. Below you will find our suggestion about the top 10 places to visit in Albufeira Portugal.
1. Old City (That’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Albufeira)
Albufeira was occupied by the Moors for five centuries. Of the Arab legacy, the cobbled, narrow and labyrinthine alleys remain, evidence of the ancient walls of the Moorish castle and the very white houses with their terraces and arches that define the typical architecture.
All of this is found in the old town, the dazzling white patch of houses on top of the cliff, where the city was born and which one feels like walking through.
Here you can breathe calm and tranquility where the pace of life is slow and carefree. Walking through the historic center is to feel the weight of time in every stone.
2. Albufeira Clock Tower
The Porta da Praça was right under the current Clock Tower, a symbol of Albufeira, topped by an iron structure that, at night, when lit up, gives it an air of grace. This was one of the towers at the corners of the square fortification built by the Moors during the Arab occupation.
The location on top of the cliff made the castle virtually impregnable, which is why Albufeira (Al-Buhera is a name of Islamic origin which, in a broad interpretation, means “sea castle”) was only conquered by King Afonso III in the 13th century, after decades of battles.
3. Marina of Albufeira
Enhancing Albufeira’s holiday resort credentials is the destination’s famous marina, located four kilometers west of the resort. The central focus of a luxury holiday apartment complex, the marina makes for an interesting diversion away from the busy city center.
Surrounded by a promenade lined with numerous cafes and restaurants, as well as numerous retail outlets and bustling market stalls, this is also the starting point for numerous sightseeing tours, sea excursions, and other tourist attractions.
4. Archaeological Museum
Though modest in scope, the exhibits on display at the archaeological museum in Albufeira encompass prehistory, the Roman, Islamic, and Visigoth periods, and the modern age.
Spread over two floors, the most interesting artifacts include Stone Age flint tools, fragments of mosaics unearthed from a nearby Roman villa, and a collection of ancient stones from the 16th century.
The highlight is an impressive 10th-century Islamic silo, excavated while the premises still served as a town hall. This is one of the main attractions in Albufeira Portugal.
5. Church of San Sebastian
The tiny, whitewashed church of São Sebastião is an understated cultural highlight of Albufeira. Consecrated in the mid-18th century, its exterior is distinguished by a flourishing Baroque stonework decoration framing the main portal.
Confusingly, the church’s facade has a plaque dedicated to São Vicente – São Vicente, the city’s patron saint. Inside, visitors are treated to a rare altarpiece in gilded wood surmounted by the rounded, reddish faces of smiling cherubs. This place is listed as one of the top 10 places to visit in Albufeira Portugal.
6. Zoomarine
One of the Algarve’s top family entertainment options, Zoomarine features spectacular dolphin shows and a fun sea lion show, among other daily performances. There is also a fascinating museum aquarium to explore.
Several different habitats display exotic seabirds and majestic birds of prey. Plus, tickets grant entry to a fun-filled fairground and a fantastic water park complete with kids’ and adults’ pools and a giant waterslide.
Another highlight is the digital animation film shown in the 4D cinema, which depicts the oceanic journey of sea turtles.
7. October 5th Street
It’s not that you haven’t come across countless handicrafts, souvenir, and local shops in Cidade Velha. But no visit to Albufeira is complete without going down Rua 5 de Outubro, full of more shops and people.
Most are not here for the shops, but for the Tunnel that gives access to Praia do Peneco, another (less tiring) way to get here is by taking the Peneco Elevator from the top of Esplanada Dr. Frutuoso da Silva.
The viewpoint is nice for a relaxed moment. This street is considered one of the most interesting points of tourist interest in Albufeira Portugal.
8. Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco
You will certainly not miss the Central Elétrica building in the square, not that it is a highlight , but it gives a certain old and sober air to the square where the nightlife begins to end in Rua da Oura. What few know is that the building houses an interesting gallery, the Pintor Samora Barros Art Gallery.
Of course, bars, restaurants, terraces and shops at every door. So that the visitor does not miss anything. Anyone who knows Albufeira knows that all streets lead to Largo, especially the bohemian Cândido dos Reis.
9. Coelha Beach in Albufeira
One of the best things to do in Albufeira is definitely visiting its beautiful beaches! Among them, Praia da Coelha is at the top of my list.
Located about 6Km west of the center of Albufeira, Praia da Coelha is a breathtaking beach surrounded by yellow cliffs, fine golden sand with shells and crystal clear turquoise blue water.
The beach is a 5-minute walk from the parking lot, has calm water, extraordinary rock formations and very picturesque scenery. This Blue Flag beach has lifeguards, a restaurant, Stand Up Paddle Boarding boards, beach chairs and umbrellas for rent.
10. Cliff Beach
Cliff Beach is one of the best beaches in Europe. With almost 6 km, Praia da Falésia is the longest beach in Albufeira and extends from Olhos d’Água, in the east of the city, to the municipality of Vilamoura.
The contrast between the red and white sand cliffs covered by green pine trees and the blue sky makes it one of the most unique beaches in Albufeira.
Seeing the “wall” formed by cliffs of different colors, shapes and heights, makes me appreciate even more the greatness of Mother Nature.
Top 10 places to visit in Albufeira Portugal
- Old City
- Clock Tower
- Marina of Albufeira
- Archaeological Museum
- Church of San Sebastian
- Zoomarine
- October 5th Street
- Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco
- Coelha Beach
- Cliff Beach