The 12 things to do in Albufeira

Are you looking for what to do in Albufeira to enjoy this beautiful seaside town, typical of the Algarve? Discover the places not to be missed for a successful holiday!

The beautiful Albufeira is one of the most popular resorts of the Algarve . Apart from the profusion of its tourist offer, the city houses a charming historic centre and its beaches are all more beautiful than others.

An excellent ground foot to visit this beautiful region, transfigured by its golden limestone cliffs and the bright blue of the ocean.

But how to visit Albufeira as it should be? In this article, discover the 12 activities not to be missed, from the most famous to the most secret...

1. Paragliding

Do you dream? Enjoy your stay in Albufeira to try out at paragliding. After a briefing and once equipped, you will only have to take advantage of your baptism of air of about 15-20 minutes above the emblematic Algarve coastline.

Take this opportunity to admire the different shades of colors of the Mediterranean Sea and the white sand beaches. You are guaranteed a perfect mix of emotions, strong sensations and feelings of freedom.

2. The ascensional parachute

Lovely sensations? Why not discover the city of Albufeira and its coastline from the air? Indeed, ascensional parachute is one of the must-sees in Albufeira. This activity, of a 10 minutes , can be performed single or multiple (booster or trinome)

Equipped with a life jacket and a harness, you will then go raising in the air thanks to a parachute and driven by a boat. You can enjoy the panorama to admire the coast from another angle.

After your flight, you will have time to enjoy a sea ride with friends or family.

3. Exploration of the seabed

The clear waters off Albufeira are inhabited by abundant marine fauna. You can go to discover them the time of a dive or snorkeling session.

The scuba diving

Start with one introduction to swimming pool to familiarize yourself with these new sensations, then continue your experience in the ocean to discover the marine world and perhaps even to see wild dolphins.

The diving clubs will take you by boat to the right places. Special mention to the few golden caves, simply magical!

The snorkeling

Enjoy the transparency of the sea and the richness of its fauna and flora to discover the coastal region of Albufeira in snorkeling. Put on mask and tuba and enjoy this unique experience not to be missed during your holiday in Albufeira.

4. Observation of dolphins

Embark on a cruise 2 hours to observe dolphins and other marine animals such as sharks or turtles in their natural habitat. This cruise will also be an opportunity to observe the caves and turquoise waters that make the reputation of the Algarve.

5. The discovery of caves

Aboard a catamaran, navigate along the coast of Albufeira and contemplate the caves and rock formations. During this cruise 2 hours , you can access inaccessible places with other boats. During the stopovers, do not miss swimming in the warm waters of the region.

6. One boat ride

Whether you’re friends or family, an exit at sea will undoubtedly be unanimous! Thus, do not miss rent a boat in Albufeira to admire the beauty of sunset in the ocean, for example.

7. The beaches

What do you do in Albufeira when you want a fierce desire? As elsewhere in Algarve, the beaches of the region are superb. You choose the one that best matches your desires:

• the praia dos pescadores : here, fine sand and turquoise water are at the rendezvous. The fishing boats sail off, dotted the horizon. Located in the centre, the beach is very busy;
• the praia São Rafael : surrounded by golden cliffs, where limestone arcs are unfolded and caves are digged, this beach is ideal for those looking for calm;
• the praia da Galé : very lively, the praia da Galé is not less one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Its characteristic rocky outcrops of the Algarve give it all its charm;
• the praia da Oura : thanks to the atmosphere of its restaurant bars and the beauty of its sunset, it is the ideal beach to party;
• the praia dos Olhos de Água : this tiny beach combines the beauty of its rocky formations with the sweet animation of its restaurants.

8. Old town

The "Saint-Tropez du Portugal" is sometimes scaring travellers in search of authenticity. Yet, its centre is still full of the charm so characteristic of the ancient fishing ports of the Algarve.

Its pretty paved streets, traditional houses with multi-coloured mouldings and its places full of lives are a real call to the ride. There you will find a multitude of lively bars and restaurants. And they lend themselves both to the apero and to a candle dinner... In short, this is the perfect place to stroll!

9. Montechoro

In the heart of the old town, there is a neighborhood that, like the others, charms by its white houses and its jasmine fragrances. But once the night fell, Montechoro animates and no longer resembles his neighbors!

It is LA rue des fêtards d’Albufeira, where all generations meet to do it festa . Because if many young people come to drink beer at good prices, we also find the oldest. A unique atmosphere on the Iberian Peninsula.

10. The castle of Paderne

Behind these walls worn by centuries, there is a pan of Portuguese history. It is not for nothing that Paderne is one of the seven castles that adorn the flag of Portugal !

Built in the 12th century, this fortress is a very good example of Muslim military architecture. In 1280 she was conquered by Paio Peres Correia, an important figure of the Reconquista. Unfortunately, a part of the fortifications was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755, which puts the prestigious Lisbon on its knees.

Today, the castle of Paderne is a must for visiting Albufeira. The trails, shaded by carob trees and argousiers, lead to a superb panorama.

11. Adega do Cantor

Looking for what to do in Albufeira to discover the specialties of the region? Meet Adega do Cantor!

On the programme: visit the vineyards and the winery, discovery of the vinification and tasting of local wines.

A welcome bracket for the most curious and especially the most gourmet of you! But also a great opportunity to bring gifts to your loved ones.

12. La marina

The Albufeira marina is not much excavated, but it is worth a visit.

Indeed, this pretty marina is surrounded by multicolored buildings very seventies . They form an unusual landscape, which can delight but does not leave indifferent! There are hotels, restaurants, shops, a nautical club and a leisure base.

But first of all, the marina is the starting point of all excursions at sea : observation of dolphins off, cruise to Benagil , exploration of caves in the region, etc.

How to get to Albufeira?

By car

You can reach Albufeira by car from the France . The motorway network is very developed Spain and Portugal , allowing you to do for example Bordeaux-Albufeira in 13 hours . Plan filling in Spain on the border with France , this is where the fuel is the cheapest !

By train or bus

To visit Albufeira, you can go to the station Faro , located only 30 minutes drive . Many trains leave every day to reach Lisbon and Porto .

On the bus side, it is necessary to know that Portugal (and especially the Algarve) is crossed by a dense network of toll buses . Some lines allow you to reach Albufeira directly from the main French cities.

Well, very economic , this option is reserved for long-term holidays . For example, the journey Bordeaux-Albufeira lasts 22 hours !

By plane

L’ Faro airport serves many cities. It is not far from Albufeira. By taking it taxi , you will have for 30 minutes . Otherwise, some buses connect the two destinations for about 5€ .

If you have the project to visit the Algarve, you can also leave Lisbon International Airport , located at three hours from Albufeira by train or by road. Better served, he proposes cheap flights . To find the best offers, visit our partner's website Skyscanner .

Where to stay in Albufeira?

To visit Albufeira in peace, the best place to sleep is certainly the old town .

In addition to its traditional charm, you will find a multitude of cafés, bars and typical restaurants. Without forgetting access to beaches and public transport !

Otherwise, you can turn to the marina area . It is more excited, but contains very good housing. It’s also the starting point of many excursions .

♪ full season , the average price of a double room is about 120€ . However, there are great price differences between hotels and the season.

To find the right business, use this Compare hotels online. It selects for you the best rooms according to your dates and criteria you select.

But the center of Albufeira also houses very good Airbnb . Otherwise, Albufeira campsite is very appreciated. It is up to you to choose according to your desires!