Albufeira combines the traditional Portuguese life with an air of modernity that will appeal to every new visitor. Whether you are on a business trip or on vacation with your family or friends, spending some quality time in Albufeira is gonna be a well-deserved experience.
Albufeira is the largest city of the Algarve and provides visitors with a range of activities and attractions that no other city is capable of.
Being a major holiday destination, visitors may feel a bit overwhelmed when they visit the city for the first time.
Here are the most impressive and top-rated things you should do if you visit this city.
1. Visit the Praia de Sao Rafael
A beach known for its natural beauty and some unique orange rock formations, the view from this beach is also, spectacular. The sand has a goldish color and the sunset from the top of the cliffs is definitely something you should give a try if you happen to stay to the beach until the late evening hours
Why you should make a stop here
Apart from the unique formation of this beach, visitors can also, take part in activities like swimming and snorkeling.
Various small fish can be seen through the crystal clear waters of the sea.
Be aware of the rocks that cover part of the sea however, so that you avoid getting hurt. You should also, be aware of the sudden currents, particularly on the left side of the sea.
What you shouldn’t miss
Some of the most well-known, peculiar shapes of cliffs await visitors for a photo down at the Praia de Sao Rafael.
The Shallow’s Nest, along with the Small Bridge are two of the most impressive formations of rocks.
Various caves and grottoes can also, be seen from down the beach.
2. Try out Some Water Sports
If you are a fan of water sports, then Albufeira is the ideal place for trying out some unique water activities. Canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and windsurfing are among the most widely performed water activities visitors can try out in the beaches that surround the coastline of the city.
Why you should try a water sport
Whether you are the adventure type of person or the more quite one, you will find something to do in the various beaches of Albufeira.
A lot of organized water sport clubs and trainers are available to help you choose the sport that suits your needs and preferences best. Tuition and equipment are also, available in most clubs.
In any case, trying out something different can be the change you have longed for.
3. Roam Around the Castle of Paderne
This 12th century castle is one of the few traditional castles that are well-preserved in Portugal.
The castle’s thick walls are constructed by a special type of concrete that’s actually a combination of soil, limestone and gravel.
The castle was built by Arabs and it is one of the most characteristic monuments of the Arabic architecture.
What you shouldn’t miss
Following the well-preserved route that guides you to the entrance of the castle, visitors are advised to hike around the castle and reach it on foot, rather than by car.
Although the outside of the castle is more impressive than its interior, you could go on a guided tour and learn about some of the history that surrounds the castle’s existence, as well.
However, you should be aware of the fact that the castle is open only once per week, so be sure to check beforehand the day and hours of the tours.
4. Watch a Great Show at the Aqua Show Park
The largest water park in Portugal and the perfect destination for a family, the Aqua Show Park is one of the top-rated destinations in Albufeira. With an affordable entrance cost and special family packages, there are so many attractions inside the park, that the day will pass by without even realizing it.
Why you should make a stop here
Apart from the various activities you could try out, including water slides, pools and thematic rides, visitors can also, experience some unique animal shows during the day.
Dolphins, sea lions and seals are all there for you to watch and become familiar with. The park is also, home for other animals, including alligators, various species of birds and marine organisms.
5. Roam along the Roman Ruins of Cerro da Vila
A short drive from Albufeira, the Roman Ruins of Cerro da Vila is something visitors should not miss.
If you walk along the ruins, you will be able to distinguish between some of the most important pieces of a Roman’s residence, including stations for baths, kitchen and the living rooms of the old times.
What you shouldn’t miss
Although most visitors prefer to walk around the ruins, there is also, a permanent exhibition inside the building that offers a clearer picture of the way of living during the Roman era.
The whole archaeological site dates back to the 1st century and habitats of Albufeira believe that the manor house was actually part of a busy port.
The Cerro da Vila Archaeological Museum offers visitors an insight of the Villa and of other ramparts of the region.
6. Taste Some Traditional Portuguese Cuisine
Portugal is known for its unique cuisine and various traditional dishes. There is also the choice of tasting some healthy vegetarian food, or even international cuisines, like Asian, Mexican and Italian. A lot of street food options, along with fast-food meals are also, available for visitors around the city’s roads.
What you shouldn’t miss
If you are willing to spend some money on tasting quality food, then you should by no means miss some of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants, including the famous Vila Joya Restaurant.
7. Visit the Traditional Village of Guia
Only a few kilometers outside of Albufeira, there is a small village with picturesque roads and traditional Portuguese attractions.
Here, visitors can become familiar with some old churches, traditional buildings and various native dishes. Guia is also, the place where the first shopping center in the Algarve was built.
This modernized place has many top European brands, along with a big cinema, a food court area and little shops where you can purchase local products.
What you shouldn’t miss
If you visit Guia, you cannot leave without tasting the traditional chicken piri-piri, accompanied by some delicious fries.
Apart from this dish, visitors usually visit the local vineyard Adega, owned by Sir Cliff Richard that produces some of the most aromatic wine you will be able to taste in Albufeira.
8. Relax in the Regional Capital
Being the capital of Algarve presents itself with major benefits. The historical center down the old town of Faro, along with its unique attractions, like the Faro Cathedral, the Municipal Museum and the Igreja de Carmo await visitors during every season of the year.
Just a quick drive from Albufeira, the atmosphere of this city will make you relax and enjoy the clear air and the decreased traffic.
What you shouldn’t miss
If you decide to visit Faro, you should not miss the opportunity to stroll around the well-known Ria Formosa natural park.
The most impressive characteristic of this place is its unique coastal lagoon, that’s changing a lot each year due to the continuous movement of the winds.
The whole area is protected and it is nowadays home to some rare species of animals, including the colorful flamingos, and the symbol of the park, named the Purple Swamphen.
9. Organize a Boat Trip Down the Various Beaches of the City
The city’s marina is the ideal place for a boat trip. Cruising trips and yacht sanctions are on offer in the event that you wish to head out on a journey along Albufeira’s unparalleled coastline.
Nature possesses large amounts of these waters as well, and dolphin-spotting outings offer an extraordinary experience to every new visitor.
Why you should go on a boat trip
If you go on an organized boat trip, you’ll be able to visit some of the most impressive caves that exist along the coastline of the city. Those caves are ideal for a little diving experience and if the weather permits it, you can use your free time to stop at a remote beach and spend some time swimming or fishing.
10. Go On a Day Trip to Loule
Loulé is a prevalent goal for a day trip. Guests are attracted to Loule, for its characterful memorable focus, the vivacious market and certifiable Portuguese air.
As you walk down the market, you’ll be able to visit some shopping boulevards, tree-lined squares and a warren of back streets, which have scarcely changed since the medieval period. The Gothic Igreja Matriz church stands proudly in the middle of this city, as well
Why you should make a stop here
When you visit Loule, you’ll have the chance to have a look at the gypsy Portuguese market, where every kind of bargains takes place. There, you can purchase some local souvenirs and admire some traditional artifacts. The Moorish-inspired market in Loule is also, a place worth visiting.
11. Spend a Night Dining at the Cataplana Club
If you wish to take part in a Portuguese traditional dining experience, then the Cataplana Place is the ideal place for you.
Perfect for guests searching for an option in contrast to an eatery, this dinner club allows burger joints to attempt dishes cooked in a cataplana, a copper vessel normally utilized for fish stews.
In addition, your culinary specialist will discuss with you the dishes of the day, as they are arranged and gives precious tips on how to prepare them alone.
What you shouldn’t miss
This club offers regular cooking classes that enable customers to cook their own meals with the help of famous, Michelin-starred chefs.
If you are lucky to visit the club at such a time, you will be able to learn the basic techniques behind some of the most traditional Portuguese dishes.
12. Have a Look at the Queda do Vigario
If you are a nature lover, you will not wish to leave Albufeira without the chance to visit a place of unparalleled beauty, known as the Queda do Vigario.
This wonderful waterfall is pretty much concealed from the rest of the city by dense trees and a hidden trail.. It is an image of normal magnificence and peacefulness that you won’t discover anyplace else on the Algarve.
Why you should make a stop here
Ideal for those wishing to spend some time in a peaceful place, where pure nature is at its highest or for those wishing to breathe some clear air and get away from the city’s crowd for a while, the Queda do Vigario is the ideal place for many categories of visitors.
It is also the perfect stop for a romantic encounter, if you are traveling with your partner. Do not forget to bring your swimsuit along and spend some time in the bright blue crystal waters of the waterfall. The scenery is also, ideal for some impressive photos that will make the whole trip memorable.
13. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Albufeira
In the conservative center of Albufeira stands the archeological museum of the city that’s a top rated attraction in Albufeira.. It’s for anybody inquisitive about the various societies that have called this spot home down the ages, from ancient times, the Roman time frame, Islamic Period, medieval Portugal, up to the Early Modern Age.
What you shouldn’t miss
What’s amazing is that the greater part of the museum’s gathering was collected by a cleric in the mid-twentieth century.
When you visit this museum, you should not miss one of the various guided tours with local guides that will inform you about each era and the specific characteristics of every period of the Portuguese history.
14. Spend a Beautiful Night Out
Spending your night out in Albufeira is not always a typical experience. The whole prospect is actually affected a lot by your chosen place. If you visit the old town at night for example, you will be able to enjoy a quiet night at one of the many seafood restaurants of the region or taste a glass of white sagres at a traditional Portuguese bar.
If however, you get closer to the beachfront, you can have a more exhilarating night experience, since a variety of night clubs, bars, fast-food stalls and cocktail bars with loud music await visitors, particularly those of the younger generation to explore them.
What you shouldn’t miss
Almost every week, some outdoors parties are held in bars or clubs that are near the beach. If you wish to spend a crazy night out, you should discover where the next big party takes place and go have some fun with your friends.
A lot of spots also host some local DJs who alternate between international music pieces and local songs. Portuguese people are extremely good dancers and they know how to spend a good time together.
Get prepared for some exhausting dancing experience if you visit one of the many clubs of the region or if you happen to visit Albufeira during a dancing event or festival.
15.Walk Along the Popular Praia da Falesia
This six-kilometer sea shore is one of the very best beaches of the Algarve. There’s a long, unblemished piece of sand that covers most of the beach and the yellowish color of it seems to change colors depending on the sunlight.
Visitors can walk the length of the sea shore and enjoy the unique sunsets during the evening. Children can spend joyful evenings building sandcastles and chasing shells.
What you shouldn’t miss
Above the rock formations, there is a unique hiking trail where you can watch the beautiful beach from above. The beach is actually divided into two parts: the east part with the lower cliffs and the west side with the high red cliffs.
For a unique experience, you can go to the beach at sunrise and enjoy the spectacular view.
Popular around the world for its unique landscapes, long gold-colored beaches, various tourist attractions and breathtaking views the Albufeira city is known around the world and receives a lot of foreign tourists each year from every part of the world.
The locals are known for their joyful nature and crazy temperament and they are really helpful and ready to show you around the various attractions the city has to offer.
From the traditional spots and monuments to the modern-day architectural buildings, Albufeira is the city that will leave everyone satisfied: from lone travelers to families or couples, everyone will find something that exhilarates him in this picturesque city.
Last Updated on April 7, 2021