Albufeira, Portugal

Once a quiet fishing village, Albufeira, with its pretty Old Town cobbled streets and Moorish influenced buildings, is the place that put Portugal’s Algarve on the tourist map. With FlipKey, you can find the perfect accommodation for your Algarve beach vacation. From beachfront villas with private pools to apartments right where the action is. 

About Albufeira, Portugal

Located in southern Portugal on the Atlantic Ocean three hours southwest of Seville, Albufeira is a beachside tourist destination that welcomes over 300,000 visitors every summer. Settled by the Romans, the town owes its name to the Moors who called it Al-Buhera—which means “castle of the sea”— during their 700-year reign.

Teeming with pavement cafes and trendy boutiques, Albufeira is a modern resort with a state-of-the-art marina where traditional fishing boats are tied up next to super yachts.

Geared up to be a multifaceted resort that caters to all tastes, Albufeira delivers the goods offering both a quiet beachside location for families and a nightlife scene that appeals to the single crowd.
 With more than 25 beaches to choose from, it won’t take you long to decide which is the best beach for you and your needs – quiet or happening, you will find it in Albufeira.

What to do in Albufeira

Summer vacations in Albufeira are all about the beach, water activities, and nightlife. World-class dining is in abundance, as are bars to keep up on all the latest sporting action or get your karaoke groove on.

Golf is another reason why people choose to vacation in Albufeira, as the Algarve is home to some of Europe’s best championship courses. The coastal scenery combined with warm weather is irresistible for many golfers.

About an hour west of Albufeira is the medieval walled port town of Lagos. Many of Portugal’s great seafaring explorers set off from here on their voyages of discovery during the country’s Golden Age. While in Lagos, be sure to visit the Igreja de Santo Antonio for its gilded woodwork, and Europe’s first ever slave market.

From Lagos, drive to Ponta da Piedade for some spectacular photographs of its harsh sandstone cliffs and jutting rocks. Then head to the most southwestern point in mainland Europe—Sagres.

Top travel tips for Albufeira

While many northern Europeans have retired to the Algarve, Albufeira is best visited in the summer when the region comes alive with tourists.

In high summer, you might want to escape the midday heat. If so, wander around Albufeira’s whitewashed Old Town and visit the 16th-century church—its cool interior is just the place to be. After that, head to the main square for a refreshing drink.

If you get bored of the beach, head to Seville for a day of culture, tapas and world-class shopping. Buses are frequent and can cost as little as €16 for a return ticket.

Albufeira offers up some fun in the sun for both families and singles alike, with beautiful beaches and lots of activities to enjoy. Add to this a beautiful Old Town and nearby places of interest, it’s no surprise that it’s Portugal’s most popular beach resort. Find your perfect rental here on FlipKey and start planning a great vacation, today!