Algarve

Albufeira is a pretty town bursting with character that has developed from a small fishing village to one of the Algarve’s leading tourist destinations in just over three decades.

The town is split into two distinct sections- the busy and lively Praia d’Oura Montechoro ‘strip’, and the vibrant, cosmopolitan and charming Old Town of Albufeira.

The famous square is the focal point of the Old Town and it is here that you can enjoy a warm and friendly atmosphere both day and night, with an extensive range of Portuguese and International restaurants, street performers, live bands and late night music bars. There are a selection of superb beaches to choose from in Albufeira, including the lovely fisherman’s beach; Albufeira beach, which is accessed via a tunnel cut into the cliff from the Old Town; the popular Praia d’Oura beach, which has a good choice of water sports; and the stunning picture postcard beach at Santa Eulalia.

Restaurants in Albufeira

Between the beach, the marina, the strip, Old Town and the cultural hotspots just out of town Albufeira has a varied selection of places to eat and drink, both day and night.

For people looking for beach eats Evaristo Restaurant comes highly recommended but is by no means your only option. After a few minute stroll in any direction once you hit the sand you will find a concession stand serving snacks.

Traditional Portuguese cuisine can be found all over Albufeira with the converted barn house Restaurante & Bar Quinta da Saudade a standout. Fine dining requirements are catered for by the likes of Al Quima and others. If you crave the homeliest and most comfortable of comfort foods Stews & More will fill your stomach and your heart.

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Bars in Albufeira

When it comes to international cuisine, much like everywhere else in the world, south Asian food is well represented. There are several Indian restaurants around the Algarve with Jaipur Indian Restaurant enjoying mythical status. UK holiday makers looking for a taste of home The Cockerel Country Kitchen has been catering to Albufeira’s many British expats for many years.

When it comes to bars Alburfeira shows the same versatility. The marina is full of watering holes serving fine food like Belize Café Terrace & Deck whereas Sun Deck provides a great vantage point to plan your night on The Strip. Elsewhere on The Strip the themed BJ’s Canadian Sports Bar touts itself as ‘a taste of the true North in the beautiful South’.

For people looking to step away from the hurly burley and catch up with the sport from home a visit to 33 Sports Bar should be on your list and if you are looking for a quintessential Irish pub while you’re exploring the charms Old Town, a trip to Sherry’s is recommended

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Beaches close to Albufeira

Even by Algarve standards Albufeira has a stunning number and range of beaches. Such is the diversity you can visit a different first class beach every day for weeks.

They can be broadly split into open tourist friendly beaches and beaches that are more defined by their caves and coves. The large, facilities rich, family friendly beaches of Albufeira are enormous Praia da Falésia, Gale Leste, Oura, Santa Eulalia, with its colourful fishing boats dotted around the beach and Alemães with a floating playground a few metres off the coast. Of the cliff lined beaches with intimate coves Sao Rafael, Castelo, Coelha and Evaristo fit the bill.

These differences are not always stark with some beaches having both open and secluded areas. You will also find at least one restaurant and beach bar, offering snacks and locally caught seafood dishes on every beach. 

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Golf courses in and around Albufeira

Central Albufeira has two nine hole and an eighteen hole golf course offering different experiences. It is not unusual for enthusiasts to visit more than one course during a trip to the region.

The 18-hole Salgados Golf Course is an open course set in a wildfowl habitat between sand dunes and marshland. Exposed to the elements and designed to flow perfectly with the surroundings its open nature has seen it described as a links course. However unlike traditional links courses where golfers are in a constant battle against the wind and rain, Salgados has traded those elements for year round sunshine.

The aptly named Pine Cliffs is a 9-hole course on the coastal cliffs of the Algarve with pine tree lined fairways leading to the Atlantic Ocean. Part scenic tour part golf course Pine Cliffs GC’s raised position on the coast ensures each hole provides stunning views. The other 9 hole course is at Balaia Golf Village. This par 3 is ideal for those looking to tune up their game or play your friends and family for bragging rights with some friendly ‘nearest the pin’ wagers.

If this roster of courses doesn’t do it for you, being the Algarve, there are plenty of other championship golf courses an easy drive away in Carvoeiro, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura.

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Family attractions in and around Albufeira

There’s lots of family friendly fun available in Albufeira. Waterparks like Slide & Splash, Aquashow Park and Aqualand will keep young and old busy all day with enough activities to tucker out the most active of family members.

However for sheer variety of things to do a visit to facility laden Zoomarine is highly recommended. Just a 10 minute drive from downtown Albufeira this theme park inspired by marine animals looks to educate as well as entertain. Similarly the fun-filled theme park KrazyWorld is blessed in the sheer amount of entertainment available, combining a mini-zoo, petting farm, crazy golf, paintball and much more.

For those looking for a bit of adventure Parque Aventura offer a fantastic day traversing tree top courses and paintball, suited for family or large group excursions. If you’re looking to quench your need for speed Hot Wheels Raceway on Albufeira marina offers carting fun on a track claiming to be the fastest in the Algarve.

Alternativley you and your family can enjoy a good old fashioned day out at Hotshot Bowling & Leisure Centre. As well as the 9 lanes for bowling you can indulge in pool, air hockey, a Virtual Reality Experience, arcade classics, amusements and children’s rides.

Away from the beach or pool there are plenty of things to do in Albufeira that are suitable for kids of any age (including you). If you are coming with teenagers or above the active pursuits like water sports, horse riding or cycling around Albufeira will also suit a family day out.

Golf Resort are all within ten miles of downtown Albufeira.

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Tours in Albufeira and around the Algarve

There are a number of cruises and tours available out of Albufeira to take you out to a world ripe for exploration.

Snorkelling and scuba diving are popular, with a number of vendors providing lessons and equipment. Under the tutelage of fully certified experienced instructors you can fully explore what’s on offer just below the ocean surface. A number of natural and artificial reefs are home to a wide selection of marine animals where you can expect to see fish, spider crabs, octopuses and on some occasions the odd pod of dolphins.

On the water yacht tours, catamaran cruises and glass bottomed boats are the best way to discover the caves, rock formations and isolated bays dotted along the eye catching coastline. You can also choose how long you want to be on the ocean according to the sturdiness of your sea legs. Hardy seafarers can opt for a full day fishing or take a journey of discovery all the way up to the Cabo Carvoeiro lighthouse which has been in operation since the end of the 19^th century. If you want to relax watching the descent of dusk a spectacular ‘Sunset Cruise’ may be more your speed. Algarve Seafaris and Algarve Experience are two of the most popular vendors providing boat trips out of the marina.

On land you can go exploring under your own steam on the increasingly popular bike tours. However if you prefer to be ‘carried rather than walk’ a horse riding or horse carriage tour of the beaches and countryside of Albufeira are recommended as are a tuk tuk tour. This mode of transport is growing quickly in the Algarve and is proving a creative way to go exploring. Tours with a guide on these small, clean machines will introduce you to some of Albufeira’s hidden gems you wouldn’t have found by yourselves.

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Cultural attractions in and around Albufeira

Albufeira is a pretty town bursting with character that has developed from a small fishing village to one of the Algarve’s leading tourist destinations in just over three decades. Over that time it has developed plenty of contrasting locations to keep night owls, culture vultures and history buffs happy.

The town is split into two distinct sections, the busy and lively Praia d’Oura Montechoro ‘strip’ and the cosmopolitan and charming Old Town of Albufeira. On the west side of the old town is the new luxury marina, boasting amazing sea excursions and activities along with its own run of restaurants, and bars. To the east of Albufeira, heading in the direction of Vilamoura, you will find the bustling village of Olhos d’Agua. Like Albufeira, Olhos d’Agua has developed over the years from a sleepy fishing village into the popular tourist destination it is today.

For those looking to experience the ‘real Algarve’ a trip to the markets of Loule and Calicos is highly recommended. If you are looking to soak up a little history a visit to the churches Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha & Igreja Matriz and their surrounding areas are an interesting and educational day out.

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Albufeira Villas

With fully air-conditioned rooms, private gardens and barbecue spaces for outdoor dining in each of our one to nine-bedroom Algarve villas, you can unwind in peace in your own Portuguese oasis. Albufeira offers a number of bistros, attractions and nightclubs, right on your doorstep. There is something for everyone here, from exploring the landscape on an off road safari tour, to riding the waves with a water sports class.

After a long day’s exploration of the old town streets, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in your own private, heated pool, before heading out again for a taste of local cuisine.

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