Albufeira Holidays

With a string of blissful beaches, verdant golf courses and year-round sunshine, Albufeira has it all going on. What once was a scenic fishing village is now one of the most popular resorts in Portugal’s Algarve, bursting at the seams with attractions and activities to keep you entertained on your beach break. Head to the picturesque Old Town to soak up some culture, hit the Strip for a vibrant night scene, or simply set up camp along the golden coast and laze for days - we won’t judge!

Beaches
Blessed with a 30km stretch of soft, sunkissed sands, if there’s one thing that Albufeira does well, it’s beaches. Offering a vast menu of quiet coves, watersport hotspots and lively sweeps of sand, whatever your preference, there’s somewhere for every kind of holidaymaker to lay down a towel. Praia dos Pescadores - also known as Fisherman’s Beach - is one of the main beaches in Albufeira. You’ll find it nestled alongside the Old Town flying its Blue Flag, making for a great setting for those lazy beach days. Just a short walk from here, the supple golden sands of Praia do Peneco await, another hotspot for sunseekers in Albufeira. Looking for a hidden gem? Give Praia dos Aveiros a try. This small, quiet cove is sandwiched between the main beaches in the area, offering some tranquility between the hustle and bustle.

Food & Drink
Thanks to the main square lined with cafes, bars and restaurants in the Old Town, there are plenty of opportunities to get a taste of the local cuisine in Albufeira. Fresh fish and seafood are a staple on most menus due to the popularity of fishing in the area, with fresh cod, monkfish, tuna, bream and plenty other types of fish making an appearance in most restaurants. Bacalhau is one of the most popular dishes in the Algarve, comprised of dried salt-cod, and it can be served in over 300 different ways! Other mouthwatering dishes include spicy piri-piri chicken, hearty bean stews and Bifanas - a traditional Portuguese sandwich made up of marinated pork stuffed into a crusty white roll, sometimes accompanied by lettuce and tomato. Now that’s a BLT like never before! Portuguese fare can be quite salty, so if you’re looking for something to quench your thirst then you’ll find that freshly squeezed orange juice is readily available due to the vast amount of orange trees in the area, or - if you’re craving something stronger - a nice, crisp glass of port.

Culture
The Old Town, nestled in the heart of Albufeira, is a hub for cultural sights and historical buildings. You can spend your days weaving between cobbled streets, exploring museums and seeking shade in the beautiful churches. One of the city’s most striking landmarks is the Cathedral of St. Anne, which dates back to the 18th century with its whitewashed walls and intricately carved details. Don’t forget to stop by the Municipal Archaeological Museum, too, for an insight into the Algarve’s history, with everything from ancient manuscripts and tools to household items. You’ll also find the picturesque Albufeira Marina located between Lisbon and Faro, framed by restaurants, bars and shops so you can make a full day of it and grab a bite by the waterfront.

Nightlife
Some say that Albufeira is just as famous for its nightlife as it is for its beaches. When it comes to a vibrant night scene, the Strip which cuts through the Montechoro area is the place to be for all things lively. When the sun goes down, this neon strip comes alive with a rainbow of lights, heart thumping DJ sets, foam parties and cocktails around the clock. If that’s a little too rowdy for your tastes, then you can have just as much of an enjoyable evening in the Old Town. It’s not quite as busy as the Strip, but you’ll still find a wealth of bars and restaurants to weave in and out of.

Important Information
Flight Time: 3hrs
Time Difference: 0hrs
Currency: Euro
Official Language: Portuguese

Vaccinations
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

Visa
British Passport holders don’t need a visa to visit Albufeira. Holders of other passports are advised to check with their national embassy for any visa requirements.

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Almancil, Altura, Alvor, Balaia, Cabanas, Carvoeiro, Faro, Lagos, Monte Gordo, Montechoro, Portimao, Praia da Luz, Praia da Oura, Praia da Rocha, Quarteira, Quinta do Lago, Tavira, Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura