Tips for your holidays in Albufeira
Albufeira is one of the most liveliest cities in the Algarve. In fact, this coastal city has fantastic beaches, beautiful turquoise waters, and a unique rocky coastline that makes the
Algarve so special.
Therefore, boat tours are very popular. The fishing village has become a
major holiday destination.
The perfect destination for the ones looking for the
best boat tours and watersports in the Algarve and also for a
busy nightlife.
Albufeira has a modern marina, where you can find some of the best watersports and boat tours in the Algarve, such as diving, dolphin watching, and other boat trips. Boat tours run all year round.
The Marina is surrounded by candy-colored apartments and on its waterfront promenade, you can have a nice lunch and drinks.
- Our favorite beach: Praia de Santa Eulália - Olhos de Água
- Our favorite restaurant: Vila Joia, Galé
- Our favorite boat tours: Caves & dolphin watching
- Our favorite watersport: First dive Albufeira
Best things to do during your holidays
Albufeira is a coastal city located in the Algarve, South Portugal. The old fisherman town, transformed into a highly demanded destination for tourism in the last years. The beaches, the boat tours, and the exciting nightlife have been attracting many holidaymakers.
Albufeira’s old town, is a traditional Portuguese city, with narrow streets, small shops, and a beautiful central square. Praça dos Pescadores is a square that connects the city with Praia dos Pescadores.
Praia do Túnel and Praia dos Pescadores, are basically beaches located within the urban area, city beaches. With white sand and turquoise water, this is the perfect beach destination.
Until a few years back, Praia dos Pescadores was known as a beach full of small and colorful fisher boats. Nowadays, the fishermen depart from the modern marina.
The Albufeira marina, surrounded by colorful buildings, is the place for some fun. Many boat tours and watersports depart from the Marina. Visit “Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira” for a great view of the city and beaches.
Wine lovers should search for Adega do Cantor, for a guided tour to know the process of wine production from the Portuguese vineyard to the bottle. The wine locally produced can be tasted and bought.
Regarding nightlife, Avenida Dr. Sá Carneiro is known as the main road of the Strip area. This area is surrounded by clubs, pubs, and bars, with many neon lights. There is entertainment until late hours.
If you are coming for some golf, there are many options nearby to go golfing with friends or family. If you want to do some golf with your family, the best option is the “Family Golf park”.
There are many theme parks in the surroundings, such as Aqualand, where you can have great water fun; Fiesa, “Festival Internacional de Escultura em Areia”, an exhibition of sand sculptures; “Parque Aventura”, for great family fun; or Zoomarine, a dolphinarium, which we honestly don’t recommend, as we believe dolphins should swim in the Ocean. Especially, as there are many boat tours, to see wild dolphins.
Castelo de Paderne, is a rural fortress built in the late 12th century and first decades of the 13th century, known for its Moorish architecture and military construction in “taipa”.
In the inside of the ruins of “Castelo de Paderne”, you can find the “Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Assunção”.
The Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Assunção is a religious monument, it is a ruin of an old church.
Castelo de Paderne is located nearby, in a city called Paderne. The Museum of Archeology unfolds the historical process of the city and in the bordering cities.
The best Albufeira boat tours
The
best boat tours are most definitely the
caves and dolphin-watching tours. These boat tours allow you to see both the
impressive caves and wild dolphins.
The majority of the
cave boat tours do visit many caves, including the
Benagil cave and Praia da Marinha. Also beautiful spots, less talked about, but as impressive, Praia da Senhora da Rocha. The
BBQ boat tours are also very popular, most of them are provided on comfortable catamarans.
There are many
fishing tours available. From speed boats to sailing yachts, we can help you find the best option.
The Albufeira boat tours depart from the Albufeira marina and are available almost all year long available. There are many boat tours, but don’t forget to book in advance, as they get
sold out very quickly.The best watersports
The
best watersport? Definitely, the
SUP tours to visit the caves and amazing surrounding beaches of the area. Rent a jet ski for some more adrenaline and speed. The
jetskis can only be used in a restricted area. Even though, it’s great fun.
Where and what to eat
For some
fish or meat, o have dinner we would recommend the Louisiana Restaurant,
“O Farnel” &
“Rusty'co Bar e Restaurante”. For fish lovers, sardines are fatter and fresher in the summer months. Sargos, Douradas, and Robalos (sea bass) should be eaten during winter months for the best taste.
The Mercado Municipal dos Caliços is a typical market where you can find a variety of fresh and delicious local food. You will find fresh fish, fresh meat, fresh vegetables, fresh bread, local bakeries, cafés, and some nice authentic restaurants.
Enjoy the beautiful beaches
There are a lot of beautiful beaches along the Algarve coast. The white sand, turquoise waters, sea caves, and colorful cliffs and caves make this city, one of the best beach destinations in Portugal.
The most popular beaches around are Praia da Falésia (and its neighboring Praia do Barranco das Belharucas), Praia da Rocha Baixinha, Praia de São Rafael and Praia da Oura.
Praia do Peneco is the urban beach, right next to the city center, just like Praia do Inatel. In the Eastern direction, a little further from town, you'll find Praia dos Alemães. Around Sesmarias, you'll find Praia da Coelha, Praia dos Arrifes and Praia do Castelo.
About 2,7 miles East of the city you'll find Praia de Santa Eulália and Praia da Balaia, some of our favorites! Praia dos Aveiros is also worth a visit as it's rather cute, being enclosed in a small cove and flanked at either end by impressive rock formations.
In the area of Olhos De Água, Praia Maria Luísa is a must-visit with its lovely cliffs. Food lovers have probably heard of Praia do Evaristo, which was baptized after the famous restaurant it's home to.
Whatever you decide to do during your holiday, we promise you will love the watersports and boat tours. Sunshine and a lot of fun are guaranteed! For any further tips or requests, feel free to contact us anytime.