Albufeira, Portugal – An Essential Travel Guide for 2025

Albufeira is the largest resort town on the Algarve coast in southern Portugal, 45km from Faro and 255km from Lisbon. Its location makes it a great base from which to explore the towns and villages of the region. Clear waters and cliff-lined beaches have helped this become the most visited resort in the Algarve. Social media pictures commonly show sunbathers sprawled across the golden sands, but is there more to this resort than its beaches?

Find out below!

• Currency – Euro
• Language – Portuguese but locals speak fluent English
• Time – No time difference with Ireland
• Plugs – Type F plug (the 2-prong rounded one) so pack an adaptor
• Cash or Card – Card is accepted throughout and ATMs are plentiful should you need cash
• Public Toilets – Common along the beach
• Tipping – Not absolutely necessary but usually expected

Faro Airport (FAO) is a 40 minute drive from Albufeira and a 2hrs 55mins flight from Dublin. This single-terminal building is easy to navigate but gets extremely busy during the summer season so expect long queues! During the winter the airport becomes something of a ghost town with few passengers passing through. Unsurprisingly, given its size, there isn’t a massive selection of restaurants and bars here.

Find Cheap Flights to Albufeira

There are four ways to reach Albufeira from the airport, although taking a train is awkward as it requires first catching a bus into Faro City.

By Bus: From May to October the Aerobus runs to Albufeira from the main airport entrance for €15 each way. These buses stop running at 7:30pm each evening, after which you will need to catch a taxi or Uber. The journey takes 40 minutes and you can pay the driver oer use the Vamus app to reduce the cost.

By Taxi: There is a taxi rank outside the airport but this expensive journey costs over €50. A better idea is to download the Uber or Bolt app to hail a ride. The prices for all of these rise at night when there is no other public transport available. By far the best option is to use a private transfer as outlined below.

Private Transfer: If booking a holiday through a company like OnTheBeach.ie then include transfers as part of your package as the public transport options are poor. Alternatively, book a private transfer when you arrive, especially if travelling in a group. Shared transfers take a little longer as they make multiple stops but they are much cheaper than taxis and allow you to book your return journey.

Book Transfers from Faro Airport

One thing certainly not lacking in Albufeira is accommodation options, for every kind of holiday. If its relaxation you want, head to the west of the resort. Party animals on the other hand will prefer a hotel close to the eastern side. Although nowhere does all-inclusive better, there are many decent two and three star hotels and apartments here. We tend to go for something in between with a nice four-star and we find OnTheBeach.ie to be the cheapest travel agents in Ireland right now.

We stayed half-board at the four-star Cerro Mar Garden. We typically enjoy dining out but a very average culinary scene here makes half-board a good option. While the hotel had pleasant staff and a delicious breakfast, dinner did leave a lot to be desired. The swimming pools are great (especially the indoor one for chillier days) but we rather annoyingly needed to rise before 9am to secure sunbeds!

This hotel is all about location as it overlooks the town and its fabulous beach on the quieter side of the resort. Reaching these requires descending 99 steps but the hotel runs a complimentary shuttle bus service so it’s not a problem.

Check out Albufeira Hotels

Dining out in Albufeira is cheaper than in Ireland, with many main courses costing €8 – €14. Almost every restaurant has a greeter outside of it who, although friendly, can be somewhat pushy! Alfredo is a beautifully decorated restaurant offering delicious Italian grub in an idyllic atmosphere. For a more upbeat option head to Taco and Burrito near the strip for a tasty Mexican feast. The décor in this place is great and it’s a really enjoyable place to take the kids.

There is also no shortage of gelaterias where you can pick up a scrumptious desert on the go.

Those staying in self-catering accommodation will find Spar Supermarkets abundant for groceries throughout the resort.

Hot Beverages: The coffee culture in Albufeira is unlike that of Ireland. There are few nice cafés for a morning cappuccino but there are plenty of tapas bars that serve tasty brews and snacks.

Alcohol: Drink in Albufeira is cheap, with large beers costing €2 – €4 and cocktails ranging from €7 – €10. The cocktails are delicious but they pack a punch!

The best bars are located around the Jardim Publico. Authentic Portuguese bars are rare but O Paolo is a delightful one with a great vibe. Of the many Irish Bars in the area our favourite is The Three Harps. Crowds gather here to dance and have the craic whilst being serenaded by tremendous live music. They show all of the GAA and Premier League matches here during the day.

For a manic night head to the strip at Avenida Francisco Sa Carneiro. You’ll find bucket loads of loud bars and nightclubs pumping music and offering free shots or cocktails to all who pass. The fun never really stops at the best nightlife hub in the Algarve, where the clubs stay open till 6am!

Super Bock and Sagres: Super Bock, brewed near Porto and Sagres which is brewed in its namesake region in southwest Portugal are the two most consumed beers in the country. These lagers are both tastier and cheaper than imported beers so we recommend switching to them for your trip.

Try to visit Albufeira from June to August for average temperatures of up to 23 degrees. Although immensely busy, multiple beaches and a huge collection of bars and restaurants ensure the resort caters well for the crowds. A joyous family atmosphere oozes through the streets during these peak months. The town’s best attractions are all outdoors and require sunny days to be enjoyed to the fullest.

Travel on Foot: Although the footpaths in Albufeira are good, the hills make it tricky to navigate on foot for the elderly. Older visitors should base themselves near the coast as the roads tend to rise as you walk inland. The main beaches are accessible via an escalator at one end and an elevator at the other. The resort is also very safe, so walking in groups after dark is ok.

Public Transport: Taxis are fairly cheap but apps like Uber or Bolt are much handier. GIRO buses connect the bus station to the suburbs but these aren’t overly useful for navigating the inner areas of the resort. Instead catch Turistrem, a fun road Tourist Train that costs just €6 for a day ticket, meaning you can hop on and off as you please. It makes stops at either end of the strip and Praia dos Pescadores, among others, so it’s a handy way to move around.

Vehicle Hire: It’s possible to hire a car from just €10 per day but the roads can be problematic to navigate. A much better idea is to avail of Ubers or rent a scooter or bicycle to get around the resort. This will allow you to explore a little further afield too.

Find Cheap Bicycle Rentals

Albfueira has two very different faces. The youth descend upon the clubs of the New Town area to party until the early hours. Families prefer the Old Town and its beaches where they can unwind in comfort. It is still very much a family resort and a paradise of happiness during the summer.

Avenida Francisco Sa Carneiro Albufeira’s main strip and the best known nightlife spot in the Algarve. This neon-lit street in the Montechoro suburb is unsurprisingly thronged with British hen and stag groups. Families should head here early in the evening to see its modern restaurants and trendy bars before the nightclubs open and it becomes a little unruly.

Since opening in 2005 the marina has been a reprieve from the madness of the New Town. Its chill restaurants and bars are all housed within colourful buildings overlooking the yachts, creating a laidback vibe. This is where you will depart for any water excursions you book during your stay. It’s a long walk across a steep hill from the town so catching an Uber or cycling is advisable.

The relaxed suburb of Santa Eulalia to the east of Albufeira runs into the gorgeous Praia De Santa Eulalia beach. The umbrella pine-lined stretch is a romantic place for a stroll or a dip in its shallow waters. Although close to the resort, this blue flag beach is more serene than those in its centre.

Praia dos Pescadores is the best of the 25 blue flag beaches that make up the coastline around Albufeira. It owes its name, meaning fisherman’s beach, to the fishing vessels that resided here before the opening of the marina in 2005. There are quieter beaches on this 1.9km stretch of coastline, but this one caters well for the sunbathing crowds.

Praia da Oura at the end of the strip is a popular alternative. It is smaller however and therefore overflows with tourists during the summer.

The most authentic part of Albufeira is the area around its Old Town Square, just behind Praia dos Pescadores beach. These narrow cobblestoned streets and tree-lined boulevards are unquestionably the heart of the resort. Head here with the family during the summer to dine al fresco while absorbing the street performances that are happening on the pedestrianized streets around you. The atmosphere around the shops and squares here is surreal.

Albufeira relies heavily on tourists to survive and caters extremely well for them. It is a melting pot of friendly locals and tourists from Portugal, Ireland and Britain among others. The jovial atmosphere carries on into the night as families wander the squares being entertained by street performers. There is banter to be had here, especially in any of the Irish bars.

While it is true that this is a brilliant party destination, one can easily avoid the madness. The western side is home to plenty of cocktail bars where you can unwind without the deafening music. This resort works equally as well as a family destination or a party central, meaning there is something here for everyone.

Slide and Splash is the better of the two giant waterparks near Albufeira. The 10 hectare park opens from early April each year and is currently in the midst of a big expansion. Adrenaline fuelled visitors can tackle exhilarating slides like Kamikaze, Boomerang and the Black Hole while more timid patrons relax in a pleasant green area. The park lacks a lazy river however which is a little disappointing for nervier visitors. There are plenty of dining options and visitors are permitted to bring a picnic should they wish.

Day tickets can be purchased at the gate for €33 during the high season but can usually be bought in advance at a discount via their website.

Buy Slide and Splash Entrance Tickets

A variety of beaches make up this golden coast but Praia Dos Pescadores is definitely the star. This wheelchair accessible strand is reachable using an outdoor elevator or via a tunnel carved into the sheer cliffs on its western edge. To the east it can be reached via a cool outdoor escalator that gives great views over the town.

Calm waters make this a terrific place for swimming or for water sports such as parasailing and kayaking. It also happens to be very scenic thanks to the rocky cliffs that surround the beach. The merry atmosphere of the Albufeira streets spills out onto the sand.

The superb facilities here include toilets, showers, sunbeds and parasols to rent and lifeguards are constantly on duty. If you want to get the adrenaline pumping you can rent jet skis or tackle the floating obstacle course.

This coast is awash with sea caves that can be explored via boat tours. The most impressive of these grottoes is Benagil Cave, evidenced by the huge number of tours that visit it daily. In fact, the only way to visit the cave is by boat as swimming here is prohibited. These strict regulations around visiting Benagil are intended to help protect it from erosion.

Other popular maritime trips here revolve around dolphin watching. Several species of these playful creatures can be spotted swimming alongside your boat as you cruise through the waters.

The below tour takes you on a 2.5 hour cruise from Albufeira marina and covers both of the above activities. Marine biologists impart dolphin knowledge on you as you travel along on this 47-seater boat. You will also get to spot hidden grottoes and explore Benagil Cave for your €34 ticket. Bring swimming gear as you can even go for a dip if you wish. Remember that dolphins are wild animals however, so sightings are never guaranteed.

Benagil Cave and Dolphin Watching Tour

Zoomarine is an oceanographic park situated 9kms from Albufeira. It can be reached via bus but an Uber or taxi will have you there in just 20 minutes.

There are amusements and a water park with wave pools and lazy rivers onsite but the main attraction is the live animal performances. The entrance fee allows you to explore an aquarium and witness amazing shows involving seals, sea lions, dolphins, seals and tropical birds. The park is highly conservation focused so you can be assured that the animals are treated with kindness and respect.

The most unmissable experience in the Algarve is an unforgettable blend of education and entertainment for children and adults alike. Day tickets cost €32 but can usually be picked up cheaper using the links below. Enhance the fun by paying €145 for the Dolphin Emotions experience to get into the water alongside one of these marvellous creatures!

Buy Zoomarine Entrance Tickets

Buy Zoomarine Dolphin Emotions Tickets

Portugal is one of the best countries in Europe for golfing and many of its premier courses are located in the Algarve. Albufeira is perfectly sandwiched between two great options; Salgados Golf Club to the west and the Balaia Golf Village to the east.

Salgados is a tricky 18-course set amongst stunning scenery with plenty of water hazards. Green fees cost €79 for a round. Alternatively Balaia is a splendid apartment resort with a brilliant 9-hole course. Non-residents can play the course twice for €45, and clubs are available to rent.

For something more child-friendly check out the MiniGolf Adventure Park. Tickets cost just €12 to play 22 fun holes and there are toilets and a café onsite.

Buy MiniGolf Adventure Park Tickets

Those yearning for a city will find Faro a worthy alternative to Lisbon and Porto, which are both quite far away. Head to this quaint regional capital to escape the bustle of the resort towns for a day. Trains run from Albufeira-Ferreiras Railway Station but the station is far from the resort centre, so the best means of getting here is via a Rede Expressos bus. These cost around €10 and the journey typically takes 50 minutes.

This vast city has retained its classy Portuguese authenticity. Its prettiest area is the walled Old Town of Cidade Velha, which is an orange tree-lined mesh of cobbled streets and ancient buildings including the Bishop’s Palace and Faro Cathedral. There are extraordinary views to be had from the latter’s tower.

Check out the Bone Chapel (Capela dos Ossos) in the Igreja do Carmo church. For €2 you can enter this eerie building to view the skeletons of over 1,000 monks that adorn its walls and ceilings. You won’t spend much time here but at this price it is certainly worth a peek.

There is plenty more to do here depending on how much time you have to kill. It is a very walkable city and you should make time for a stroll around the delightful marina if possible. Try to appreciate the contrasts between this sleepy traditional city and its hectic neighbouring resorts.

Bus Tickets to Faro

Visiting the fortified town of Silves is tricky since it and Albufeira’s train stations are quite out of the way. The lack of a bus station here means that buses connecting the two towns are not frequent. This 65km journey is definitely best made via an organised tour such as the one below.

The Moors were Muslims that arrived from North Africa in the 8th century and ruled Portugal for several centuries. They controlled the Algarve from Silves Castle, the imposing red-stoned structure that towers over the town. The guided tour hits up the busy municipal market, the archaeology museum and the cathedral before visiting this castle. Learn all about its Moorish history as you explore the battlements and gaze out over the town.

The 3 hour trip leaves ample time to explore the area’s main attractions. Many actually find this charming town a little boring, with the castle being its only truly standout attraction and those looking for something more upbeat should possibly head to Lagos instead.

Guided Tour to Silves

While Faro and Silves are laidback and traditionally Portuguese towns, Lagos is much livelier. This vibrant city is slightly smaller than Albufeira but has a thriving nightlife scene full of trendy bars and restaurants. Wander the historical side of the town, visiting the majestic Church of Saint Anthony and Forte de Bandeira as you travel. The altar in the Church of Saint Anthony is unlike anything you will have seen before.

Many visitors choose to visit the rock formations of the Ponte da Piedade headland but this may not be an option if time is limited. Lagos also has some pristine beaches but in reality those found in Albufeira are just as impressive.

It takes around 1 hour to get to Lagos and the trip is best made by bus. Alternatively, you have the option of catching a train from Albufeira-Ferreiras Railway Station. Unfortunately you will need to catch a taxi to the railway station if staying near the resort centre.