The old town is the remnants of what was, right up to the 1960s, a traditional small fishing village. Amongst the white-washed buildings lining the narrow cobbled streets are some of the most family-orientated restaurants and attractions of Albufeira. Despite the profusion of hotels, bars, cheap eateries and souvenir shops, the old town retains much of its original charm.

The leafy central square, Praça da República, is decorated with trees and colourful shrubs. A selection of eateries inhabits its perimeter, offering an idyllic spot for a quiet lunch. Some of the architectural features of the old town, such as the Arco da Travessa da Igreja Velha, date back to the Moorish occupation of the area during early medieval times. The clock tower, Torre do Relógio, in the Rua Bernardino Sousa was once part of the Arabic defensive walls. The iron crown housing the bells that toll the hour are 19th century additions. Further remains of the original castle walls are on Rua Joaquim Pedro Samora. For those who wish to discover more about Albufeira's past, there's a small Archaeological Museum close to the clock tower housing exhibits from a Roman Villa, the Islamic period and prehistoric artefacts.
Tuesday – Saturday: 09h30 – 17h30, Sunday & Monday: CLOSED | €1.00
1 Praça da República, 8200-146 Albufeira, Portugal. | 37° 05' 13.6" N | 08° 15' 07.7" W
+351 266 470 510 | museu.municipal@cm-albufeira.pt | Website

Albufeira is famed for its nightlife just as much as the region's beaches. When the sun goes down, the bright lights come on. Although there are plenty of bars and eateries in the old town, for serious partygoers the place to go is the Montechoro area of town, better known as The Strip. Once restricted to the Avenida Sá Carneiro, the strip has spilt into adjoining streets, jam-packed will bars, clubs and a range of cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes. The food establishments range in taste and quality, from fast-food outlets to top-quality traditional restaurants.

The strip is ideal for those revellers in search of fun and letting their hair down and clubbing all night long. There are more bars on the strip to point a proverbial stick at. There are the obligatory sports bars, Irish pubs, cocktail bars and other themed bars. There are also several great bars worthy of note, such as Matt's Bar that thumps out dance music, Sherry's Bar and the Wild & Co Irish Pub and steakhouse.
From the many nightclubs, look out for Kiss, and the Club Vida. The Strip is located near the Praia da Oura and can be easily accessed from central Albufeira by bus or taxi.

The Marina itself is just one part of a holiday complex that includes bars, restaurants, hotels, villas, a leisure complex and the base for activity companies. The marina is managed in an environmentally conscious way, obtaining many awards and an ISO 14001 certification. Even if you're not so fortunate to own a yacht, the marina still makes an ideal place for a stroll, admiring the boats and the striking brightly coloured apartments lining the waterfront. Here too, you can find many companies offering nautical activities such as renting Jet skis, yachts and speedboats, para-sailing, dolphin watching, sunset boat tours and fishing trips.
Rua da Orada, 8201-918, Albufeira, Portugal. | 37° 05' 05.1" N | 08° 15' 56.7" W

Praia da Galé

A continuation of the beach at Armação de Pêra, Praia da Galé has wide-open sands on the western side, whilst the eastern end is composed of several caves, grottoes and sheltered rocky outcrops. The rock pools found here are great for kids to splash about in and the hotels close by allow access for families.
37° 04' 51.5" N | 08° 19' 00.9" W

Praia do Evaristo

Ten kilometres (8 mi) west of Albufeira town, the popular beach of Praia do Evaristo is endowed with fine golden sands against an ochre-coloured cliff backdrop. Praia do Evaristo has easy access, a car park and many supporting facilities for the whole family. Lifeguards patrol the beach during high season, a welcomed reassurance for bathers, snorkelers and all those enjoying the sea. Loungers and parasols are available for hire here. The Evaristo restaurant serves the catch-of-the-day and a delightful selection of grilled fish dishes. A little east of here is the Praia do Castelo, a stunning beach outlined by dunes with rocky outcrops. Praia do Castelo is popular with residents of the nearby hotels.
37° 04' 26.9" N | 08° 18' 11.7" W

Praia de São Rafael

Two and a half miles (4.0 km) west of Albufeira, close to the resort village of Sesmarias, is the small beach of Praia São Rafael. It has fine golden sand washed over by gentle, clear waters and backed by golden limestone cliffs. On the beach there are limestone formations sculpted over time into interesting forms. They have names such as Ninho das Andorinhas (Swallow's Nest) and Ponte Pequena (Small Bridge). The beach is busiest at its centre, with quieter spots found at the peripheries. The beach is well serviced, with public toilets and showers, loungers and parasols. Pedaloes can be hired, and the beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer. The beach has disabled access with boardwalks and paved sloping down to the beach from the car park.
37° 04' 28.4" N | 08° 16' 50.8" W

Praia dos Pescadores

Meaning "Fishermans beach", Praia dos Pescadores is one of Albufeira's most popular beaches because of its proximity to the old town. The remaining fishermen who land their catch here supply the many fish restaurants lining the beach-front terraces. Access is excellent, with an elevator to carry visitors to the beach level. There are great amenities at Praia dos Pescadores. You can hire loungers and parasols, and there's a choice of water sports and activities on offer. The beach square hosts occasional live performances and is the location for street markets and fairs. | 37° 05' 10.9" N | 08° 14' 59.0" W

Praia da Oura

A lovely stretch of white sand in Areias São Joao, near the Strip. Access is at the bottom of a hill bend on the promenade, home to many restaurants and cafés. Praia da Oura is the ideal spot to engage in water sports, such as para-sailing, jet boat rides, Jet Ski, banana rides, and many other watery pursuits.
37° 05' 09.3" N | 08° 13' 34.3" W

Praia Santa Eulália

Two and a half miles of white sand and light blue sea stretching eastwards out of Albufeira, the Santa Eulalia Beach is backdropped by sandstone cliffs, typical of this area. Its beauty, warm waters, easy access and excellent facilities make Santa Eulalia Beach one of the most popular in the area, and rightly so. There's a beach bar/café that provides refreshment and shade from the midday sun.
37° 05' 16.0" N | 08° 12' 51.4" W

Praia da Falésia

Famed for its ocher and red-coloured cliffs and rock formations, Praia da Falésia is a six-kilometre narrow stretch of sand between the towns of Albufeira and Quarteira. The beach is popular, but its size means it rarely feels crowded. The beach includes a small shop, toilet facilities, several restaurants ideal for enjoying the sunset, a playground for children, parasols and pedalo rental. There is also a small parking area near the beach itself. | 37° 05' 10.6" N | 08° 10' 10.5" W