10 Best Things To Do in Albufeira

Albufeira is one of the best known towns in the Algarve. It attracts numerous tourists all year round, usually in the summer months. If you are planning a getaway to this part of Portugal, I recommend that you spend a few days getting to know it in depth.

There are many things to do, whatever your tastes: from going to the municipal market to get a taste of the local way of life to taking a jeep tour of the most beautiful villages and countryside in the province.

The old town, with its traditional architecture and cobbled streets, is a charming place. Strolling through it you will find many bars and restaurants serving typical Portuguese cuisine where you can sample the gastronomy of this part of the country. Without a doubt, it is one of the best tours you can do in Albuferia.

Beyond its white plastered houses and balconies full of flowerpots, the centre of Albufeira has several sights to see.

• Praça da República: is the main square and it is very common to see artists playing live music here.
• The church of San Sebastian which is very close to the square.
• The Mirador del Pescador viewpoint: from where you can look out over the Atlantic Ocean and take some magnificent photos to remember. In short, wonderful views.
• Some of the best beaches in Albufeira, you will be pleased to know that the old town has access to several of them.

About 30 kilometres from Albufeira lie these wonderful natural caves. Formed by the erosion of the sea, they are one of the Algarve's greatest natural treasures. One of the biggest attractions is the natural skylight in the ceiling, which creates a light show worth seeing.

Although it is possible to access the caves on foot at low tide, I recommend booking a speedboat tour of the Benagil Caves in Albufeira. During the ride it's not surprising that you might spot dolphins. It's a fun experience and a great way to enjoy the spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

However, be aware that the Benagil Caves attract hundreds of tourists, especially in high season. Therefore, I think this is one of the best things to do in Albufeira in April, when the weather is good but the town is still quiet.

Even if you go to Albufeira in November, you should make the most of your trip to discover and explore its beaches and coves.

It is true that in summer you will be able to enjoy them to a greater extent, having the opportunity to dive into the sea and do some water sports. However, if you go in the winter months you can also stroll along the shore or sit and contemplate the views.

• Praia de Falésia: this is the best of them all and is characterised by its golden sand and cliffs.
• Praia dos Pescadores: it is also very touristic and is located right in the centre of the city. Here you will find different beach bars where you can taste fresh fish.
• Praia do Castelo: I recommend it if you want to get away from the tourists and are looking for a more intimate and quiet experience. It is located between cliffs and is small but very quiet.
• Praia da Coelha: another beach that also offers a serene atmosphere.

Not everything in Albufeira is related to the beach, as you may visit the city in other months of the year than summer. So keep in mind a visit that could very well be one of the best things to do in Albufeira in December, March or any other time of year.

Albufeira's municipal market is located in the centre of the city, on Avenida dos Descobrimentos. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the culture of the city, starting with the traditional tiled architecture of the building.

Inside you can find all kinds of fresh local produce and different restaurants that prepare their dishes with the products from the stalls, making it the ideal place to sample the local gastronomy. And if you're lucky, your visit may coincide with a themed festival or art exhibition.

One of the most peculiar activities in Albufeira is touring its best beaches and coves on a pirate ship. This, considered one of the best boat tours in Albufeira, will offer you the opportunity to swim during the tour and enjoy the crystal clear waters.

Among the places you will usually pass by is Praia Sao Rafael, which stands out for its cliffs. You'll also be able to see the capela da Nossa Senhora da Rocha, a chapel that stands on top of a cliff and looks like something out of a fairytale.

As if that wasn't enough, when you book a Leaozinho boat trip, it's also common to stop at one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world according to the Michelin guide: praia da Marinha.

Portugal is a paradise for water sports. Many water sports enthusiasts flock to the Portuguese coast every year. And, in particular, the Algarve is the ideal destination for you if you want to practice a water sport.

The wide range of sports offered by the conditions in Albufeira means that you can find one that suits your tastes and needs. For example, you can go snorkelling to discover the underwater world or add some adrenaline to the experience and book a parasailing experience in Albufeira.

Parasailing experience in Albufeira

If you like extreme sports, I recommend a parasailing flight in Albufeira. For a few minutes you will soar through the sky while observing the city's seascape from above. Beforehand, on the boat, a professional guide will give you the necessary instructions so that everything goes smoothly.

The experience usually lasts about an hour and a half. In addition, one of the great advantages is that it is done in small groups of about 3 people, which allows it to be very personalised. It is also common to be able to choose between different departure times.

The best time to parasail in Albufeira is in spring or autumn, as the temperatures here are pleasant but not excessively high. Therefore, this is one of the best things to do in October in Albufeira.

Kayaking or paddle surfing through Albufeira's hidden caves and beaches

If you are one of those who prefer to do fun activities during your trips, you can book a kayaking or paddle surfing tour in Albufeira in the different beaches and coves of the area.

This type of experience usually includes the accompaniment of a professional guide who will help you, so you don't need any previous experience. It is a very calm and pleasant adventure with which you can discover impressive caves and cliffs from the serenity of your kayak or board.

Specifically, the tour that I propose is two hours long and includes a stop at a white sandy beach to recharge your batteries while you rest and enjoy some delicious snacks.

Diving experience

If you are a curious person and are not afraid of diving into the depths of the sea, I recommend booking a diving experience for beginners in Albufeira. Thanks to its crystal clear and clean waters, you will be able to observe a large number of fish from the Atlantic Ocean.

Your guide will give you a theoretical and practical lesson, as well as provide you with the equipment. There are excursions with a duration of about 3 hours or so. Some of them include a first dive in a pool as a simulation. In addition, there is usually one guide for every two people, so you don't have to worry about anything happening to you.

The dive usually lasts an hour and a half and you'll reach a depth of 12 metres. At the end of the dive you will receive an official SSI certification.

One of the best activities in Albufeira is Zoomarine Algarve. It is the most famous water park in Portugal and has all kinds of water attractions for everyone. It is also a zoo where you can see sea lions, birds of prey, seals or dolphins.

You will have a great time going down the endless slides, rafting or surfing in the park's wave pool. In addition, there is also a white sandy beach where you can stop to relax and sunbathe.

Zoomarine Algarve also hosts shows and exhibits, some of which are interactive. If you're hungry, you'll have no problem finding a place to grab a bite to eat, as the park has a number of different restaurants and establishments.

From the city of Faro to Cacela Velha, 60 kilometres of lagoons, marshes, beaches and islands stretch under the name of Ria Formosa. This Natural Park is one of Portugal's great treasures due to its ecological importance.

You can see everything from flamingos to herons, visit its islands and white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters or visit some of the fishing villages that form part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, such as San Luzia or Fuseta.

The park has different visitor centres located at strategic points. Here you can learn more about the fauna and flora of the area. In addition, there are educational activities where both children and adults can learn in a fun way.

Activities in the Ria Formosa Natural Park

Ría de la Formosa is a place where you can do all kinds of outdoor activities. On the one hand, birdwatching is very common in the park and excursions are offered for this purpose.

In addition, there are also boat trips that go around the islands, lagoons and marshes of the area. If you are more of a land person than a water person, I recommend a walk along the marked paths in the park. You can also take a cycling route.

If you like photography, don't forget your camera, as you can take some spectacular landscape photographs. In addition to all of the above, it is also common to go kayaking or paddleboarding. Of course, you can just enjoy the beaches.

One of the best ways to get to know the area is to book a jeep tour of Albufeira. You will be able to get to know the historical villages of the region and visit the characteristic orange groves of Albufeira.

You will usually be accompanied by a local guide, who will tell you everything you need to know about the landscapes and villages you will visit, as well as the different ancient castles you will see during the tour.

In addition, some jeep tours include extra activities, such as a swim in a beautiful waterfall or a tasting of Medronho brandy, an aromatic drink very typical of this area. The activity usually lasts about 4 hours and you can usually choose between two time slots: in the morning or in the afternoon.

Albufeira is known for its lively nightlife and is one of the most entertaining cities in Portugal. The quintessential area for partying is The Strip, as Sá Carneiro Avenue is known. This street is lined with nightclubs and pubs playing all kinds of music.

Of course, the historic centre of the city also has a number of bars and pubs, but here you will find a more local and less touristy atmosphere. In addition to these two areas, boat parties are very common, especially in summer.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Albufeira, whatever your tastes and preferences. Also, in case you are flying into the city, I recommend that you take a look at the Albufeira airport transfers for a more comfortable experience.