Albufeira doesn’t mess about. It’s sunny, loud in parts, surprisingly quiet in others, and packed with more beach bars than you’ll know what to do with. If you’re heading to the Algarve and wondering where to base yourself, this place ticks a lot of boxes. Whether you’re here to lounge, party, paddleboard, or entertain the kids, things to do in Albufeira cover the full range.
Some people come to the beach. Some come for the nightlife. Others just want a week of good food and better weather. Either way, Albufeira delivers without trying too hard. And that’s part of the charm. Below, we’ve pulled together the best things to do in Albufeira so you can spend less time Googling and more time enjoying the sardines.
Explore Albufeira’s Old Town
Start with the old town. It’s the bit with the whitewashed buildings, tiled streets, and a few dozen souvenir shops all trying to sell you the same ceramic rooster. But beyond the fridge magnets, there’s proper atmosphere here.
The main square (“Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco”) is where most of the action happens—live music, street performers, and restaurants galore. You’ll find older locals sitting in cafés that haven’t changed since the ’70s, and younger crowds spilling out of bars with 2-for-1 cocktails.
Wander further and you’ll hit quieter alleys, where old men play cards in the shade and cats seem to run the place. There’s a little museum if you’re in the mood, but honestly, the best way to do the old town is to just follow your nose (usually towards grilled fish or espresso).
And if you’re not staying nearby, it’s worth the taxi just to soak it all in. It’s noisy, chaotic, relaxed and charming all at once. You’ll definitely end up back here.
Best Beaches to Relax and Swim
You’re in the Algarve, so yes—there are beaches. Loads of them. Praia dos Pescadores is the most central. It’s wide and sandy, has sunbeds and umbrellas, and just enough space to play paddleball badly. It’s also ideal if you want to dip in and out of the town centre.
Right next door is Praia do Peneco, which is equally handy and comes with its own lift. Yes, an actual lift carved into the cliffside to take you from street level down to the sand. No more pretending the hill doesn’t bother you. The beach itself is long, clean, and flanked by rocky outcrops that look great in photos and even better at sunset.
If you’re after something a bit more ‘Instagrammable’ and a little less crowded, head to Praia da Coelha or Praia de São Rafael. These are the beaches you came to the Algarve for—golden sand, turquoise sea, and cliffs that look like they were designed by someone who builds film sets for a living.
When looking for things to do in Albufeira Portugal, it’s simple: get to a beach, lie down, repeat.
Top Outdoor Activities and Water Sports
If you’re more ‘do stuff’ than ‘lie still’, good news—Albufeira’s got you covered. Boat tours leave from the marina all day, promising whales and dolphins but mainly delivering coastline and cava (and we’re not complaining)
Kayaking into sea caves is a good shout. They take you into those dramatic arches and rocky inlets you see on postcards. There’s also paddleboarding, which seems like a good idea until you realise you’ve got zero balance. Still, you’ll laugh, fall off, and end up in the water, which is the point.
Water sports more your thing? Jet skis, parasailing, banana boats are all on offer. Loud, fast, and slightly terrifying. Perfect.
Now, golf. The Algarve’s big on it, and Albufeira is within easy reach of several top-quality courses. Salgados Golf Course is the nearest—flat, full of water hazards, and good for all levels. If you’re more serious about your swing, hop over to Pine Cliffs. It’s a bit fancier, set on top of cliffs, and has views that you can always use as an excuse for your terrible putting.
Family-Friendly Attractions and Parks
Dragging the kids along? You’re in luck. Albufeira isn’t just for sunseekers and stag parties—it’s surprisingly family-friendly.
Zoomarine is the obvious pick. It’s part water park, part aquarium, part dolphin show, and it keeps the kids busy for an entire day. There’s also the Albufeira Marina, where you can hop on pirate ships (yes, really) or glass-bottom boats, depending on how gimmicky you’re feeling.
If the heat’s too much, head to a shaded park like Jardim da Cachoeira. Nothing fancy, just some green space and a playground, but it’s enough to give everyone a breather.
And if you’re around for a while, Parque Aventura is worth a go with zip lines, rope bridges, climbing courses. It’s like soft play for kids who like a bit of risk.
Nightlife and Dining Options in Albufeira
Let’s not pretend: a lot of people come to Albufeira to party. The Strip in Montechoro is where the music’s loud, the drinks are cheap, and the dancing gets worse as the night goes on. If that’s your thing, you’ll love it. If it’s not, don’t worry. The old town has plenty of quieter bars and seafront restaurants where you can eat grilled octopus and sip vinho verde like a civilised adult.
Seafood’s the headline act here—think sardines, clams, octopus, the usual suspects. You’ll see cataplana on most menus—a rich, garlicky seafood stew served in a big copper pot, perfect for sharing. For meat-eaters, piri-piri chicken is everywhere. Cheap, spicy, and best eaten with your hands.
There are fancier places too—Michelin-style tasting menus and rooftop dining with sea views. But honestly? Some of the best meals are in small local places with paper tablecloths and grumpy waiters. Go where the locals go. If it smells good and looks busy, you’re onto a winner.
Why You Should Visit Albufeira
So, why visit Albufeira? Because it’s easy. Not in a boring way—just in a “you won’t have to try very hard to enjoy yourself” kind of way. There’s sun, sea, food, nightlife, and a mix of everything in between. You can be horizontal on a lounger by day, and vertical in a karaoke bar by night. Or not. Totally up to you.
And if you’re coming, you’ll need somewhere to stay. That’s where OC Villas steps in. Take your pick of big villas or smaller apartments, whatever suits your group (or your mood). No faff, just good accommodation in the right places, so you can focus on, well, all the things to do in Albufeira!
