• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-159926537890
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "portugal/the-algarve/albufeira",
  "destination": "Albufeira",
  "title": "albufeira",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Albufeira",
  "country": "Portugal",
  "region": "Western-Europe",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}
Add us on

Albufeira

Once a scenic fishing village, Albufeira gained popularity for its sharp, red-gold sand beaches. Today, it's devoted to mass-market tourism, particularly cheap package deals, and has all but lost the vestiges of its past. Fishing boats are now moored at the ultramodern marina southwest of the centre, and the old town – with its pretty cobblestone streets and Moorish influences – is concealed by gaudy signs, English menu boards and rowdy bars.
Portugal, Algarve, Albufeira, high angle view of crowded street

Getty Images/AWL Images RM

Latest Stories
Book
Portugal Travel Guide
Book

Portugal

Shop $26.99 USD
App

Book your Portugal trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

See Portugal how it's meant to be seen

Planned by local experts and tailored to you, Lonely Planet Journeys handles the logistics so you can just enjoy the trip. Tell us what you want and we'll build your Portugal itinerary from scratch, or browse our bookable trips to get inspired.

Start planning Browse itineraries

Top places to visit in Albufeira

Discover the best attractions in Albufeira from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-691373632439
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "portugal/the-algarve/albufeira",
  "destination": "Albufeira",
  "title": "albufeira",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Albufeira",
  "country": "Portugal",
  "region": "Western-Europe",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Travel Guides

Albufeira travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

The Algarve’s capital of partying by the beach, Albufeira also has history, culture and nature – if you know where to look.

Read full article
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-733381414935
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "portugal/the-algarve/albufeira",
  "destination": "Albufeira",
  "title": "albufeira",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Albufeira",
  "country": "Portugal",
  "region": "Western-Europe",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Albufeira

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-254662667432
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "portugal/the-algarve/albufeira",
  "destination": "Albufeira",
  "title": "albufeira",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Albufeira",
  "country": "Portugal",
  "region": "Western-Europe",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}