5 Amazing Things To Do in Albufeira – Algarve

5 Amazing Things To Do in Albufeira - Algarve
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There are many amazing things to do in Albufeira this is why it attracts over 8 million tourists every year. The name Albufeira might be derived from “al-bàr” which means “sandy beach”. Constructed on a hill, Albufeira has a natural harbor and was originally a fishing village. In recent years Albufeira has become well known for being one of the most visited tourist hot spots in Europe because of its lively nightlife, beautiful beaches and glorious weather all year round.

Here is a list of the top 5 amazing things to do in Albufeira – Algarve.

Albufeira Old Town

Albufeira’s old town is on the eastern shore of Albufeira Bay. It was founded in the 18th century and is now a major tourist destination. The old town is full of narrow, cobbled streets, making it one of the best examples of Moorish architecture in Portugal. The town is rich in history and culture which can be seen by the iconic buildings that have been preserved.

You can get beautiful views of Albufeira from the hill overlooking Praia dos Pescadores. Something that you would never expect to see at a beach location is the escalator leading down to the beach. This is a very random, yet unique sight and I guess saves walking down or up from the beach.

Beaches in Albufeira

Wherever you go in the Algarve, you are never too far away from a long stretch of beach. When you think about a day at the beach, you can imagine a day of relaxing, sunbathing, enjoying an ice cold beverage and eating ice cream. This is exactly what you’ll be getting when you visit any beach in Albufeira.

Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s beach) is located right in front of Albufeira’s old town. It is one of the main beaches which sits next to Praia do Túnel and can both get very busy during the peak summer holiday season. The sand on the beach is golden and this coupled with the crystal clear blue seas, makes it a peaceful scene.

When it comes to beaches in Albufeira there are approximately 25 beaches here, so you are spoilt for choice. Another popular one is Praia da Coelha which is about 6 km west of Albufeira Old Town. This beach has beautiful scenery and the most amazing rock formations coupled with stunning coral reefs. Another very picturesque beach is Praia da Falésia which almost 6 Km long. This is one of the longest beaches in Albufeira and stretches from Olhos d’Água through to Vilamoura. You have stunning cliff top views where you can get some amazing pictures both day and night, definitely a social media opportunity here!

Views overlooking Praia da Falésia

New Year’s Eve on the beach

If you’ve never experienced New Year’s Eve on the beach, then you need to come to Albufeira! It is known as one of the most popular destinations for New Year’s Eve celebrations in Europe. Attracting thousands of people every year, this event is one of a kind. It’s not just a party – it’s an experience! The festivities start at 7:00 pm with delicious food, live music, and firework displays.

There is no need to pay for the experience, as the concert and fireworks are all free. The firework displays are out of this world. Many small and large boats are out at sea and a lot of the firework displays are released from the boats once the clock strikes 12, making the view from the beach an amazing one! The exceptional display lasts between 10 to 15 minutes where the night sky is lit up in spectacular colours. In more recent years a unique element of drone fireworks has been added to the displays totally transforming a New Year’s Eve experience. This is definitely one of the amazing things to do in Albufeira over New Year.

5 Amazing Things To Do in Albufeira - Algarve
The stage and crowd on Praia dos Pescadores on New Year’s Eve

Activities in Albufeira

Like many other towns in the Algarve, Albufeira has a lot to offer in terms of activities. From beaches to entertainment to places to eat, you will be spoilt for choice. You can go on horseback riding tours or hire a car to explore the nearby countryside. You can even hire out segways or electric scooters and do tours this way too. For those who like golf, there are some great courses near Albufeira where you can play a round of golf while enjoying the beautiful Algarve sunshine. For more activities to do throughout the Algarve you can read The best top-rated attractions & things to do in the Algarve.

Horse Riding

Places to Eat & Drink in Albufeira

When on holiday, we all like to try out different tasting foods. You’ll be happy to know there are a variety of places to eat and drink in Albufeira. There are many restaurants on the beachfront with a view of the Bay of Albufeira. These restaurants offer a wonderful variety of food, from Greek and Italian cuisine to seafood dishes. There is also plenty of dining options for those who prefer traditional Portuguese cuisine like bacalau or codfish cakes with rice and vegetables.

If you are looking for a musical evening with dinner and live entertainment, then Johnny Hooper’s is the place to go. It is a Jazz & Blues themed restaurant and bar in Albufeira, with the emphasis on delicious food and outstanding music! Johnny is the owner of this restaurant and the prime entertainment – the saxophonist! Johnny gives a very personable service by welcoming his guests into the restaurant and more times than not remember their names too! His lovely wife is the head chef in the kitchen and prepares the most scrumptious meals. This is a highly recommend dinner spot if you enjoy live entertainment whilst you eat.

5 Amazing Things To Do in Albufeira - Algarve

If you have more of a sweet tooth, then you won’t be disappointed as there are many patisseries all over the Algarve. One very popular pastry location is Pastelaria Riviera. You will find food, pastries and delicious gelato there too, not forgetting to mention the amazing cakes you can order for any occasion! If you’re a vegan you’re in luck too! Vegan restaurants include Veggie Momma where there are a variety of options to choose from. Another very quirky vegan restaurant is Sugar Rabbit Kaffe. Located down a narrow street in Albufeira, this gem of a restaurant has beautiful decor and the food is well presented and tastes delicious!

Conclusion

There are many other things to do when visiting the Algarve, but these are just 5 amazing things to do in Albufeira. These activities definitely keep tourists coming back for more each year.

Seagull Circuit offers great tours to various locations throughout Albufeira and the Algarve. You can explore the beautiful scenery and attractions of this popular destination.