Once a fishing village, Albufeira has probably become best known for its livelier side. Whilst there is a vibrant nightlife in certain areas, there are also parts that retain its original character and ambience. The charming old town has winding, cobbled streets and white painted archways with artisan shops and stalls. The main square has a great atmosphere and, in the height of summer, there is often live music and entertainment. Albufeira beach has a long stretch of sand, shower and changing facilities and lots of snack bars and ice cream stalls, making this perfect for families. We highly recommend experiencing this sensational coastline by boat and exploring the amazing caves and beaches which cannot be reached on foot. Boat trips can be arranged at Albufeira Marina. Villas in Albufeira Portugal vary from affordable to luxurious and are the perfect way to experience this exciting area, whilst also being able to avoid the crowds and enjoy peace and quiet in your chosen home from home.
Praia d’Oura is to the east of Albufeira and is probably considered the liveliest part of this region. It is great for young people, or the young at heart, with The Strip offering night clubs and bars and catering very much to holidaymakers. The beach here is quite beautiful with a long stretch of golden sand and plenty of facilities. If you are looking for villas near Albufeira strip let us know and we can help.
A little further east are the areas of Santa Eulália and Olhos D’Água which were originally small fishing communities and have since become bustling resorts but are perhaps less busy than Albufeira beach. These resorts have beautiful sandy beaches with infamous rock formations. Many of the Albufeira villas we offer here are in prime positions with sea views and within walking distance of a beach, shops and all the attractions. Some are set in extensive grounds, allowing privacy even at the height of the season making these some of the most desirable holiday villas in Albufeira.
Vale de Parra is to the west of Albufeira and here you will find some of the Algarve’s finest beaches making this a great location to explore. Arguably the best known is Galé beach; a vast expanse of golden sand and calm waters with restaurants, water sports, jet skiing parasailing and much more. It can be busy in the summer but turn down any of the tracks along the coast road and you are likely to find a quieter beach or bay. Slightly inland you will find Guia; famous for its reasonably priced restaurants serving chicken piri-piri (dry cooked, with a spicy chilli marinade).
Whether you are looking for villas in Albufeira central, east or west, we have plenty of choice so contact us with your requirements and we can send you the most suitable options for you and your travelling companions.
– Ginnie, Managing Director
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Bedrooms: 3 | Sleeps: 6
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Bedrooms: 3 | Sleeps: 6
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There is a wealth of things to do in Albufeira including amazing beaches, vibrant nightlife, waterparks, boat trips, water sports, golf, Jeep Safaris, hiking trails, historic buildings and monuments, shopping, and restaurants. There really is something for all the family and it is easy to keep all your travelling companions happy with so many options.
There are several beaches along the Albufeira coast; whether you are looking for a family friendly beach, a quiet cove away from the crowds or a lively atmosphere with water sports and bars, there is something for everyone.
If you fancy a mooch around and a bite to eat, Albufeira Old Town is well worth a visit. There are lots of shops where you can buy presents to take home or maybe stop in the square for lunch and a glass of Vinho Verde while you watch the world go by as live music drifts through the streets. There are also some lovely museums and monuments to explore, including the 18th Century Church of Sao Sebastiao, or The Bell Tower, which is illuminated at night and can be seen throughout the town.
Albufeira is perhaps best known for its nightlife. There is an abundance of bars and clubs in The Strip and many of them open until the small hours. There are also many places to enjoy a quieter night out having dinner and drinks with friends in a more relaxed setting.
A boat trip is a must when visiting Albufeira. You can go fishing, explore caves or even dolphin watching; this really is the best way to appreciate the stunning coastline, away from the crowds. For the more adventurous traveller, there are scuba diving or snorkelling experiences and courses available with our friends Indigo Divers who will offer a 15% discount to our clients. Just mention you have booked with The Villa Agency and show your accommodation voucher to receive your special price.
There are some fantastic golf courses in Albufeira. Pine Cliffs Golf Course is particularly beautiful, set amongst pine trees and with gorgeous sea views. Salgados Golf Course is set on the flatlands behind Gale beach and is sprinkled with pretty lakes with the sea in the distance.
We’re here to help with your Albufeira villa rental so get in touch with your requirements today.
Discover more about things to do in Albufeira in our dedicated blog below.
There is so much to love about the beaches in the Albufeira area. From long stretches of sand to small, sheltered coves, you will soon find your personal paradise. Many of the main beaches have excellent access, lifeguards on duty and water sports. You can often hire sunbeds for the day and there are usually plenty of places to eat and drink nearby. Some of the smaller coves might have only one or two restaurants so we recommend booking ahead if you want to have lunch with an ocean view.
If you book a boat trip, be sure to ask your skipper to take you to some of the remote beaches that can only be accessed by boat. They are usually deserted, natural beaches and a real sight to behold.
Many of the beaches in this area have been awarded the Blue Flag for water quality, cleanliness, access and facilities making them an excellent choice for families. The water might be a little colder than the Mediterranean, but you are rewarded with sparkling, clear sea and fine, golden sand and there are some excellent spots for snorkelling.
The Algarve is well known for its unusual rock formations and many of the most iconic can be found in this region. Wherever you are staying in Albufeira, you will be sure to find a beautiful beach not too far away with excellent facilities and beautiful views.
We have a selection of Albufeira villas for rent close to the beach so let us know your requirements and we’ll help find your dream villa rental.
Discover more about the best beaches in Albufeira in our dedicated blog below.
Families flock to Albufeira as there is so much to do for children and young people. Waterparks, Go-Karting, parasailing, paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, boat trips, museums, the list goes on and on. If you can tear yourself away from your villa and private swimming pool, you will not be disappointed!
There are a number of family friendly beaches in Albufeira including Praia da Oura, Praia da Gale and Praia de Sao Rafael. They all have lifeguards in the summer months and good facilities like toilets, showers and parking. There is usually gentle surf in this area and many of the long stretches are perfect for relatively safe fun in the sun with little ones in tow.
Aqualand waterpark is also nearby and well worth a visit. There are high octane slides for the older ones and gentler ones for the smaller children as well as lazy rivers and places to sunbathe and relax.
Boat trips are a really fun day out and we highly recommend seeing the coast from the water. You might even spot a dolphin or two! Our friends at Wish and Fish have life jackets for the whole family and can tailor your day around you.
Albufeira Old Town is a good choice for shopping, eating out and perhaps visiting a museum. The Museu Municipal de Arqueologia has artefacts dating back to the pre-historic era!
Families are warmly welcomed in most restaurants in Albufeira and will often provide a simpler menu for the children. There is so much to choose from with affordable options, fast food chains and some more swishy places. You won’t have to venture far to find your new favourite eatery.
Discover more about the best family activities in Albufeira in our dedicated blog below.
There are thousands of places to eat out in Albufeira ranging from fast food chains to Michelin starred restaurants. Many of the restaurants are very family friendly and have varied menus to cater for even the fussiest of eaters.
The main square in Albufeira Old Town is a good choice for relaxed dining and a buzzy atmosphere. There is often live music and every cuisine from Portuguese to Indian to English! Being right on the coast, many of the restaurants serve fresh fish and seafood. Menu prices vary enormously so, whatever your budget, you are bound to find something to suit your taste buds at the right price.
We love food here at The Villa Agency – almost as much as holidays! Discovering new restaurants is all part of the travelling experience and we are always happy to share our experiences. If you want to find something a bit more authentic, it is worth stepping away from the main tourist areas to find some hearty Portuguese offerings including cataplanas and bacalao. A cataplana is both the name of the dish and also the vessel it is cooked in. Basically a fish stew, the metal dish has a cover to help steam the fish and seafood just before serving. Bacalao is a dried, salted codfish which is rehydrated before serving and is served as fillets and also in stews and baked dishes.
Discover more about the best restaurants in Albufeira in our dedicated blog below.
Albufeira is a beautiful seaside town located in the Algarve region of Portugal. There are several ways to get to Albufeira, depending on your starting location and preferred mode of transportation.
By Plane:
The nearest airport to Albufeira is Faro Airport, which is approximately 40kms away. From Faro Airport, you can take a taxi, or hire a car to reach your chosen villa. To avoid the airport crowds our car hire partner will take you to their car hire depot just outside of the main airport complex where paperwork can be completed at their office. We provide you with GPS coordinates and instructions to your villa to make the journey as stress free as possible. Click here for car hire prices.
We can also arrange taxi transfers from the airport to your chosen villa with fully insured drivers who will wait for you in the arrivals hall and drive you safely to your holiday accommodation. Transfer prices are listed on each villa page. If you would like to hire a car but don’t really want to start your holiday driving on the motorway, then why not let us arrange for your hire car to be delivered to your villa – please ask for details at time of booking.
By Car:
If you are travelling from Lisbon, the A2 motorway will take you from north to south. It is well sign posted making it easy to navigate and joins up with the A22 motorway to Albufeira. From Spain, the A22 motorway runs east to west from Seville and continues until you reach Albufeira. These options will take you between 2 and 2.5 hours.
By Bus:
There are several bus companies that operate routes to Albufeira from various cities in Portugal and Spain. Rede Expressos and EVA Transportes are two of the most popular bus companies that provide daily services to Albufeira.
By Train:
There is no direct train service to Albufeira, but you can take a train to the nearby town of Ferreiras. We can arrange taxi transfers from here to your chosen villa.
By Boat:
Albufeira is a popular port of call for many Mediterranean cruise ships and private yachts. If you are arriving by boat, we can arrange taxi transfers from Albufeira Marina to your villa and, if you would like to hire a car, it can be delivered directly to your door.
Once you arrive in Albufeira, there are plenty of transport options available to get around the town, including local taxis, Uber and buses.
Summertime (June to August) is considered the ‘peak season’ in Albufeira. During this time, the weather is hot and sunny, and the towns, resorts and beaches are at their busiest. Restaurants are brimming with people enjoying the local foods, wines and entertainment and the nightlife is also in full swing, with many bars and clubs open until the early hours of the morning. We have a selection of villas with private pools that are within walking distance of the main attractions and beaches, but we also have a collection of beautiful properties in the surrounding areas, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of resort life but still close enough for it to be easily accessible.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are great times to visit Albufeira if you prefer a quieter experience. It is easier to get a table at your favourite restaurant at this time of year, traffic on the roads is less hectic and the weather is still very pleasant which means that you can enjoy quiet, less crowded beaches and the beauty of the surrounding areas.
Winter (December to February) is a much calmer time of year in Albufeira and the weather can be cooler. You can also expect some rain but if often clears quickly and temperatures can still be very comfortable. This can be an excellent time to visit if you are looking for a low cost holiday and we have a selection of villas with wood burners, fireplaces and heating to ensure that your stay is cosy and enjoyable.
We are more than happy to discuss the various options available to you at different times of year and can suggest villas that tick all of the right boxes for you and your family’s needs.
June to August is considered the ‘peak season’ in Albufeira. During this time, the weather is hot and sunny, and the towns, resorts and beaches are at their busiest.
The nearest airport to Albufeira is Faro Airport, which is approximately 40kms away.
Once you arrive in Albufeira, there are plenty of transport options available to get around the town, including local taxis, Uber and buses.
Yes, drinking tap water in Albufeira and Portugal is considered safe in all regions and the water meets all EU standards.
We LOVE talking about villas and holiday destinations. Use our ‘Inspire Me’ section to discover the perfect property for you and your travelling companions. Remember, you can contact us anytime to discuss your holiday plans. With our first-hand knowledge and experience of each area and the properties within, we can guide you along the way to finding your dream holiday and can answer any queries you may have. We are holiday enthusiasts here at The Villa Agency and we are here to help!
