Best places to visit in Albufeira
Albufeira
Between beaches, history, and Algarve charm, Albufeira is one of the region’s most vibrant destinations — known for its golden beaches, lively nightlife, and traditional whitewashed houses. However, beyond the summer buzz lies a town full of history, natural beauty, and hidden gems.
Here’s a guide to the best places to visit in Albufeira, how to get there by car, where to park, and what not to miss nearby.
1. Albufeira Old Town
Location: Central Albufeira
Getting there: From the A22 motorway, take the Albufeira exit and follow signs to “Centro Antigo.” Parking is available at the “Parking Rossio” or the “Parking Praça dos Pescadores.”
About: Albufeira Old Town blends Moorish heritage with the charm of a fishing village. Its narrow cobbled streets are lined with whitewashed houses, small shops, and local restaurants serving grilled sardines and cataplana.
Curiosities: The name “Albufeira” comes from the Arabic Al-Buhera, meaning “castle by the sea.” The town was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, but traces of its Moorish past remain in the arches and street layouts.
Nearby: Visit the Church of Sant’Ana and the Archaeological Museum for a look at the area’s Roman and Islamic past. The beach just below, Praia dos Pescadores, is perfect for a post-walk swim.
Marina de Albufeira
2. Marina de Albufeira
Location: West of Albufeira Old Town
Getting there: A 5-minute drive from the centre, following Avenida dos Descobrimentos toward the marina. Free parking is available around the complex.
About: Known for its colourful buildings and modern design, Marina de Albufeira is a hub for boat tours, dolphin watching, and water sports. Cafés and restaurants overlook the docks, making it a pleasant spot for a stroll or sunset drink.
Curiosities: The marina’s pastel architecture, designed by Portuguese architect Tomás Taveira, reflects the lively spirit of the town — and has become one of Albufeira’s most landmarks.
Nearby: From here, take a boat trip to the Benagil caves or dolphin-spotting along the coast. The viewpoint of “Boca do Túnel” offers panoramic views over the marina and Atlantic Ocean.
3. São Sebastião Church and Museum of Sacred Art
Location: Rua Miguel Bombarda, Albufeira Old Town
Getting there: Park in the Old Town and reach the church on foot — it’s just a short uphill walk.
About: This 18th-century whitewashed church, built in baroque style, is one of the most beautiful examples of traditional Algarve architecture. It now houses the Museum of Sacred Art, showcasing religious sculptures, goldsmithery, and paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Curiosities: The church’s wooden altarpiece is carved in local fig wood and covered in gold leaf — a unique feature in Algarve religious art.
Nearby: A short walk leads you to viewpoints over Praia do Peneco and several charming cafés where you can relax after exploring.
4. Paderne Castle
Location: Paderne, 13 km north of Albufeira
Getting there: From the A22 or EN125, follow signs to Paderne. Parking is available near the entrance to the trail that leads to the castle.
About: Built in the 12th century by the Moors, Paderne Castle is one of the seven fortresses depicted on the Portuguese flag. Its reddish sandstone walls dominate the surrounding hills and countryside.
Curiosities: Inside the castle are remains of a small chapel and defensive towers. The fort was conquered by Christian forces in 1248. The view over the Quarteira River valley is magnificent.
Nearby: Visit the charming village of Paderne, with its traditional windmills and peaceful rural landscape.
5. Salgados Boardwalk
Location: Between Praia dos Salgados and Praia Grande de Pêra
Getting there: From Albufeira, follow the EN125 toward Guia and then to Praia dos Salgados. Parking is available near the beach entrance and at the golf resort.
About: One of the most scenic boardwalks in the Algarve, Salgados connects Albufeira and Silves through a series of wooden walkways that cross dunes and wetlands.
Curiosities: The Lagoa dos Salgados is a protected area of the Natura 2000 network — home to over 200 bird species, including flamingos and spoonbills. Visit early in the morning or at sunset for the best light.
Nearby: The Salgados Golf Course and Praia da Galé are just a few minutes away. You’ll also find restaurants offering fresh fish and sea views along the coast.
6. Galé Beach
Location: 6 km west of Albufeira centre
Getting there: Drive along Estrada da Galé (M526). Public parking is available right next to the beach.
About: Divided into East and West sections, Praia da Galé is a wide sandy beach framed by golden cliffs and rock formations. It’s ideal for families thanks to its calm, shallow waters, and also for those who are just starting to learn to surf.
Curiosities: The rocks along the shore reveal marine fossils from the Jurassic period. At low tide, you can walk from Galé to Praia dos Salgados.
Nearby: The restaurants nearby serve excellent seafood. The Salgados Lagoon is a short walk away.
Coelha beach
7. Coelha beach
Location: Sesmarias, west of Albufeira
Getting there: Take the road toward São Rafael and follow the signs to Praia da Coelha. A small car park is available near the beach entrance.
About: A small cove surrounded by cliffs and crystal-clear water, Praia da Coelha (“Rabbit Beach”) is one of the region’s hidden gems. A wooden trail leads down to the sand, framed by wild olive trees and juniper bushes.
Curiosities: Archaeological discoveries suggest that the cliffs around this area were used by ancient fishermen and shell collectors during prehistoric times.
Nearby: From here, you can also access walking trails leading toward Praia do Evaristo.
8. Evaristo and São Rafael beaches
Location: West of Albufeira, near Sesmarias
Getting there: Follow the coastal road from Albufeira toward São Rafael. Parking is available at both beaches.
About: These two beaches are framed by spectacular rock formations and turquoise waters. Evaristo is known for its beachside restaurant, while São Rafael is popular among divers for its underwater caves.
Curiosities: The rocks around São Rafael are made of Miocene limestone, shaped by wind and waves into natural sculptures.
Nearby: You can follow a short cliff trail between the two beaches, offering unforgettable views over the coast.
Falésia beach
9. Falésia beach
Location: West of Albufeira, near Sesmarias, Falésia Beach stretches for several kilometres between Olhos de Água and Vilamoura, making it one of the most iconic beaches in the Algarve.
Getting there: You can reach the beach by following the coastal road from Albufeira toward Vilamoura. There are several parking areas along the beach, especially near Açoteias and Rocha Baixinha.
About: Falésia Beach is famous for its stunning red, orange, and golden cliffs that rise above the long stretch of golden sand, contrasting beautifully with the turquoise sea. Its calm waters and wide shoreline make it ideal for swimming, long walks, and water sports.
Curiosities: The cliffs that give the beach its name are made of sandy sediments from the Quaternary period, sculpted over thousands of years by wind and rain into dramatic shapes and layers of colour.
Nearby: From Falésia Beach, you can follow scenic cliff-top trails offering breathtaking coastal views, or visit nearby beaches such as Olhos de Água and Rocha Baixinha for a full day by the sea.
