Albufeira Travelers Recommend

Three days in Albufeira lets you do it all. You’ll have time to lounge on some of The Algarve’s best beaches, see wild dolphins on a boat trip on the Atlantic Ocean, escape to the country in an all-terrain vehicle, and spend a day exploring further afield on a trip to Lagos or Sagres. Here’s how.

Day 1: Caves, Coastline, and Countryside

Devote day one to the natural attractions of Albufeira, both on land and at sea. Boat tours are a great way to escape the city’s crowds and increase your chances of spotting wild bottlenose dolphins. Tours typically pass secluded beaches such as Praia da Marinha—voted the best beach in The Algarve—and the Bengali Caves, one of Portugal’s most famous sea caves. Alternatively, you can get off the beaten path on a Jeep safari tour, many of which visit a historic castle, fruit plantations, and elevated lookout points—and include tastings of Portuguese delicacies such as medronho, a local spirit, and honey. Get back on a boat for a sunset cruise with live music and open bar, or stay on land to enjoy classic Portuguese dishes at a restaurant in Albufeira Marina.

Day 2: Day Trip in The Algarve

Spend your second day exploring further afield. Albufeira boasts a prime location in the center of the region, making it easy to explore either the western or easter part of The Algarve on a day trip. Head west to see the medieval hilltop castle of Silves, the sea cliffs and crashing waves of Sagres—one of Europe’s surfing capitals—and the glitzy marina of Lagos, or go east to discover the traditional village of Tavira and the historic Old Town of Faro. Tour options from Albufeira are plentiful and allow you to skip the stress of renting a car. Most tours include a traditional Portuguese lunch and round-trip transfers from your hotel.

Day 3: Beaches and Bars

Kick off your final day with adrenaline-fuelled activities, such as parasailing or jet-skiing. If you’re after something a little less extreme, opt for a stand-up paddleboard tour of the coastline, or spend a few hours soaking up the sun on some of the region’s best beaches, which include Praia Gale, Praia dos Salgados, and Armacao de Pera beach—all of these are a short drive from the center of Albufeira. If you’re travelling with kids in tow, spend the day either at Zoomarine, a water theme park with aquarium, or Splash & Slide water park.

End your time in Albufeira on a tour that appreciates the food and wine of the region. The Algarve’s warm climate produces grapes, oranges, and vine tomatoes in abundance. Indulge a love of wine during a tasting tour and discover new flavors during a food-focused experience dedicated to small plates.

With its lively marina, rugged coastline, and golden sand beaches, it’s no wonder that Albufeira is one of Portugal’s top holiday resort cities. Perfect for families, the resort has opportunities for relaxation and exploration in equal measure. Here’s how to spend one day in Albufeira. 

Morning: Caves and Coast

No visit to The Algarve would be complete without a boat trip. Escape the crowds on land and admire the Atlantic coastline from the water on a cruise by speedboat or catamaran. Tours typically cover Benagil Caves and Praia da Marinha, voted one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches. Some boats use advanced sonar technology to increase your chances of spotting wild bottlenose dolphins along the route. If you’re after something a little more active, opt for a tour that explores the coastline by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. These excursions allow access to caves and grottoes that are unreachable by larger vessels.

Afternoon: Country Escape

Back on dry land, spend the afternoon exploring the rural villages and orange groves of The Algarve on a countryside tour; some will transport you between attractions in an all-terrain Jeep. Tours typically take you to elevated lookout points, fruit plantations, and a historic castle, and include tastings of Portuguese delicacies such as medronho, a local spirit, and honey. For more exhilaration after the tour, get the best views of Albufeira from above during a parasailing session.

Evening: Food, Glorious Food

Devote your evening to the local cuisine of The Algarve, which combines robust flavors with fresh ingredients, such as seafood, thyme, and citrus fruits. Get the inside scoop on the best local food and wine on a tour, options for which are plentiful: Focus on wine during a tasting tour, or experience the breadth of southern Portugal’s culinary influences on a tour that takes you to several different eateries and bars. Toast your day in Albufeira with a cocktail at a bar in the marina after sunset.

A 2-day stay in Albufeira gives you time to discover the caves and coves of The Algarve coastline, dance the night away at a bar in the marina, and go off the beaten path during a countryside tour. Here’s how best to spend 48 hours in one of Portugal’s most popular holiday resort cities.

Day 1: Coastlines and Countryside

**Morning:**Devote your first morning to getting out on the water. Boat trips typically last just a few hours and reveal the sandstone rock formations and caves for which The Algarve coast is famous. With luck, you’ll also spot some of the bottlenose dolphins that call the Atlantic Ocean home.

**Afternoon:**Back on dry land, head out to the countryside to see a different side of The Algarve. Safaris by jeep let you tackle all different types of terrain and reveal the small villages and fruit plantations that most first-time visitors miss.

**Night:**After the sun sets, Albufeira Marina comes to life. Sample Portuguese classics such as piri piri roasted chicken or cataplana de marisco before toasting your first day with a cocktail at one of the many bars surrounding the marina.

Day 2: Food and Family Fun

**Morning:**Satisfy an appetite for adventure on your second morning either by going parasailing or renting a Jet Ski. Both of these extreme sports offer a different perspective of the coastline and come with the guidance of an expert instructor. 

**Afternoon:**Spend the afternoon enjoying some family fun at one of two nearby waterparks; choose between visiting Zoomarine, a waterpark home to marine mammals, such as dolphins and sea lions, or Slide & Splash, which features more than twenty slides and rides.

**Night:**Dedicate your final evening to the food and wine of The Algarve on a culinary tour. Depending on your preferences choose an experience that focuses on wine tasting or local specialties, such as seafood, fruit, cheese, and chocolate.