Beyond the Postcards: 8 Reasons Why Albufeira Is Worth Visiting

The Algarve region should be on the itinerary for any visitor to Portugal. Amidst dramatic shores and bucolic countryside lie vibrant cities and lively towns. One of these is Albufeira, a favourite holiday destination which offers something for everyone. To answer the question ‘is Albufeira worth visiting?’, the travel experts at Plum Guide have put together the top reasons to make this resort your next vacation spot. So, whether you’re into wine, surfing, history or walking, discover why you should book those tickets to Albufeira.

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Attracting four million tourists a year, the Algarve coast is known for its golden sands, red limestone cliffs and breathtaking rock formations. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that one of the main reasons why Albufeira is worth visiting is its selection of amazing beaches. Just in front of the Old Town are two superb stretches of sand – Praia do Pescadores and Praia do Peneco. You’ll have easy access to all the bars, shops and restaurants but as you can imagine, these beaches can get very crowded during the summer. If you’re seeking peace and quiet, it’s worth venturing out to more secluded options like Praia da Falésia in the east or Praia da Galé in the west. Also to the west of Albufeira are the epic limestone cliffs of the Sesmarias headland, where you’ll come across picturesque beaches like Praia de São Rafael, Praia dos Arrifes and Praia da Coelha.

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When you’re lying back on the sand with a cocktail in your hand, we won’t blame you for thinking that it can’t get any better than this. But what if we told you that the coastline is even better from the water? The best way to go about exploring the coast is by the variety of boat trips and tours available. For wildlife lovers, dolphin watching is an unforgettable activity, one the whole family can enjoy. Get your feet wet and discover a colourful underwater world with a snorkelling tour – many of them also offer barbecues on the beach. Want to take things at a slower pace? A catamaran cruise at sunset (with a glass of bubbly in hand, of course) is the perfect way to end the day. One of the must-sees along the coast is the famous Benagil Cave. It’s a truly magical place, where sunlight streams through an opening in its roof, lighting up the small patch of sand and the layers of gold and amber rock.

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Albufeira has its fair share of historical attractions, with most of them located within the Old Town. Offering a glimpse into the charms and traditions of once upon a time, the Old Town is made up of winding streets decorated with pretty tiles, whitewashed houses and vibrant flowers. Stop by the Sant’Ana Church, a small but beautiful 18th-century chapel and the Museum of Sacred Art, a lovely collection of art housed in an 18th-century church. Artsy folk may also want to squeeze in a visit to the Galeria de Arte Pintor Samora Barros, home to a wide range of regional artwork. Make your way to the old city hall building, which houses the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Albufeira. This intimate museum offers a fascinating insight into the city’s history, showing artefacts from prehistoric times to the 17th century. If all that sightseeing has you out of breath, the best place for a drink and a rest is the Old Town square with its shaded trees and open-air cafes.

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With its proximity to the sea and its fertile hinterland, it’s no surprise that the Algarve is a foodie paradise. Even the simplest dishes are delicious, where grilled sardines drizzled in olive oil and lemon juice is everything you ever needed. From fresh seafood to sun-ripened vegetables and grilled meats, you may want to pack your stretchiest pants. One of the Algarve’s signature dishes and a must-order in any Albufeira restaurant is conquilhas à Algarvia, or fresh clams fried with onion, sausage, garlic and herbs. If you can’t get enough of seafood, cataplana de marisco is a mix of lobster, clams, squid and whatever else is available on the day. Gently fried with herbs, white wine and tomatoes and served with the heavenly liquor that forms, this is a dish that’ll keep you coming back for more. Other dishes worth ordering are leitão (suckling pig marinated in herbs and roasted on a spit for up to twenty-four hours), feijoada (a hearty bean stew typically made with pork, beans, cured meat, vegetables and herbs) and Dom Rodrigos (pastries made using fios de ovos, egg yolk, cinnamon and almonds).

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After all that food, you’re going to need something to wash it down with. What could be better than a glass (or five) of local wine? With its temperate climate and sunshine, the Algarve is perfect for winemaking. Wine connoisseurs are spoilt for choice here, with over 2,000 vineyards and almost thirty producers strung along the coast. The closest to Albufeira is Adega do Cantor, the brainchild of musician Cliff Richards. The winery primarily produces Vida and Onda Nova wines from three surrounding Quintas (wine-producing estates): Quinta do Moinho, Quinta do Miradouro, and Vale do Sobreiro. Spend an afternoon wine tasting to your heart’s content and learning all about the Portuguese winemaking process. Sit back with a glass in the outdoor seating area, enjoying idyllic views of the vineyard and surrounding countryside – this is the best way to end the day.

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If you’ve found that the delicious food and wine have left you sedentary, perhaps a long walk is just what you need. Albufeira’s surrounding coast offers many opportunities to get active, with a wide range of coastal walks. One of our favourites is at Marinha beach, arguably one of the most picturesque beaches in the Algarve. Take a half-hour drive to the beach before following the 1.5-kilometre path along the cliff sides for jaw-dropping views of the coast. As you head in the direction of the Benagil Cave, you’ll pass the photogenic Arco Natural, a heart-shaped rock formation. Another scenic walk is the hike from Praia dos Arrifes in Albufeira to Praia do Castelo. This easy walk is 3 kilometres long and takes you past breathtaking beaches like Praia de São Rafael and Praia da Coelha. You can even stop by the beach restaurants along the way if you get peckish.

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With it being so centrally located on the Algarve coast, one of the main reasons why Albufeira is worth visiting is the opportunities for day trips further afield. There are many interesting little villages scattered along the coast, which make for a fun day out. One of them is the picture-perfect Carvoeiro, known for its small beach and traditional houses sheltered between two majestic cliffs. Spend the day relaxing on the sand, snorkelling or wandering around the charming streets. Carvoeiro is still very much a fishing village, evident from the fishing boats bringing in the catch of the day to the restaurants – be sure to come hungry. Another stop worth visiting is Ferragudo, a traditional fishing village bordered by steep cliffs and beaches. Meander through the cobbled streets, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and admiring the iconic white and yellow church. Perched atop the riverbank, it’s a great place to enjoy the views.

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With its wide beaches, high winds and range of flat seas and epic swells, the Algarve is an ideal hub for watersports. There are excellent marinas and harbours all along the coast, so you’re never too far from a watersports centre. Albufeira Marina is your starting point for adventures out to sea, whether that’s adrenaline-fuelled fun like jet skiing, surfing, flyboarding and parasailing, or a more laid-back choice of kayak or stand-up paddleboard. The Algarve is particularly popular for surfing and caters for a whole range of abilities. Albufeira surf is great for beginners, with the breaks mostly chilled and easygoing. Just an hour’s drive from the city is Praia do Amado, another good spot for beginners to learn in the summer. If you’re a newbie, avoid this beach in winter, as the waves can be dangerous. For big waves, the towns of Ericeira and Peniche draw hardcore surfers in.

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