Located on the Algarve coast in southern Portugal, the city of Albufeira is a popular getaway known for its lively atmosphere, modern Moorish architecture, and pristine beaches. Warm aquamarine Atlantic waters lap against golden sands ringed by magnificent red limestone cliffs. Vacationers and sun worshipers have been flocking here since the 1960s, transforming the once-sleepy fishing village into a seaside paradise. Whitewashed cliffside villas and tiled pedestrian streets weave through the 12th-century Old Town before giving way to stunning coastal vistas.

Away from the water, the action happens around Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro and the Montechoro district — known locally as the Strip. As the largest city on the Algarve Coast, Albufeira makes for an excellent jumping-off point to explore the surrounding communities of Portimão and Faro. You’ll also find plenty of wilderness opportunities in Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, one of the area’s few remaining stretches of untamed coast.

Faro Airport (FAO) is the nearest international airport to Albufeira, located 30 minutes outside of town. Numerous city and privately owned bus companies provide regular transport from the airport into Albufeira. Private shuttles, taxis, and ride-hailing services are also readily available. The public bus system is straightforward, and its coverage extends through much of the area. Once you arrive, the Old Town is compact and walkable, making getting around on foot pleasantly straightforward. If an exploration of the wider Algarve Coast is on your itinerary, renting a car from the airport could be helpful.

This part of southern Portugal experiences pleasant weather throughout the year, with nearly 300 days of sunshine. The warm summer months are long and bright, with clear blue skies and balmy Mediterranean evenings. The winters are slightly colder but still mild, with a modest uptick in rainfall. While beachgoing may not be ideal during this time, the area’s museums and art galleries are great winter activities. The shoulder seasons can also be excellent times to look for holiday rentals in Albufeira. The slighter cooler temperatures are more conducive to exploring inland regions like Rocha da Pena National Reserve. Some of the more notable events throughout the calendar are the New Year’s Eve celebration — with live music, beach parties, and fireworks — and Festa do Pescador. The latter, also known as the Fishermen’s Festival, is a celebration of folk dance, music, and the area’s renowned seafood.

Paderne Castle

This 12th-century Berber fortification, about 30 minutes’ drive from Albufeira, makes for an excellent day trip to explore some of the area’s history. Constructed with limestone blocks, the castle’s remains sit above the meandering Quarteira River below — itself adorned with Roman-era bridges and aqueducts. Visitors can explore the medieval site with crumbling walls and stone ruins set among wild olive trees and brushlands.

Old Town Albufeira

Geographically, Albufeira’s Old Town is only a few minutes away from the neon lights and energy of the Strip, but the areas couldn’t be further apart in terms of the vibe. The laid-back district is a well-preserved window into Albufeira’s past, with streets that vary in width from just a few feet across to wide tree-lined boulevards with open-air cafes and restaurants. Travelers wandering the area can find hidden pubs, seafood eateries, and handmade artisan goods mere steps from the ocean.

Marinha Beach

Surrounded by towering orange cliffs and dramatic rock formations, Marinha Beach is a stunning coastal destination with soft golden sands, warm turquoise waters, limestone archways, and hidden coves ripe for discovery. Beachgoers flock to the area for its calm ocean conditions and pleasant breezes that make for excellent swimming and beach lounging. The rock formations also provide plenty of opportunities for water-based exploration of sea caves and hidden inlets with a kayak or paddleboard.