Praia dos Pescadores
The historic beach below the old town, reached through the tunnel escalator. Soft sand, restaurants and colourful fishing boats.
← Algarve destination guidesAlgarve, Portugal 
Albufeira
Cliff beaches, whitewashed old town and lively nights
Albufeira is the heart of the central Algarve: a whitewashed old town above Praia dos Pescadores, ochre cliffs cut by hidden coves and around twenty beaches within a 20-minute drive. It is the easiest base for a first trip, from fish restaurants to boat tours to the sea caves.
Around the centre, quiet residential areas (Sesmarias, Olhos de Água, Branqueira) let you rent a villa with a pool while staying 5 to 10 minutes from the beaches and shops. Faro airport is a 35–45 minute drive away.
Beaches
Praia da Falésia
Six kilometres of sand beneath red cliffs, between Olhos de Água and Vilamoura. Wide and perfect for long walks.
Praia da Coelha
A small cove sheltered by rocks with calm water: a favourite for families with young children.
Praia de São Rafael
Dramatic rock formations and turquoise water, great for early-morning snorkelling.
Things to do
Benagil caves by boat
Daily departures from Albufeira marina along the cliff coast, into the sea caves and often with dolphins. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
Old town and market
Cobbled lanes, azulejos, terraces and the municipal market in the morning for fish and fruit.
Family parks
Zoomarine, Aquashow and Slide & Splash are all less than 30 minutes away.
Walk the cliffs
The coastal path from São Rafael to Castelo has the best sunset viewpoints.
Practical info
- Faro airport: 35 to 45 minutes by car
- A car is recommended; paid parking in the centre in summer
- Municipal tourist tax: €2 per person per night from 1 April to 31 October (max. 7 nights, free under 12)
- Supermarkets, pharmacies and clinics within 10 minutes
When to visit
May, June and September offer the best balance: 25–30 °C, pleasant sea and quieter beaches. July and August are busy and book up early; October to April stay mild for hiking and golf.
Where to stay in Albufeira
See all our rentals5
Olhos do mar
Olhos de Agua, Algarve
From82€/ night
Charming apartment in Olhos de Agua Albufeira. Beach just a 7-minute walk away, swimming pool in the building, and individual parking.
211
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Casa Peixinhos
Albufeira, Algarve
From125€/ night
Enjoy a pleasant house with a terrace and barbecue in a residential area of Albufeira. Perfect for a family holiday.
633
View propertyQuinta do Pinheiro
Olhos d'Àgua, Algarve
Property care only
Apartment not available for rental: property managed by Calyferias under a caretaking contract.
211
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Casa Malpique
Albufeira, Algarve
From40€/ night
Two-bedroom apartment for monthly rental, with balcony, pool and underground parking space: ideal for a long stay in the Algarve.
222
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Casa do Leandro
Albufeira, Algarve
From80€/ night
Quiet 60 m² ground-floor apartment with a very large furnished terrace, a few minutes' walk from Peneco beach and Albufeira centre.
211
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Casa Sérénity
Albufeira, Algarve
From80€/ night
Bright apartment with a loggia in a quiet Albufeira neighbourhood, 500 m from Galé and Salgados beaches, with shops just steps away.
411
View propertyNearby areas
Our other areas in the central Algarve, all within 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a car in Albufeira?
- Not essential if you stay near the centre, but strongly recommended to explore the coastline and the inland villages.
- Which beach is best with children?
- Praia da Coelha and Praia dos Alemães: calm water, soft sand and services (sunbeds, snacks) in season.
- How long should I stay?
- One week lets you combine beaches, a boat trip and a day inland. Our rentals usually start from 5 to 7 nights depending on the season.
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