Aerial view of Albufeira town and coastline in the Algarve, Portugal

Holidays to Albufeira

With top-tier family entertainment, plenty of sunshine hours, banging beach days and fab flavours from across the Algarve, there’s loads to love about Albufeira holidays.

Sun-kissed adventures for all ages

A roaring resort full of family fun? Yes, please! Zoom down the zippy track at Hot Wheels Electric Karting, take a bumpy off-road safari in an old-school Jeep and up the adrenaline at Slide n’ Splash. Want more? At Albufeira Adventure Park, you can channel your inner George of the Jungle on high ropes courses. Yep… buzzing holiday vibes guaranteed.

Love the water? You really oughta

Albufeira Marina is all colour pops, fancy shops, and a whole host of brilliant boat hops. Choose to cruise, up the pace with an exhilarating speedboat excursion, go deep-sea fishing or test your limits with an all-day party on the water. You can also rent kayaks or head a little further afield to spot the dolphins at Salgados Lagoon.

Explore Old Town in awe

Cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, tiny shops and traditional taverns – Albufeira's lively Old Town has more charms than a friendship bracelet. Find out about the area’s fascinating history and former residents with a free walking tour. It’s also worth dropping by the striking Sant'Ana Church, and taking in the artefacts at the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia.

Terrific day trips

Albufeira holidays can be a lovely launchpad for checking out other Algarve hotspots. Faro’s a cracking day trip if you’re looking for some bigger city energy, or visit SandCity in Lagoa to see its 120 impressive sand sculptures. Alternatively, visit the fishing hub of Olhos de Água, known for its natural freshwater springs. The traditional village of Paderne is always a winner – the views are 10/10 and worth the tough(ish) climb to the castle!

Sneak Peek

Best for... Enjoying a wholesome boat trip and jamming out to club classics ⛵️

Go... For New Years’ Eve – Albufeira brings ultimate Algarve party energy 🎉

You have to... Snack on pastéis de nata in Albufeira Old Town 🥧

Albufeira holiday deals

Cerro Mar Atlantico

4.3

Excellent

Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal
  • 20 Jun 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Self-catering
  • From Edinburgh

Prices from

£619 pp

Quinta Pedra Dos Bicos

4

Very Good

Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal
  • 31 Jan 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Self-catering
  • From Stansted

Prices from

£249 pp

Brisa Sol

4.6

Excellent

Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal
  • 31 Jan 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Self-catering
  • From Stansted

Prices from

£209 pp

Cerro Mar Garden

4.3

Excellent

Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal
  • 20 Jun 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Self-catering
  • From Edinburgh

Prices from

£731 pp
Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Details

Currency

Euro

Language

Portuguese

Time difference

GMT +0

Cost of a beer

€2

3-course meal

€15

Flight time

2-3 hrs

Top beaches: Tourist hotspots and hidden treasures

Praia dos Pescadores stretches along Albufeira’s coast – a hotspot for food shacks, cocktail pop-ups and watersports. Looking for a quieter beach? Praia da Galé, hidden by stunning cliffs, is a gorgeous spot for a little family retreat. Meanwhile, Praia dos Arrifes is the place to be at sunset, while Praia da Falésia – one of Portugal’s longest beaches – is perfect for a stroll in the sun.

Food and drink: Flavours of the Algarve

Look, we’re obviously gorging on Portuguese custard tarts (pastéis de nata), but there’s far more to tuck into in the Algarve. Conquilhas à algarvia, for instance, are flavoursome clams with sliced sausage and plenty of herbs. And there’s also feijoada, a wholesome bean stew, and pão de queijo (cheesy dough balls). Time for dessert? Order a Dom Rodrigo – a sweet, almondy dish that originated in the Algarve.

Nightlife: Yessir, you can boogie

Nothing promises a wild night out quite like a Strip, and Albufeira’s Monte Choro Strip is a party street that lives up to expectations. Running from the buzzing New Town all the way down to Oura, here you’ll find clubs, bars, cheap shots and full Englishes! We’re talking neon lights and pumping bass luring you to iconic clubs like Libertos, or live music, people watching and an incredible welcome at Brit favourite Sir Harry’s Bar. Wild & Co Show Bar is always a good time too – it’s an American bar, an Irish pub and a sports bar all rolled into one!

When to go to Albufeira

You can bag cheap Albufeira holidays all year-round thanks to fantastic package deals and all-inclusive resorts. Prices do notch up a bit in summer, but you won’t mind when you’re slapping on the sunscreen or heading out on the town.

Spring and autumn are gorgeous middle grounds, with a little less bustle and a little more bang for your buck. Honestly, these beaches are dreamy from May through to mid-October!

Winter brings a bit of drizzle, but Albufeira does boast the Algarve’s biggest NYE party. See in the new year in style! If you’re on the hunt for serious deals, February is cheapest for tours, accommodation and food, so definitely worth a punt.