Free walking tours in Albufeira and what to see

Must-sees

Albufeira is the busiest beach destination in the Algarve. Its old town, with white houses on the hillside, runs down to Fishermen's Beach, linked to the centre by a tunnel and lifts. Next door, Peneco beach and viewpoints such as Pau da Bandeira show the ochre cliffs typical of this coast.

Around it there are beaches for every taste: Falésia, with reddish cliffs that stretch for several kilometres; São Rafael and Coelha, coves among the rocks; and Galé, more open. To the east, the Oura area and the Strip are the focus of nightlife. The marina, with its colourful buildings, is west of the centre.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Albufeira: almost all activities are at sea. The most booked are boat and speedboat trips to the Algarve caves, including Benagil, dolphin watching and kayak tours along the coast.

There are also catamaran trips with brunch and day trips to the eastern Algarve, to Faro, Olhão and Tavira. Most boats leave from the marina.

How long to spend

Albufeira is a place to stay a while: most people spend a week. Half a day is enough to see the town; the rest is shared between beaches, a boat trip and outings to Lagos, Silves or Faro. In July and August it is very crowded; in spring and autumn the weather is still good and it is much calmer.

Where to stay

The old town lets you walk to the beach and the restaurants, although in summer it is noisy at night. Oura and the Strip are for those looking for a party. For families and rest, the developments and resorts at Falésia, Olhos de Água or Galé have pools and quieter beaches, better with a car.