When you're looking for a sunshine getaway, it's hard to beat Albufeira in the Algarve. This sunkissed stretch of southern Portugal boasts fabulous beaches and great weather. There are plenty of attractions in Albufeira to keep the whole family happy, from toddler-friendly paddling beaches to world-class surf spots. Check out deals on flights to Albufeira and discover this excellent holiday destination for yourself.
Nestled in the Algarve region of Portugal, Albufeira is a popular holiday destination, thanks to its great nightlife and stunning beaches. This charming southern Portuguese town attracts holidaymakers from across Europe.
Flight duration (from London): Just under 3 hours
Main airport: Faro (FAO), around 22 miles east of Albufeira in the city of Faro
Population: 44,000, with over 25% being expats
Language: Portuguese, but English is commonly understood
Currency: Euro
Socket type: Type C (European standard)
Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Albufeira is a great spot for a European holiday with plenty of sunshine and great food, but where in the town should you stay? Although it's a small town, its neighbourhoods have distinctive characters. Keep in mind that Albufeira is very hilly, so short distances may take longer to walk, particularly in the heat of the Portuguese summer. Here are some of the best places to go for:
Look for an Albufeira hotel near Praia Inatel and Praia dos Alemães for the best beach vibes. You can stroll along the coast in the evening, enjoying the fabulous views. Staying around here means you can avoid the steepest hills, so it's a particularly good area for families with young kids. There are several all-inclusive hotels in the beachside part of Albufeira, but keep in mind that not all of them have parking.
If you want to party the night away, there's no better place than Albufeira Old Town. This is the heart of the city, and it's where you'll find the best restaurants, bars and clubs. Just remember that the Old Town is set in a hilly area, so some hotels have steep flights of stairs to tackle. The Old Town is the liveliest part of Albufeira and is very popular with hen and stag parties. If you're travelling with the kids, you might prefer to stick to the beach area.
There's a reason why Albufeira has become one of the most popular destinations in Portugal. It's not just the amazing weather — Albufeira also has lots of exciting things to see and do. You'll find a thrilling mixture of natural attractions and modern entertainment options. Some of them are truly unmissable.
Explore the Benagil Caves and other sea caves in the area. With their eerie rock formations and natural skylights, they're well worth a visit. Take a boat trip out to see them.
Spend a day at the beach. There are a huge number around the area, including Praia da Coelha, Praia dos Pescadores and Praia da Oura.
Take a dolphin-watching tour. Flipper and his friends can often be seen in the waters of the Algarve, and spotting them in their natural environment is a truly magical experience.
Take the kids to a water park. There are several to choose from, including the famous Zoomarine Algarve, which offers adrenaline-pumping slides, gentle wave pools and dolphin shows.
Try surfing on Praia da Galé. There are several surf schools here, making it a great spot for newbies to try to master the art of wave riding.
Go scuba diving. Albufeira is renowned as one of the best diving spots in Europe, where you can spot colourful fish and mysterious octopus.
The Portuguese sunshine is just a few clicks away! Book your flights and hotels in Albufeira today with our fabulous deals.
A: There are flights to Faro Airport from a number of UK cities. Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Belfast, Glasgow and more fly direct to Faro, Albufeira's nearest airport. From London, you can fly direct from Gatwick, Stansted, London City and London Luton.
A: The winter months are the low season in the Algarve, with January usually being the cheapest month. However, you might find that restaurants and bars are closed at this time. It's often a better time of year for a city break to somewhere like Lisbon instead.
A: If you're travelling in the peak summer months, try to book your flights at least three months in advance. At other times of the year, you may be able to find last-minute deals for flights to Albufeira.
A: During the peak season, you can take the number 56 bus from the airport to Albufeira. It takes 40 minutes. The bus route doesn't run outside the peak months, so you'll have to either take a taxi or arrange a private transfer to your resort.
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