Things to do in  Albufeira

A testament to the region’s strategic importance in Moorish times, the imposing walls of Silves Castle have presided over the landscape for almost 1,000 years, although the town itself is much older. A trip to the castle is ideal to get a break from the beach and taste the area’s fascinating history.

A favorite among locals due to its golden sands and calm, swimming-friendly waters, Praia Gale should be at the top of any beach-lover’s Albufeira itinerary. Steps away from the resort town of Gale, Praia Gale offers more than just sunbathing opportunities: you can spot marine life in natural pools between the rocks or explore the sandstone caves on either side of the sand.

The town of Silves, in Portugal’s Algarve region, has been inhabited since paleolithic times. Links to the past are found throughout the fortified town, from the imposing Moorish castle to the Roman bridge and the cathedral, which was originally built as a grand mosque before being converted into a church in the 13th century.

With its golden sands and sandstone-carved coves, Armacao de Pera Beach (Praia Armacao de Pera) epitomizes the coastal beauty of Portugal’s Algarve. Backed by a fishing village of the same name, the beach is an ideal choice for both families and sun-worshippers: umbrella-shaded sunbeds offer respite from the midday sun while the rocky coves on either side of the beach make for a fun day of exploration.

Backed by ochre cliffs, the seemingly endless shoreline of Praia dos Salgados exemplifies the picture-perfect beauty of The Algarve’s coastline. Steps away from the sand, you’ll find a golf course and reserve that cater to nature lovers and families alike. Meanwhile, the calm waters of the Atlantic Ocean provide a safe place for kids to swim.

A strikingly modern winery in the heart of the Algarve wine region, Quinta do Canhoto is a chic destination for wine tasting within easy reach of Albufeira. It specializes in Esquerdino red, white, and rosé wines made using grape varieties including antão vaz, arinto, touriga nacional, syrah, Alicante bouschet, and cabernet sauvignon.

While the wine cellars of Porto tend to get all of the attention when it comes to Portugal's wine scene, the Algarve boasts several award-winning vineyards. One of the best is Adega do Cantor in Guia, where rolling terraces of vines overlook the Atlantic Ocean. The vineyard combines traditional techniques with modern innovation to create unique varieties.

A sandy cove lapped by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Praia dos Olhos de Água is the focal point of the quaint resort town of the same name. It's backed by the Algarve’s signature blend of whitewashed villas and butter-colored cliffs and offers respite from the busy main beach of Albufeira. Plus, low tide reveals natural springs in the sand.

Conveniently located beside Albufeira’s whitewashed Old Town, Praia dos Pescadores is an easily accessible beach with a wealth of facilities. Whether you want to enjoy the thrills of Jet Ski rides and banana boats, or simply soak up the sun on golden sands surrounded by picturesque cliffs, you’ll find everything you need at Albufeira’s premier beach.

Best known for its sandstone-colored rock formations jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, Praia de São Rafael delivers Algarve coastal beauty in droves. It's backed by terracotta-colored cliffs and lapped by the refreshing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. It's also far enough from Albufeira center to be less crowded than the main beaches, even in peak summer.

Nestled on a sun-soaked stretch between Albufeira and Armação de Pêra, Praia do Castelo encapsulates the best of the Algarve’s rugged coastline. Flanked by ochre cliffs topped with lush greenery and whitewashed villas, this Blue Flag beach is a wonderful place to swim and snorkel once the summer sun has warmed the refreshing waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

While Praia dos Arrifes may be Albufeira’s smallest beach, it’s often hailed as one of the region’s most attractive thanks to the dramatic rock formations that soar out of the sea. The sandy stretch is only 246 feet (75 meters) long and is sheltered by shortbread-colored cliffs, which create calm conditions for snorkeling in the Atlantic Ocean.

Fringed by palm trees and spiky aloe vera plants, Praia de Santa Eulália is one of Albufeira's chicest stretches of sand. Sheltered by the Algarve’s trademark ochre cliffs, this Blue Flag beach is a calm place to swim and snorkel in translucent turquoise waters. It’s backed by a 5-star hotel with a spa if you’re after a taste of luxury.

Though the name Praia da Coelha translates from Portuguese as “Beach of the Rabbit”, you won’t find any of the fluffy creatures here. What you will find is a secluded bay far from the crowds of Albufeira’s more urban beaches; Praia da Coelha is at the end of a short walking trail shrouded in olive and carob trees, so it’s somewhat of a secret spot.

Near to the luxurious resort of Vilamoura in eastern Albufeira, Praia da Rocha Baixinha is a long stretch of the Algarve’s trademark golden sand. Stretching for 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), the Blue Flag beach is backed by cliffs that transform into sand dunes the further along you go. The terracotta-colored rocks contrast beautifully against the turquoise of the Atlantic Ocean.