Explore the charming cobbled streets and historic architecture of Albufeira's Old Town. This vibrant area has numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants with delicious Portuguese cuisine. Visit the iconic clock tower or Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira for a stunning view of the coast. Just a short walk away is Praia dos Pescadores, one of the most popular beaches in the area.
Spend the morning experiencing marine life and entertainment at Zoomarine, where you can watch dolphins, seals and sea lions in action, and cool off at their water park. Afterwards, head to the quaint village of Guia for a traditional Portuguese lunch of peri-peri chicken, made famous by the nearby Franguinhos da Guia restaurant. Visit the Herdade dos Salgados nature reserve or try some wine tasting at the Adega do Cantor winery.
Take a boat tour through the Ria Formosa Natural Park for a chance to see rare bird and plant species. Stop by the nearby Quinta do Lago beach, one of the most exclusive in the area, and visit the Faro Island beach for parasailing and kite surfing. Head back to Albufeira to catch the sunset at Praia dos Aveiros and enjoy a cocktail at the cliff-top bar, Wild & Co.
Albufeira is easily explored on foot and the beaches are accessible by public transport or taxi. It's recommended to rent a car or take a guided tour for easier access to the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Costs: Public transport (2 euros per ride), taxi (10-20 euros per ride), car rental (30-50 euros per day)
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Lagos to see the Ponta da Piedade rock formations or explore the local markets. If you have less time, skip Guia and spend an extra day at the beaches in Albufeira.
Albufeira is served by Faro Airport (FAO), located 44 km southeast of the city. The airport offers numerous flights to destinations across Europe and beyond.