What to visit

Paderne Castle: This ancient Moorish castle lies just outside Albufeira and provides a beautiful walk with great views over the surrounding Algarve countryside. Due to its history and surroundings, it is always a great excursion for anyone interested in both nature and history.

Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Orada: This little modest chapel, close to the marina, serves as a quiet refuge, reflecting its history. This is a place of respect for locals, showing how spiritual life was valued.

Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Albufeira: This little, newly-renovated museum provides an intimate glimpse into the area’s history, with displays detailed in Portuguese, English, and Braille. The museum also contains interactive games that kids will have lots of fun with.

Self-Guided walking tours

Albufeira Marina: Known for its colourful buildings, the marina offers numerous restaurants and cafés and an indoor arcade with bowling; it also acts as a starting point for countless boat trips – from fishing expeditions to dolphin watching.

Old Town Albufeira: Full of small traditional shops, tiny cafés, and wonderful views along narrow, winding alleys, the old town is lively yet relaxed. In the Fisherman’s Square you will often find live music in the evenings.

Reserva Natural Caminho da Baleeira: For outdoor lovers, this coastal reserve has excellent hiking trails and cliff walks with breathtaking ocean views. It leads along a path to Ponta da Baleeira, with vistas of the marina and surrounding coastline, perfect for photography or a peaceful retreat away from busier areas.

Art and Local Galleries

Galeria de Arte Pintor Samora Barros: In the old town, this gallery showcases works from regional artists, offering a mix of contemporary pieces with Algarvian themes. It’s a great spot to appreciate local talent and see modern takes on traditional subjects.

Centro de Artes e Ofícios Carlos Silva e Sousa: This artisan hub offers workshops and a rotating gallery with exhibitions. Past displays have included Vanessa Barragão’s textile work, and the centre hosts workshops for visitors interested in learning a new craft. It’s a community gem, making for a hands-on art experience.

The Art Hive Gallery: Run by local artists, this gallery features an impressive portfolio that includes handmade jewellery, decor pieces and modern abstract paintings.

Family-Friendly Outings

Adventure Mini Golf Park: With 22 unique holes and a well-maintained course, this mini-golf park is a hit with both kids and adults. The staff are friendly, and the activity is affordable, making it an ideal outing for families looking for light-hearted fun.

Parque de Vale Faro: This park has a large wooden castle play area surrounded by greenery, perfect for younger children. Parents can relax on benches around the playground, and there’s a small exercise area just outside the park. Plus, there’s a supermarket nearby for snacks.

Hot Shot Bowling & Leisure Centre: Friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere make this bowling centre a great option for families. Their ice cream and weekend games are a big hit with kids.

Outdoor and Adventure Activities

Johnny’s Tours: Offering land-based tours across the Algarve, Johnny’s Tours specialises in customisable experiences, including those for families. Choose from wine tours, coastal trips, and historical sites as you explore hidden gems with knowledgeable guides. johnnystours.com

Dream Wave Algarve: This boat tour company offers everything from dolphin-watching to cave exploration, jet-skiing, and powerboat rides. Friendly guides share the region’s natural and cultural history. dreamwavealgarve.com

Albufeira Bike Rentals: Take a guided bike tour with Algarve Bike Holidays, which tailor routes to your skill level. Their ebikes have extended battery life, allowing for longer excursions along scenic back roads and trails. Experienced guides provide a well-rounded adventure, complete with GPS navigation to keep you on track. algarvebikeholidays.com

Horseback Riding with Albufeira Riding Centre: The staff at this stable take pride in their horses and offer trail rides suited to all levels. For families, group rides along coastal paths are a memorable way to experience Albufeira’s landscape from a unique vantage point. albufeiraridingcentre.com

Shopping and Souvenirs

Albufeira’s Municipal Market: A vibrant place to pick up fresh Algarvian produce, from honey and olive oil to cheeses and locally caught seafood. Take home a taste of the Algarve or to share with others as a look back on your travels.

Craft Stores in the Old Town: In the Old Town, you’ll come across a number of boutique shops specialising in Portuguese handicrafts. Look for intricately painted ceramics, cork products like bags and hats, and other authentic creations that make for meaningful souvenirs.

World In Shop: A charming store filled with one-of-a-kind home decor items that celebrate local Portuguese craftsmanship.

Portugal 100%: This shop showcases authentic Portuguese artwork and handmade ceramics. The friendly staff are happy to share the stories behind each piece, making it a great place to discover one-of-a-kind works of art that capture the spirit of Portugal.

Pau de Pita: Located just off the main strip, Pau de Pita is a gem among

Albufeira’s artisan shops. Known for its cosy and welcoming atmosphere, it specialises in handmade and hand-painted ceramics, original crockery, soaps, candles, and more. It also follows sustainable practices, using recycled packaging materials to wrap items with care.