Is Albufeira expensive to visit?
Albufeira is a popular resort town among visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Albufeira can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $87 (€80) per day, mid-range travelers spend $199 (€183) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $377 (€346) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Albufeira.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Albufeira is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Barcelona or Odense.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Albufeira Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Albufeira?
The average Albufeira trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Albufeira travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Albufeira cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Albufeira. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $87 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, you'll find plenty of hostels in Albufeira, such as Orange Terrace Hostel, Sun Lovers Hostel, and Son of a Beach Hostel. These hostels provide inexpensive dormitory lodging and a friendly atmosphere, but amenities are quite limited. While food is a highlight for many in Albufeira, budget travelers often resort to street food or self-catering in hostels, which can lead to missed opportunities for savoring the local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most guests in Albufeira will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $199 per person, per day.
Albufeira offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Hotel Apartamento Areias Village is an excellent option for kids, and Velamar Boutique Hotel is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Albufeira here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $377 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the resort town, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pick-Up and Drop-Off of Albufeira - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Albufeira
The hotel prices in Albufeira might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $96, but during peak summer season, expect to pay around $179. Prices vary from $51 to $360, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Albufeira for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $154 (€147). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $77 (€74) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Albufeira? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Albufeira include:
- Hotel California Urban Beach - Adults Only starting at $85
- The Patio Suite Hotel starting at $49
- Alfagar Aparthotel starting at $140
- Hotel Apartamento Areias Village starting at $78
- Hotel Sol e Mar starting at $64
In this resort town, there are several resorts available. You could discover a place that includes meals, or at least breakfast, with many resorts offering onsite restaurants.
Visitors often spend a week in Albufeira. If you're planning to stay for a while, consider getting a vacation rental with a kitchen so you can cook your own meals.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Albufeira
In Albufeira, the public transit system is not very good. There are regional buses and even trains, but do take note that many of the train and bus stations are a good distance outside of town.
It's unfortunate that most of the resort town isn't very walkable. Most people prefer to hire a car, but if your hotel is near the beach and you're ok with walking to restaurants, then you may be able to get away without one. If you hope to travel into the countryside at all then a car is necessary.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $36 (€34) per person, per day, on local transportation in Albufeira. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Albufeira is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$36
€34
If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer from Albufeira to Faro Airport (5 to 8 pax) for $58 details
- Albufeira - Faro Airport Transfers 4pax for $48 details
- Transfer From Albufeira Algarve To Lisboa for $215 details
How much does it cost to go to Albufeira? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Albufeira will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Albufeira
Food in Albufeira is outstanding, and it's essential to make time to indulge in all the unique local flavors. As the largest resort town in the Algarve, the city also has the widest selection of restaurants. There are traditional options that serve up classic dishes like grilled sardines, as well as international restaurants with traveler favorites. As expected, you'll find a lot of seafood, but you'll also find inland influences from local farms in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Albufeira can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Albufeira is $86 (€82) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$86
€82
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Albufeira is around $90 (€82) per person, with previous travelers spending from $39 to $168. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Albufeira are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $27
- Lunch: $13 to $36
- Dinner: $27 to $63
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $13
The traditional food of Albufeira is that typical of the Algarve region, the southernmost area of Portugal. A strip of land which hugs the coast, this region is best known for its seafood dishes. Sardines are particularly famous in Algarve, often grilled and served with boiled potatoes and salad. A more traditional way to enjoy the dish is to have the sardine on a slice of local bread which soaks up the oils of the fish. Shellfish are also common and often cooked with whole cloves of garlic, fried in oil and butter. Another method of cooking is the "cataplana" - a clam-shaped pot with a lid, usually made from brass or copper, which is used to slow cook anything from fish or shellfish to meat and served right out of the pot. Local stews are also very popular as is a regional dish called chicken piri piri, where the meat is cooked in a hot and spicy sauce. For the best quality food, choose restaurants further inland from the beaches. Old Town will have plenty of options for all tastes and budgets.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Make a picnic to save some cash and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Just find a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a nice park or scenic area for your meal.
Opt for a water bottle rather than spending on drinks all the time. It's also a more sustainable choice.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Albufeira. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner for $64 details
- Sunset Tour - Champagne and Traditional Dinner for $70 details
- 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise with Open Bar for $79 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Albufeira
It's easy to see why people visit Albufeira, given its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Albufeira typically cost an average of $40 (€39) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$40
€39
The beaches of Albufeira are the main attractions to the area. Two popular beaches include the Praia do Tunel and Praia dos Pescadores, which are connected. Beachgoers can access Praia do Tunel via a manmade tunnel carved into the cliffs, while Praia dos Pescadores is reached by escalators that descend from the cliffs. There is also a boarded walkway which runs the length of both beaches as well as a selection of beachside bars and restaurants.
Another nearby attraction, popular with families, is Zoomarine - a marine park which features dolphins, marine life, and tropical birds. Within the park there is a wide selection of activities including dolphin shows, aquariums, as well as an excellent water park with slides, wave pools, and rapids. There is also a complex for go karting in town, as well as a park in the forests east of Albufeira with opportunities for high ropes and bridges of all difficulties. It is called Luso Aventura.
Along the beach, activities range from sunbathing and swimming to water sports like jet skiing, banana boating, kayaking, and parasailing. There are also a number of excellent boat tours that depart from the marina which include excursions like deep sea fishing trips, coastal tours, dolphin watching trips, and party boats. In the evenings, there are plenty of great places to experience the nightlife. Old Town features a family-friendly holiday environment with live music and casual drinks, while another area called the Strip offers drinking and dancing bars which run all night long. For those who seek more than beaches and bars, it is also possible to make easy day trips to any of the surrounding towns, some of which include the ancient capital of Silves, the historic but modern capital of Faro, and the charming market town of Loule.
Another terrific place to visit nearby is the Benagil Sea Cave, which is located to the west of Albufeira, about halfway to Portimao.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba diving ranks high among the most enjoyed activities in Albufeira. There are countless vendors who will take you by boat to explore the underwater world, either by snorkeling or scuba diving. The marine life is impressive and the water is generally clear.
Beaches:
Relaxing on the beach is a top reason many visit Albufeira. With their golden sands and blue waters, the beaches are world class. The area also has a diversity of beaches that are perfect for all types of vacationers. For water sports, head to Praia dos Alemaes but for relaxation and catching some rays check out Praia da Falesia. You'll find some interesting rock formations at Praia dos Olhos de Agua. One of the most convenient beaches to town is Praia dos Pescadores. For nightlife you'll want to head to Praia da Oura.
A nice way to explore destinations in Albufeira is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Algarve Coast Full-Day Private Tour for $193 details
- Lagos and Sagres Premium - Shared small group > VTours Algarve for $193 details
- Full Day Private Tour in Western Algarve for $191 details
Nightlife Budget in Albufeira
People travel from far and wide to enjoy the world-class nightlife that Albufeira has to offer. It's probably the most infamous party destination in the Algarve and it won't disappoint. During the peak summer months you'll find the streets around the popular "Strip" filled with tourists and party-goers. There are hen and stag parties, backpackers, and drunken travelers out for a good time. The Strip has become so popular that there are now bars and clubs on the adjacent streets as well. If you're not staying in the area, you'll likely want to take a taxi, as it's a couple kilometers outside of the town center.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $27 (€26) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Albufeira per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$27
€26
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Nighttime outings can be fun, but make sure to stay aware of your environment, especially if you've been drinking. Pickpockets or worse could take advantage, so stick to trusted company.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Albufeira. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira) for $67 details
- Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas for $62 details
- Private Tour To Lagos a Ponta da Piedade with Wine Tasting for $91 details
Albufeira, Portugal
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.