Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Albufeira?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Albufeira?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Albufeira, Portugal? Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Albufeira during their visit. After all, the vibrant resort town will let you swim at the beach, take advantage of the local nightlife, snorkel or scuba dive, and taste delicious cuisine.
Albufeira may have once been a quiet fishing town but today it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal. It's the largest resort town in the Algarve and there is little left of the traditional life that once was. The area is synonymous with lively parties, particularly along "the Strip." The beaches are golden and beautiful, and because it's the most built up town in the Algarve, you'll also find no shortage of activities including snorkeling, dolphin watching, theme parks, and more.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Albufeira? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Albufeira?
One week is more than sufficient for a beach trip to Albufeira, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Swim at the beach, take advantage of the local nightlife, snorkel or scuba dive, and taste delicious cuisine on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Albufeira as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
How to spend a week in Albufeira
The beautiful beaches await you in Albufeira, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. 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 few tour suggestions include:
- Albufeira Kayak Tours ($41)
- 3 Hour Cruise Experience from Vilamoura ($35)
- Benagil Area Kayak ($52)
This resort town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. 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.
Don't miss Praia da Falesia during your trip to Albufeira, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this resort town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira) ($75)
- Albufeira or Vilamoura: Winery Wine and Tapas Boards ($68)
- Benagil Adventure: Jeep and Boat Tour with Wine Tasting ($75)
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Albufeira is very popular. Spend the day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Scuba Diving Albufeira-Double Dive Trip ($81)
Albufeira is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. With its golden beaches and beautiful setting, it's easy to see why the area is so popular.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Sunset Tour on a Luxury Sailing Yacht from Vilamoura ($58)
- Sunset Jeep Tour through Algarve Countryside from Albufeira ($46)
- Sunset Safari ($49)
Known for it's hiking, Albufeira sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There are countless coastal walks that are perfect for all skill levels. Many offers stunning views along the rocky coast and pass through natural settings. Popular trails in the area include Praia Grande Interpretation Trail and Paderne Castle Trail.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Albufeira is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. It's the largest resort town in the Algarve, so you'll find plenty of activities, hotels, and restaurants to choose between.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 3 Hour Cruise Experience from Vilamoura ($35)
- Vilamoura Sightseeing Cruise with Beach BBQ with Open Bar ($81)
- Parasailing from Albufeira Marina by Boat ($41)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Albufeira.
After you've explored most of Albufeira, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Tour to Lagos and Ponta da Piedade, Portimão ( Day Trip) ($87)
- Algarve Jeep Safari - Half Day Trip Morning ($35)
- Algarve Jeep Safari - Day Trip ($46)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Albufeira is such a huge city that you can easily spend another day in one of the neighborhoods that you haven't visited. Look for those hidden gems and local spots where most tourists don't go. Or, pick another neighborhood with local charm that you haven't fully explored yet.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Albufeira.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Albufeira?
Two weeks is more than enough time to see the activities and enjoy the beach in Albufeira. Many visitors prefer to spend three to seven days here, so more time would allow you to experience the beaches, the nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and the cuisine at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
Albufeira, Portugal
How to spend 2 weeks in Albufeira
With 2 weeks in Albufeira, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the resort town has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach, hiking, experiencing the city's neighborhoods, and hopping around the bars and clubs. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this resort town looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Private Tour to Lagos and Ponta da Piedade, Portimão ( Day Trip) ($87)
- Algarve Jeep Safari - Half Day Trip Morning ($35)
- Algarve Jeep Safari - Day Trip ($46)
- Seville Day Trip from the Algarve ($76)
More Info
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