Albufeira – City

Get to know Albufeira!

Being in the center of Algarve, Albufeira is surrounded by everything.

Some of the nicest beaches in the region and probably the best nightlife and modern parties during the summer. But the city has not always been like this. Everything started from a small fishing village and it’s simply amazing how it developed over the years. It became one of the most popular tourist center of South Europe and the number of people passing through in the summer is impressive.

Old Town vs. New Town

Of course, is not possible to write about Albufeira without mentioning Old Town and New Town. These are the main areas where people go to drink, eat and party no matter if it’s day or night.

New Town is perfect for a noisy night out, while in Old Town you have 2 options: a noisy night out and a huge variety of friendly bars or restaurants more suitable for big groups or families.

About New Town, all you can say is ‘party all the time’. Basically, it’s a street full of crazy bars and wild clubs, likely to transform even the quietest of the tourists. There are also few restaurants around. Club recommendations in New Town: Vida Club, in my opinion, the best place in town for parties till very late, as for a pub and restaurant definitely Wild&Co. The young will always choose New Town. Old town is a bigger area with slightly more options. Here you find the oldest restaurants with traditional seafood and specialties, plenty of cocktail bars, bigger beach for sun lovers and of course, clubs. I personally prefer Old Town and it’s simply because you find everything you are looking for in a holiday.

Club recommendations in Old Town: Twist and the glamorous bars close to the beach, as for restaurant check Ruina, the oldest restaurant in Albufeira of fish and seafood with a very good view from the top over the beach. From Old Town, you can make a walk to the marina. It will take around 15-20 minutes, a bit hilly but the view is worth it.

The marina of Albufeira is much smaller than the marina of Vilamoura and you will find over there colored buildings and apartments, bars and few restaurants. Behind the marina, there is the best seafood restaurant in town, called Restaurante Clube Pesca Desportiva e Nautica Albufeira, a very traditional place, the locals by far first choice and a must try for fish lovers and those who want the best Portuguese food around.

Best Beaches in Albufeira :

Albufeira is one of the safest cities in Europe, surrounded by impressive beaches with great views. During the day tourists will always choose sunbathing so it’s good to know the best beaches in town. To start with, in New Town you will find Oura Beach and in Old Town, the Fisherman’s Beach. Both have lovely gold sand and friendly atmosphere.

*Santa Eulalia Beach*

One of my favorites beaches in town and the most modern one of the area, Santa Eulalia is located just 10 minutes walk from New Town. Absolutely gorgeous! Here you find Le Club, the most posh club in Albufeira.

*Sao Rafael Beach*

Another gorgeous place for sunbathing and perfect for holiday pictures. Is located 10 minutes drive from downtown.

*Ariffes Beach*

This beach continues next to Sao Rafael Beach, is very small but extremely popular because of the nice rock formations. One very good restaurant has its location just on this beach. It’s called Sardinha and is the best choice for ‘food with a view’ lovers. *Falesia Beach* This beach is located between Albufeira and Vilamoura, just 10 min drive from city center. Orange and red rocks are visible and they make the view unique.

*Gale Beach*

Also called Pedras Amarelas, The Yellow Stones, this beach has the best sunset colors you will ever see. Highly recommended Restaurant Pedras Amarelas, especially for dinner to admire be beautiful sunset.