Albufeira Tourist Information and Tourism

(Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal)



Dubbed the 'St. Tropez of the Algarve', Albufeira is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Portugal. A perfect base from which to explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Algarve, Albufeira boasts some of the finest resorts in the area.

Since the 1960s, Albufeira has been a haven for tourists from the UK, the Netherlands and Germany. Today, this city attracts young, fun-loving holiday makers bent on spending as much time at the beach and on the dance floor as possible. Stop by the tourist information office (Turismo) on the Rua 5 de Outubro to find out what exciting events are planned during your visit.





Albufeira Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

Albufeira offers a good public transport infrastructure, providing easy access to its plentiful beaches. In total, there are in excess of 20 different beaches in this part of the Algarve, with some of the most popular including the Praia de Falesia, the Praia da Galé, the Praia da Oura and the Praia dos Pescadores, where sun, sand and water sports await. Many beaches have long rows of deck chairs, loungers and parasols available for hire, with cafes, bars and shops generally being close to hand. More information about Albufeira Beaches.

Whilst most tourists do come to Albufeira for its beach resorts, there are a number of additional attractions worth searching out. These generally come in the guise of theme parks, such as Zoo Marine, a water park with dolphin shows, sea lions and sharks, as well as water slides and swimming pools. Further water slides can be found just outside of Albufeira, at the Slide and Splash water park, which ranks amongst the biggest in the whole of Europe and is well connected to the city by dedicated bus transport. At the Montechoro Fun Park, various outdoor activities are available, such as miniature golf, while for a round of real golf, head to the Pine Cliffs Golf Course and enjoy some scenic coastal views as you play. At the end of the day, pay a visit to the Albufeira Marina, where a large selection of seafood restaurants await, offering dining tables overlooking the boats. More information about Albufeira Tourist Attractions.

The Old Quarter of Albufeira is where much of the history resides, with various impressive churches, chapels and other landmarks. Especially notable is the Igreja of Sant'Ana (Church of At. Anne), which is known for its distinctive cupola and baroque architecture. Near to the beachfront of the Praia da Maria Luisa, the Torre da Medronheira (Old Watch Tower) is another prominent landmark and dates back to the 16th century, when it was used as a lookout tower for pirates and other possible attackers. Especially historic and escaping any serious earthquake damage, the Hermitage de Nossa Senhora da Guia is just a short distance from the city and conveniently near to the beaches of Galé and Laurenco. More information about Albufeira Landmarks and Monuments.

At less than an hour's drive away, the city of Faro is home to many of the Algarve's most esteemed museums, although Albufeira does contain a few cultural attractions in this field, offering very reasonable collections and related historical information. The Museu Municipal de Arqueologia (Archaeology Museum) on the Praca da Republica is one of the best and features various artefacts excavated from around the municipality, including some treasures from the nearby castle of Paderne. Located on the Praca Miguel Bombarda, the Museu de Arte Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art) is housed within the Igreja de Sao Sebastiao (Church of St. Sebastian), a magnificent 18th-century chapel with a golden altarpiece and much religious art from the region's churches. More information about Albufeira Museums and Art Galleries.

Those who have hired a car will enjoy the countless day trip possibilities that present themselves. Various beach resorts are within driving distance of Albufeira, with some very appealing beaches being based around the municipality of Lagoa, and the towns of both Portimao and Lagos, where power boating and water skiing are major draws. The Cape of St. Vincent also makes for a popular excursion, while many tourists enjoy paying a visit to the charming town of Silves, formerly the capital of the Algarve. Silves Castle serves as the town's principal attraction and dates all the way back to the 8th century. More information about Albufeira Attractions Nearby.

More Albufeira Information / Fast Facts and Orientation











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Albufeira, Portugal - Information and Tourism - Last updated 7/9/2019 - gprofile - Google+

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