Albufeira Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal)

Albufeira is a thriving holiday destination with plenty of tourist attractions outside of its historic quarter. Beaches abound, and visitors spend most of their time sunbathing, swimming and enjoying water sports around the beaches of Albufeira.

There are also three theme parks in Albufeira - the Zoo Marine, the Slide and Splash, and the Montechoro Fun Park, all of which are extremely family orientated. Tourists may also like to play a round at the Pine Cliffs Golf Course, or charter a fishing boat from the lively marina.

Zoo Marine (Zoomarine)

Address: Estrada National 125, Guia, Albufeira, Portugal, PT
Tel: +351 0289 560 300
This theme park advocates conservation through its programmes and displays. Visitors have the opportunity to interact with dolphins and enjoy water slides, swimming pools, a roller coaster and a big wheel, amongst other fun amusements. Apart from the dolphins, further animal attractions include seals, sea lions, sharks and birds of prey. The 4D Cinema presents immersive films that highlight ocean diversity and the importance of conserving our reefs, while the Exhibition Centre showcases local conservation projects. There is also a rehabilitation centre for marine species. Zoo Marine lies on the north-westerly outskirts of Albufeira, within the suburb of Guia.
Open hours: July and August, daily - 10:00 to 19:30; May, June, September and October, daily - 10:00 to 18:00; November to April, Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and senior, children under four years of age are free

Slide and Splash

Address: Estrada E.N.125, Vale de Deus-Estombar, Lagoa, Portugal, PT
Tel: +351 0282 341 685
Slide and Splash is another of the big theme parks that draw tourists from across the Algarve. As the name suggests, the main attractions here are the water slides. Families get here by driving about 30 minutes out of Albufeira along the A22 motorway. Established in the mid-1980s, the Slide and Splash water park covers a huge area and has become one of Europe's largest. A dedicated bus service is available, offering connections to areas such as Armacao de Pera, Burgau, Carvoeiro, Lagos, the Praia da Luz, Sagres, Salema and Vilamoura.
Open hours: daily, April to May, October - 10:00 to 17:00; June and September - 10:00 to 17:30; July and August - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and seniors

Montechoro Fun Park

Address: Rua do Parque, Albufeira, Portugal, PT
This park is much closer to central Albufeira than its counterparts, making it an easy morning or afternoon diversion. The Montechoro Fun Park caters for all ages with a mix of rides, family restaurants and sports bars that play Formula One races, along with rugby and football matches. There is also a miniature golf course onsite, along with swimming pools and a bouncy castle.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Pine Cliffs Golf Course

Address: Pinhal do Concelho, Albufeira, Portugal, PT
Tel: +351 0289 500 377
There are a few golf courses near Albufeira, but Pine Cliffs has the best reputation and some very special views. The green is spread across a bluff overlooking the sea and integrates with the pinewood forest. This nine-hole course occasionally hosts itinerant tournaments, and facilities include a pro shop, a driving range, a putting green and a restaurant and bar. The surrounding Pine Cliffs resort is packed with additional attractions and highlights include a golfing academy, pools, a gym and health club, a jogging trail and an adjacent sandy beachfront, complete with restaurant and sun loungers.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 17:30
Admission: charge

Albufeira Marina

Address: Albufeira, Portugal, PT
Located to the west of the city centre, the marina is a popular place for tourists to gather. This is widely regarded as one of the finest sheltered harbours in Portugal, and is strung with seafood restaurants, shops, bars and holiday rentals. The marina is the place to charter a fishing boat, but it's also good for settling into a café and watching the ships come and go.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 19:00
Admission: free