Albufeira’s former fishermen’s quarter is now turned towards tourism. In fact, it’s one of the Algarve‘s most popular seaside resorts. This makes it the perfect destination for a seaside break, where you can enjoy the sun, water activities and nightlife that are inevitable in high season. So, when planning a stay in Albufeira, it’s important to choose the right place to stay.
In this accommodation guide, we look at what you need to know to identify the best place(s) to stay in Albufeira. In particular: which area to choose for your hotel or apartment, and near which beach?
Main information
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting accommodation in Albufeira, here are the essentials to know from a tourist point of view. This should give you a better idea of the city and its constraints.
Our favorite places to stay
For those in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Albufeira:
- $ this hostel, just a few minutes’ walk from Pescadores beach
- $$ this hotel offers spacious rooms, not far from Oura beach
- $$$ this luxury establishment, 2 steps from the beaches, is one of the best places to stay in Albufeira
Map of Albufeira’s different neighborhoods to stay in
To give you a quick overview of the different places we recommend to stay in Albufeira, you’ll find on the map below all the Albufeira accommodation recommendations we’ll be sharing in this guide. You can also use it to locate the various neighborhoods we’ll be detailing.
The essentials for choosing where to stay in Albufeira
Where to stay in and around Albufeira
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Albufeira.
Stay in Albufeira Old Town
Like many popular summer destinations, the Old Town is a charming and lively area. In fact, it's the ideal place to get away from it all and stroll along cobbled streets amidst typical Portuguese houses.
The heart of the district is represented by its public garden, Jardim Público, the main square. This is where all the liveliness of the area gathers. Here you'll find a number of traditional restaurants and bars.
As you stroll along the narrow streets, you're sure to come across a number of small museums that are popular with tourists, including the Archeology Museum and the Arte Sacra Museum. And don't forget to admire the Clock Tower. To get to the beach, you'll also have the opportunity to pass through the famous tunnel, a must-see.
It's a popular tourist destination, with an abundance of places to stay to suit all budgets. What's more, the area is just a stone's throw from the seafront and beaches including Praia del Túnel and Praia dos Pescadores. It's the ideal place to stay for sunbathing and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.
Staying in Albufeira's historic center is therefore the best option, especially if you're planning a family holiday.
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Clearly focused on price, yet clean, this youth hostel only offers dormitory rooms. It's located in the center of town, just a few minutes' walk from Pescadores beach. It's a good address for those who want to stay in the Algarve on a budget.
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This central hotel offers elegantly decorated rooms with terrace or balcony. A rooftop terrace with jacuzzi and sea views is also available.
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Hotel complex for adults only. It is ideally located just a stone's throw from Pescadores Beach. The hotel offers a wide range of services, including an outdoor swimming pool with a beautiful view of the city, a wellness area with spa, a bar and a restaurant. Rooms are modern and spacious, as is the entire building.
The Strip, the place to stay in Albufeira for partying
The Strip is the nickname given to the Areias de Sao Joao area. Often referred to as Albufeira's Las Vegas, this is where you'll find the best places to party.
For several hundred meters, you'll find restaurants, bars and nightclubs. So as soon as night falls, head to Albufeira's most mythical avenue to enjoy the lively evenings. Mind you, it's a very touristy and crowded place, but one that will appeal to the most hardcore party-goers and night owls.
On the other hand, if you take the avenue during the day, you'll be amazed at how quiet and deserted it can be. And you'll certainly notice it when you go to Oura beach, which lies to the south of the street, at its end. Always in a festive mood, it attracts many tourists thanks to the various water sports on offer. Indeed, if you're looking for fun at sea, this is the beach for you.
As you can see, The Strip and the surrounding area is the perfect place for a traveler in search of a good time and a good atmosphere. You'll find a wide variety of places to stay to suit all budgets. But you should also be aware that, due to its popularity and festive atmosphere, the street is very noisy, making it difficult to spend a quiet night.
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A warm and friendly residence located on Oura beach. The establishment offers fully private accommodation and communal areas including a swimming pool, garden, bar and restaurant. It also offers a car rental service .
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Beautiful apartment hotel with 3 swimming pools, 2 of which are outdoor. The apartments are very spacious and pleasant. What's more, the establishment is just a few meters from Oura beach, with a bus stop right next door.
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Aparthotel located just a two-minute walk from Oura beach. The establishment boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a large terrace with a magnificent view of the Atlantic. You can also choose the same view from your room at the time of booking.
Quietly staying in Montechoro
Montechoro is located north of the famous avenue The Strip. This area is part of the new town of Albufeira.
Continuing on from the street of bars, you'll still find plenty to keep your evenings lively. Indeed, restaurants and nightclubs are still present in this corner. However, this is a much quieter area. The ideal place to stay to enjoy the festivities without being overwhelmed by the noise and hordes of tourists in the neighboring district.
Where accommodation is concerned, you're bound to find somewhere to stay. Whether you're looking for a hotel, apartment or other type of accommodation, Montechoro has it all. And sometimes at a much more reasonable price. This is undoubtedly the area's main asset. If you're on a budget, this is the area to visit.
Finally, if you choose to live in this part of Albufeira, be aware that it's a little out of the way. If you want to walk to the old town, you'll need about 40 minutes, and about 30 to get to the nearest beach. As you can see, this is certainly the most convenient place to stay if you're driving.
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A homestay offering excellent value for money. You have a bedroom, bathroom and private balcony. There are plenty of restaurants in the vicinity.
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Aparthotel offering spacious accommodation with balcony. The complex has two swimming pools and a shuttle service to Oura beach. It also boasts a garden and bar.
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A 5-star establishment with a water park. It's the ideal hotel for family vacations. It has 5 pools, one of which is for adults only and two for children. The rooms and complex are state-of-the-art, offering guests an upscale experience, and there are 5 restaurants and a terrace bar.
Accommodation in Albufeira marina
Albufeira Marina is located to the west of the old town. This is where you'll find the coast's charming marina. It's often identified and recognized by the typical, colorful buildings that line the harbor. Some love it, others hate it. But that's what makes the area so authentic.
The Marina is often the place to go for a day out. Indeed, it's from here that you can get to the Benagil cave, for example. It lies on the edge of the Atlantic and is famous for its ceiling opening. It's a visit not to be missed if you're looking for something unique and spectacular. It's also from here that you can take a boat out in search of dolphins!
We often stay in this area for a good time with family or friends. It's an opportunity to enjoy the bars along the coast, while taking in the scenery of this charming spot.
However, it's not really the most pleasant place to stay when in Abulfeira. Apart from going out to sea, there are no real advantages to staying in this part of town, even if it remains a must-see on your trip. What's more, it's quite far from the historic center, even if it can be reached on foot. But if you're thinking of staying here, it's worth noting that most, if not all, of the accommodation is in apartments.
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Spacious apartment opposite the Marina. A pleasant place to stay in quiet Albufeira. Ideal for a group of 4 people. An outdoor swimming pool and private parking are also available.
Sao Rafael: Albufeira's chic district
Sao Rafael is a rather out-of-the-way area to the west of the Marina. It's one of the city's most exclusive areas. Here, the atmosphere is calmer and more residential.
Sao Rafael is therefore a long way from the historic center, and not necessarily an interesting alternative for accommodation in Albufeira. If you're brave enough, you'll have to set off on a 40-minute walk to reach the heart of the town. Its main advantage is not its proximity to the other districts, but rather to the most beautiful beaches on the coast. These include Dos Arrifes beach, a paradise of unusual spots.
In terms of accommodation, you'll find plenty of villas. Ideal for large groups. However, budgets are quite high in this part of Albufeira. There are a few apartments where you can stay.
As for restaurants, you'll be able to find a few, but be warned that this is not the liveliest area!
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Large villa with garden and private pool. Perfect for groups of 8. There's also private parking and everything you need for barbecues! The villa has 5 bathrooms and 4 bedrooms. What's more, it's just a few meters from Sao Rafael beach.
Summary
To sum up, Albufeira is a small town full of charm, whose different districts offer a wide range of experiences. If you’re looking for a lively place to party and stay, we strongly recommend staying in the area around The Strip. If you want to be close to the beach, consider Sao Rafael, but beware of the budget! Finally, for value-for-money accommodation in Albufeira, prefer the charm of the old town