Set on the Algarve coast in the south of Portugal, Albufeira is a gorgeous resort town with stunning cliffs framing the beaches of the Atlantic, high-rated restaurants serving fresh seafood, and family-friendly attractions that will appeal to all ages. Thrill-seekers have ZooMarine Algarve as well as the winding water slides at Aqualand. Meanwhile, history buffs can discover remnants of the past at the Roman Ruins of Cerro da Vila or the 12th-century fortification Castelo de Paderne. There is plenty to do for those who want to bask under the sun from arranging boating tours to snorkeling and fishing.
Praia dos Pescadores
Set on the Atlantic south coast of the Algarve and fronting the eastern end of the town of Albufeira close to the Old Town, Praia dos Pescadores, or Fishermans Beach, is a busy spot for locals to bask in the sun, sand, and surf. Along with watersports and paragliding, the area also features a several seafood restaurants and lively bars as well as Largo Cais Herculano square, and an amphitheater that hosts live music concerts and other festive events such as the big celebration on New Year’s Eve. A striking cliff separates Praia dos Pescadores from the other main beach, Praia do Tunel, on the western end. As for access, beachgoers can either take the outdoor escalator situated adjacent to the Pau da Bandeira Bluff or walk from 5 de Outubro Street.
Largo 25 de Abril, Albufeira, Portugal
Praia da Falesia
Framed by incredible red and orange cliffs pine trees and pretty flowers, Praia da Falesia is a stunning beach known for its breathtaking scenery, soft sand, and crystal clear waters. Spanning nearly four miles from Vilamoura in the east to Olhos de Água in the west, the “Beach of Cliffs” has the distinction of being one of the best beaches in the Algarve. Along with the natural beauty, there are several things for people to do from hiking the trail above to enjoy water sports and unwinding at one of the nearby bars and restaurants.
Rua da Falésia Mar, 8200-593 Olhos de Água, Portugal
Praia da Marinha
A little more than a 20-minute drive from Albufeira, in Caramujeira in Lagoa, Praia da Marinha, or “Navy Beach,” offers an idyllic location for enjoying the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Natural splendor is abundant here with soaring cliffs and a stunning rock formation known as M, because of its shape. However, it stands out even more, because when it meets a specific section of the cliff, it forms a heart shape. Along with building sandcastles, visitors might also want to bring their snorkeling gear to see the beautiful fish swimming in the crystal clear waters. More active types can head to the scenic hiking trail, located above the beach, which connects to other areas, such as Senhora da Rocha. As for food, there is only one restaurant in the immediate vicinity so it is important to keep that in mind. This is the only beach that is not accessible directly from the town and must be reached by car.
Caramujeira, Lagoa, Algarve, Portugal
Zoomarine Algarve
Fun for the entire family awaits at Zoomarine Algarve, a popular theme park with zoological presentations, kid-friendly rides and tasty food for your amusement. Animal lovers will not want to miss attractions such as Habitat Americas or Oceans Aquarium, or one of the entertaining shows featuring dolphins, seals, and colorful birds. Thrills are in store when you take a spin on the Pirate Ship, while classics such as the Carousel and Ferris Wheel are always a hit for everyone. For those who want to play around in the water, Zoomarine Beach is the best bet, although Jurassic River is also entertaining with its fast rapids and dinosaurs lurking around.
N124 KM 65, 8201-864 Guia, Portugal, Phone: +35-12-89-56-03-00
Aqualand Algarve
Aqualand Algarve is all about making a splash all day long with super fun adrenaline-rushing attractions. From Hydra to Crazy Leap or Kamikaze, which happens to be the highest in all of Portugal, there is a water slide for everyone or guests can just float the day away in their inner tube on the Congo River. Every experience here is essentially in the water including Surf Beach with its wave pool, Children’s Paradise, and Rainbow Park, which is perfect for the little ones with its mini slides, giant crayons, and shallow areas.
Estrada Nacional 125 - Sítio das Areias, 8365-908, Alcantarilha, Portugal, Phone: +35-12-82-32-02-30
Roman Ruins of Cerro da Vila
Curious history buffs who want to delve into the ancient past will want to spend time at the Roman Ruins of Cerro da Vila . Believed to date back to the third century, archaeological evidence reveals that it had occupants during the periods of occupation by the Romans, Visigoths, and Arabs. Visitors to the site, which is located close to Vilamoura will see remnants of what once were a villa, bathhouses, fish salting stations and a necropolis that featured only recently discovered burial tombs and mausoleums.
Av. Cerro da Vila, 8125-507 Quarteira, Portugal, Phone: +35-12-89-31-21-53
Castelo de Paderne
Set along the Quarteira River a little more than five miles from Albufeira, Castelo de Paderne, also known as Almóada Castle was built in the late 12th century by the Berbers. Today, the fortification is represented as one of the castles on the flag of Portugal. Over the years, the reddish brown-hued structure served as a military outpost and administrative center, and was controlled by the Romans and then the Moors before it was restored to the Portuguese crown in 1248. As a result of its decline, the castle was abandoned in 1858. It was not until 1998, that it was purchased and not until 2002 that a local organization announced the intent to reconstruct what was left. Today, many parts of the castle no longer remain such as the chapel with only its walls still standing as well as the entrance gate.
Portugal
Pine Hills Course
Part of the luxurious Pine Cliffs Resort, the Pine Hills Course offers golfers an exceptional experience starting with its incredible design. Overlooking the sand and surf of the Atlantic Ocean from 200 feet above, the clifftop course provides impressive views of the Algarve coastline along with all sorts of challenges including the prized Par 3 sixth hole known as the Devil's Parlour which requires skill to get the ball to a deep and narrow green. For those who would like to improve their golf game, there is a professional academy onsite with instruction by internationally qualified PGA professionals as well as a short game area well-suited for beginners.
Albufeira, Portugal, Phone +35-12-89-50-03-00
Vila Joya
Boasting two Michelin-stars, Vila Joya is a world-class restaurant that offers a sublime dining experience set against a romantic setting overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Nestled with a small oriental palazzo that houses a luxurious inn of the same name, the elegant establishment delights guests with a modern spin on the classic European dishes with Algarvian and Portuguese ingredients brilliantly created by Chef Dieter Koschina. Vaulted ceilings, terra cotta floors, and Moorish accents create an intimate setting to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring an impressive wine collection of 12,000 bottles and savory dishes such as Turbot with Chanterelles a la Creme and Duck Ravioli with Braised Endive.
Estrada da Galé, 8201-917 Albufeira, Portugal, Phone: +35-12-89-59-17-95
Piri Piri & Co
Fans of spicy flavors will want to order the tangy sauces and other items from the Algarve-based company Piri Piri & Co. Available for order online, the products feature 30 different varieties of chilies grown right on their farm Quinta do Piri-Piri in Olhos de Água. A Portuguese staple, piri-piri, also known as peri peri, is typically made from crushed chilies, oil, lemon juice and may include other ingredients such as garlic, citrus peel, paprika, and more. This specialty food purveyor tempts the taste buds with its selection of sauces in flavors such as Mango and Honey, Chipotle, Fire and the signature Brutal liqueur, as well as pickled jellies, spicy jams, chile pastes and so much more.
Quinta Do Piri-Piri Caixa Postal 226-Z, Beco do Paiva, Estr. de Vale Carro, 8200-625 Albufeira, Portugal, Phone: +35-19-68-82-06-30
Cafe Ingles
Travelers to the Algarve who want to listen to live music with their meal should add Cafe Ingles to their list of places to go. Set in the historic town of Silves right in the middle of the castle and the Gothic cathedral, this inviting restaurant, bar, and cultural venue serves a menu of pizza, and European and Mediterranean specialties along with a rotating roster of live bands playing everything from jazz to African, jam sessions and more. Along with musical performances, the space features paintings, photographs and sculptures by local talented artists. Guests who prefer to be outdoors should retreat to the lovely terrace to take in the surrounding views.
R. do Castelo 11, 8300-144 Silves, Portugal, Phone: +35-12-82-44-25-85
Le Marquis
As they say in Portugal, “Bom Appetit,” and that’s exactly what guests of Le Marquis will be experiencing the moment they sit down at this inviting dining destination. Nestled in Monte da Palhagueira Village, the warm and relaxed restaurant offers an enticing Mediterranean menu created by Chef Vincent, who sees to it that dishes feature local, seasonal produce and ingredients. Guests may order from a set menu or a la carte, and while the choices are always changing, selections such as Le Marquis-style Short Ribs with Pont Neuf Salad and Rack of Lamb with Spicy Polenta and Grilled Vegetables give a glimpse of what’s to come. Plus, hosts Helma and Rashid always ensure the service and ambiance is always on point and pleasant.
Sítio de Gorjões - Monte da, 8005-488 Faro, Portugal, Phone: +35-12-89-99-20-18
Ababuja
Founded in 1992 by the Soares family after sister Manuela spotted an old fishing boat and envisioned a seafood restaurant in that spot, Ababuja continues to bring the flavors of the coasts and scrumptious sweets of the Algarve to diners’ delight. Meaning “being close to something” in Portuguese, Àbabuja gives off that familiar, inviting feeling with its friendly service and calming views of the water. Seafood selections such as Tuna Maxama Toast, Fried Shrimp with Mango and fresh fish dominate the menu, but there are also meat options such as Ababuja Steak, all of which go well with the superb wine offerings. As for dessert, everyone at the table will want a little bit of the Banofi and Crepe Arabuja to finish their meal.
Largo da Ribeira 11, 8500-023 Alvor, Portugal, Phone: +35-12-82-45-89-79
Henrique Leis
A multiple Michelin star recipient, Henrique Leis, an elegant restaurant that shares its namesake with the gracious owner and chef offers a spectacular dining experience. Along with an impressive wine list with representations from Portugal and all over the world, the dining establishment delivers an exciting culinary journey in an intimate setting in an airy, all-wood house that even features paintings done by the chef himself. Just looking at the Tasting Menu reveals the remarkable inventiveness at play with courses such as Vegetable Ravioli with Smoked Eel, Egg-Bio with Imperial Caviar, Ravioli Scallop, Sagres Lobster with Bisque Sauce and Angus Beef Tenderloin with Grand Veneur Sauce. In the warmer months, the terrace offers the perfect spot to enjoy a meal alfresco.
Estr. Vale Formoso 234, 8100-268 Almancil, Portugal, Phone: +35-12-89-39-34-38
NoSoloAgua Albufeira
Water views are not the only attraction at NoSoloAgua Albufeira, a beachside restaurant and bar that opened for business in the summer of 2017. Set right on the sand of Praia dos Alemães, this casual hangout is perfect for grabbing a small bite, refreshing cocktail or even a snack. Chances are the menu has something diners are craving with a large selection of food including Japanese, Southeast Asian, Mexican, Italian, French, and of course, Portuguese. Open from April to October, this seasonal spot sure does have a zen vibe with Eastern-inspired elements and comfy cushions in the lounge area, perfect for unwinding in the morning, afternoon or evening.
Forte de São João Praia dos Alemães, Albufeira, Portugal, Phone: +35-19-13-32-47-74
