Resort Guides › Portugal › Algarve
The Algarve’s biggest resort — a genuine mix of old town, big nightlife and family beaches.
Overview
Albufeira is the Algarve’s largest and best-known resort, built around a whitewashed old town on a clifftop above several good beaches. It has grown enormously but has kept real variety within it — from the old town’s cobbled squares to the modern Strip’s nightlife.
Families & toddlers
Praia dos Pescadores and Praia da Oura are both sandy, sheltered beaches within walking distance of the old town, and the Algarve’s cliff-and-cove coastline nearby (Praia da Marinha, Benagil) makes for excellent family boat trips and day drives.
Couples, teens & nightlife
“The Strip” (Avenida Sá Carneiro) is one of the Algarve’s biggest concentrations of bars and clubs, geared at young adults; the old town itself offers calmer squares and restaurants for couples wanting a quieter evening in the same resort.
Seniors & accessibility
The old town has some steps and slopes down to the beach, but its central squares are pleasant and manageable, with plenty of accessible seafront dining along the newer part of the resort.
Best time to visit
The Algarve is mild through winter and hot in summer; May, June and September offer good weather with smaller crowds than peak August.