Albufeira, Portugal
Albufeira was our Algarve interlude in January 2023, slotted into a longer Portugal trip — a week at a resort just off the coast in Portugal's famous southern beach region.
Our experience
We came for the dramatic coastline: golden sandstone cliffs, hidden coves, and the turquoise Atlantic that has made the Algarve one of Europe's favorite seaside escapes.
Even in winter the light was soft and the old town's whitewashed lanes invited slow walks. It's a place built around the beach, with a lively resort buzz in summer and a calmer, more local feel in the off-season — which suited our visit perfectly.
The Algarve's name comes from the Arabic "al-Gharb," meaning "the West." Albufeira itself still preserves traces of its Moorish past in the narrow, winding streets and whitewashed buildings of its historic center.
Must-sees and must-dos
- Praia dos Pescadores — the old-town beach right below the historic center.
- Albufeira Old Town — whitewashed houses, narrow lanes and reminders of the town's Moorish past.
- The Algarve cliffs & coves — dramatic beaches and rock formations stretching along the coast.
- Benagil sea cave — the famous coastal cavern reachable on boat trips from Albufeira.
- Coastal walks — seaside paths and viewpoints overlooking the beaches and cliffs.
- Fresh seafood — grilled fish and regional dishes are part of the classic Algarve experience.
Our pro tip
We found the off-season had real charm — our January visit was mild and uncrowded, ideal for cliff walks, though the beach-party energy belongs to summer.
If you want lively, come June to September; if you want quiet and lower prices, the shoulder seasons are lovely. A car helps you reach more of the coastline and smaller beaches.
For one of the Algarve's signature experiences, a Benagil Cave and dolphin-watching boat tour from Albufeira is the classic outing. If you want to stay close to the old town and beach, you can check hotels on Klook.
Book a Benagil Cave and dolphin-watching boat tour from Albufeira on Klook.
If you want to stay close to the old town and beach, check Albufeira Beach Hotel on Klook.