Types of Holidays
Albufeira is a city located in the Algarve region of Portugal. With moderate weather year round it is a hotspot for tourism, and its close proximity within Europe to the UK makes it an ideal place for every type of holiday.
Best Time to Go
The average temperature between November and April is around 15°C, while the summer peak average is 23°C in July and August.
The lowest average is 8°C in January, and the low average in July and August is 18°C, compared to a high of 28°C in summer and 16°C in December through to March.
Temperature wise, Albufeira is enjoyable all year round, but the rainfall can vary quite a lot. The average rainfall in December and January is 98mm, dropping to just 1mm in July. June and September average 16mm and between January and June the rainfall is steadily decreasing from 97mm to 16mm. October sees a sharp increase to average 53mm, then 83mm in November. Sunshine hours are changeable too, going from five days in January to 12 in July, then decreasing back to five in December again.
Sights to See
Those with an interest in history or culture will want to see the Misericordia Chapel, which was until 1499 a mosque. Visitors can enjoy the interior design, exquisite wooden carvings and the grand altar.
For something a bit different, you can take a boat ride from the Albufeira Marina along the rocky cliffs of the coast, boasting views of the sandy coves. The fishermen driving the boat will also take the boat inside some of the caves.
Zoo Marine is a good choice for families and is guaranteed to keep kids entertained. With dolphin displays and shows including sea lions, seals and parrots, and a walk-through aquarium complete with birds of prey and a petting pool, there isnât much to dislike.
Activities
Albufeira has many horse riding centres that cater to all ages and skill levels, so the whole family can learn more about the animals and explore the Algarve, taking in the beautiful landscapes in a fun way.
There is also the Easydivers diving centre and maritime tourism events, where you can get up-close-and-personal with the marine life. If you prefer your thrills on land, QuadVentura allows you to hire a quad bike and explore the area, while the Karting Almancil family park has go-karting and water activities to keep the kids happy.
Beaches
There are a number of beaches to make use of in Albufeira and the Algarve in general.
Falesia beach is backed by cliffs and is an excellent romantic spot thanks to the shelter provided.
Olhos DâAgua is another good beach, particularly for families as the sand is soft and swimming is popular. The nearby fishing village has bars, restaurants, boat and fishing trips, lifeguards on site and car parking. The west of the beach has coves to explore, complete with cliffs and caves.
Castelo beach is one of the finest cove beaches to be found anywhere in the Algarve. Accessed from a short sandy track from Albufeira, you can spend hours walking the cliff walkways.
Nightlife
There is a variety of nightlife in Albufeira, predominately comprised of bars.
Renos Bar, located on the popular Oura Strip, has local DJs each week to play the latest hits, and there is also a dance floor and karaoke.
The Garage Bar is another popular spot on the Oura Strip, and also has DJs, a dance floor and karaoke, but also has Sky Sports for visitors to enjoy the games. With a selection of cocktails and other drinks, friendly staff and great entertainment, Garage Bar is the place to be for an unforgettable night out.
Accommodation
Albufeira has many excellent accommodation options for visitors, and the
Albufeira Sol Resort & Spa is just one option. With Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, free luggage storage, a semi-Olympic outdoor pool, solarium, a garden area and private parking, you get a lot for your money. The hotel is also five minutes away from the Strip, and ten minutes from the beaches as well as being to the golf courses and Zoo Marine, so youâll never be stuck for something to do.
If you prefer the idea of a home away from home then the Areias Village Apartments may be more to your taste and it offers great value for money. Aside from the 63 modern and spacious apartments, it also has free parking, a restaurant and swimming pool, so it manages to be the perfect hybrid of an apartment and hotel.
For those looking to save money on accommodation the Hotel California offers great lodgings at inexpensive prices. The three-star hotel is a family-run business and situated in the heart of Albufeira, just 200 yards from the Fishermanâs Beach. There are 73 bedrooms, all complete with a private en-suite and air conditioning, as well as a balcony and satellite television. The hotel also has a rooftop pool with views over all of Albufeira, which alone would belie the affordable rates of the rooms. Hotel California also has a range of rooms, from the twin to the suite right through to the twin superior or the triple bedroom. Guests also have the choice of having breakfast as part of the rate, or opting instead for a half board stay.