Albufeira holidays

Boasting an extensive lineup of restaurants, whether you’re looking for the most authentic recipes or you’d prefer to eat something international, every palate is catered for. Of course, fish comes in abundance with dishes such as conquilhas à algarvia – clams which are garnished with parsley or coriander, while grilled sardines take centre stage in almost every seafood eatery. Home of piri piri chicken, you can’t come to the Algarve without sampling its most authentic version. In fact, Guia, a small town near Albufeira, is the place to head as it’s said to serve the best in the whole of Portugal. For a special dining experience, Vila Joya should be top of your list with its Michelin Star chef and candlelit tables, not to mention it previously ranked among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. For traditional seafood Os Arcos Restaurante is adored for its affordable fish options including swordfish in a tomato sauce and red snapper served with salad and potatoes. While, global options such as Senhor Frogs Pizzeria and Spice Lounge are your go-to for international fare. And your nightlife scene is just as widespread. Long drink lovers should make a beeline for the best cocktail bar in Albufeira, Piccadilly Cocktail Bar and hardcore partiers will love clubs like Kiss. And don’t worry, there’s plenty of karaoke bars, British style pubs and live music venues to be found among the evening action.

As a region known for its fantastic quality of beaches, Albufeira is no different. With plenty of shelter provided from its surrounding limestone cliffs, the resort’s dramatic coastline is a sight to behold. With a staggering 25 beaches to choose from, it’s hard to know where to head first with some famed for their rock formations and others for their convenient location or privacy. With a name which comes from its seafaring tradition, Fisherman’s Beach is favoured for its many reasons, but its popularity mainly comes down to its easy access from the Old Town. If you’re prepared to wander a little further, Praia de São Rafael is characteristic of the Algarve with its stunning rocks jutting out of the sea, not to mention the sunset from the surrounding cliffs, which is just as captivating. To the west, Praia da Falésia is so beautiful its red rock backdrop has been compared to the Grand Canyon. On the other end of the scale you have Praia da Oura, which sits near the strip and is celebrated for its Blue Flag status, lively atmosphere and good selection of watersports.

Holidays to Albufeira are jam-packed from start to finish, wander its Old Town soaking up its traditional atmosphere, hit the strip for a night of wild partying or head to its marina for boat excursions. Over on its golden sand coastline, days range from relaxing sunbathing sessions and Atlantic dips to fast-paced watersports and surfing sessions. There’s also plenty of family attractions including Parque Aventura and Zoomarine.

A day out at Zoomarine: As one of the Algarve’s top attractions and found just outside Albufeira, make sure you dedicate a day to a Zoomarine visit. Holidaymakers adore this park for its marine life, from dolphin agility to humourous sea lion shows and a birds of prey presentation – there’s something for the whole family. Alongside its sea creatures, you’ve got a number of watery attractions from slides to a wave pool and man-made beach. And it’s not all splash-filled fun, there’s also a 4D cinema, giant wheel, mini train and a pirate ship.

Spend an evening wandering the Old Town: As much as the Old Town is always atmospheric, it’s especially animated in the evening. There’s something about getting lost in its low-lit cobbled streets and stumbling upon restaurants you’ve never seen before. In the main square you’ll see everything from skilled street performers to restaurants touts competing for your custom and market stalls selling all manner of items. Closer to the beach is where you’ll find the best seafood eateries with the beautiful smell of fish being grilled blending in with the salty sea air. There’s also a huge selection of pavement cafes and bars catering to all tastes alongside gift shops filled with leather goods, local art and Portuguese produce.