The resort of Albufeira on Portugal’s Algarve is the largest and probably liveliest town on the coast. This means that, while not everything it has to offer is likely to be to your taste, there is a good chance there will be something that is.
The good news is that the excessive partying, stag dos and heavy drinking are largely confined to one area – The Strip – a good 2km east of the Old Town. It’s the latter area where the quieter, more relaxed Albufeira shows itself, with many traditional restaurants serving great seafood and Portuguese specialities. There are also more chic lounges and clubs to discover around the town.
As well as the extensive beaches, Albufeira offers many boat tours departing from the marina, from deep-sea fishing to dolphin watching and general sightseeing. The tourist train provides a fun way to get around on land, and public transport is generally inexpensive. If you’re travelling with children, you could also pay a visit to one of the area’s water parks.
Zoomarine adds wildlife including dolphins and tropical birds to the wave pools and flumes found at the likes of Slide & Splash. There is also a cinema, offering lots of film choices, located in the Algarve Shopping Center.
If Albufeira gets too full on, it’s easy to take a day trip to a quieter corner of the Algarve. Among local favourites are pretty Loulé and Silves, both of which will open your eyes to the real Portugal, with plenty of historical and architectural interest.