Albufeira Old Town — Hotel in Albufeira

The two stars are for the town centre beaches, which remain the town's Crown jewels. Light sand bathed in clear blue water and neat and organised.

It has been years since visiting the Old Town of Albufeira which held memories of romantic dinners overlooking the ocean, tasting ameijoas à Bulhão Pato and a fish dish.

Those days are long gone. From top, near the main avenue, to bottom, near the Old Town, the city has lost all its charm. There is no authenticity except for a few historical buildings which simply do not feature or interest any of the current profile of visitor. The majority of people we observed were tourists all doing the same thing: drinking, eating fast food type meals, or the ice cream brigade, admittedly on a very warm day in April. Prices did not seem cheap even though Albufeira is clearly the low end of the market.

The previous evening, needed to pick up medicine from a late-night pharmacy, and GNR had to drive past as there was a foreign visitor prostate on the pavement. He managed to stumble to his feet, threw up briefly, and literally zigzagged his way to a tree where he reached violently a torrent of red liquid. The person in line behind me who worked for a hotel said this was a common, nightly occurrence. Why our police have to put up with this I don't know, but a spot fine for public and disorderly behaviour and for dirtying a public space, similar to urinating in public, should be implemented.

The city is full of graffiti, buildings in disrepair, most residential blocks that are not new builds require substantial maintenance. The escalators at Praia dos Pescadores are not fully functional, full of graffiti and stickers, and the observation monument above the beach has ots protective railing rusted through. Something that has not been maintained or fixed in probably 5 years.

Almost all the commercial establishments (restaurants, gift shops, bars) appear to be foreign owned and foreign frequented. It means that the very thing people go to Portugal to find, a semblance of the traditional, has been lost. The worst of all is that many of these establishments don't even bother to speak Portuguese. If you are Portuguese you have to speak a foreign language in your own country! This is beyond unacceptable.

It is rare that I actively do not recommend anywhere in Portugal, but for the first time in many years, I must say that Albufeira old town and centre is a definite thumbs down!

One highlight: the Albufeira padel club in the road in to the town, is an excellent addition to the city landscape. Great facility and covered...

Albufeira Old Town is a captivating destination that beautifully blends history, culture, and modern vibrancy. Nestled along the stunning Algarve coastline, this charming area is a must-visit for anyone exploring southern Portugal.

Walking through Albufeira Old Town feels like stepping back in time. The narrow, cobblestone streets wind their way through a maze of whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful tiles and vibrant flowers. Every corner reveals a piece of the town’s rich history, from centuries-old churches to quaint squares where time seems to stand still.

One of the highlights of the Old Town is the picturesque Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s Beach). This beautiful beach is a hub of activity, with traditional fishing boats dotting the shore and locals mingling with tourists. The golden sands and clear blue waters make it an ideal spot for relaxing and enjoying the sun. The beach is also just steps away from the main square, making it easy to combine a day at the beach with exploring the town.

The atmosphere in Albufeira Old Town is lively and inviting. Street performers and musicians add a festive touch to the bustling squares, where you’ll find a delightful mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants. From traditional Portuguese cuisine to international fare, the dining options are abundant and cater to all tastes. Fresh seafood is a standout, and enjoying a meal at a terrace restaurant while watching the sunset over the Atlantic is an experience not to be missed.

Shopping in the Old Town is a treat, with a variety of boutiques and market stalls offering everything from handmade crafts to local delicacies. It’s the perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs and gifts.

As the sun sets, Albufeira Old Town transforms into a vibrant nightlife destination. The bars and clubs come alive with music and laughter, offering everything from laid-back lounges to energetic dance floors. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink or a night of dancing, there’s something for everyone.

What truly sets Albufeira Old Town apart is its blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in history, enjoy the natural beauty of the Algarve, and experience the warm hospitality of the locals.

In summary, Albufeira Old Town is a captivating destination that offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and modern excitement. Whether you’re exploring during the day or enjoying the vibrant nightlife, this charming area is sure to leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss the chance to discover the timeless charm of...

Albufeira is a coastal city in the southern Algarve region of Portugal. It's a very cozy place with sandy beaches and so suitable for swimming, sunbathing, and doing some watersports like jet skiing, parasailing, and renting pedal boats. If you like some extra excitement go for Twister or Stingray!!!!!! The main shopping center of the city, named Albufeira Terrace, lies in the center part. There are supermarkets and plenty of clothing stores full of local high-quality brands. Don't worry about the price. They don't cost a fortune. They are pretty cheap. There are two parts to this city: The modern part and the old part. The old part named Old Town is known for its charming atmosphere, bars, restaurants, and lively nightlife. You should keep this in mind if you wanna escape the crowd and back to nature, This place is not recommended at all. There are a lot of nightclubs and bars and there are lots of British tourists who come here because of the weather. Warning !!! There is no night. People are awake until almost 2 a.m., drinking, singing, and dancing. In the old town, there are always some singers to liven up the atmosphere, by singing some pretty famous English songs. Based on local people's saying this place is busy just during the worm season. In other words, the population is around 44,000. However, due to its popularity as a tourist destination, this number swells significantly during the summer, reaching approximately 300,000. Based on my research the city has a...